Family Purity
A study of Rabbinic and midrashic sources on married life. Fully annotated, with original source material.
A collection of first-person poetry and prose designed to break the observant Jewish community's taboo against open discussion of female sexuality
"A loud and needed contribution to the Jewish feminist library... A great step forward in our work towards a Jewish world where women's experiences and voices are heard and valued."
--Rabbanit Leah Sarna, director of religious engagement, Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation, Chicago
"Truly inspiring. This brave collection explores the tension between religious norms and the lived experience of young Jewish women."
--Professor Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, director, Hadassah-Brandeis Institute at Brandeis University
"Courageous, heart-breaking, passionate, honest, so vividly transcribed that these poets and storytellers seem to be baring their souls."
--Dr. Joy Ladin, author, The Soul of the Stranger: Reading God and Torah from a Transgender Perspective
"Should be required reading for men, all men."
--Chaim Trachtman, M.D., editor, Women and Men in Communal Prayer: Halakhic Perspectives
A collection of first-person poetry and prose designed to break the observant Jewish community's taboo against open discussion of female sexuality
"A loud and needed contribution to the Jewish feminist library ... A great step forward in our work towards a Jewish world where women's experiences and voices are heard and valued."
—Rabbanit Leah Sarna, director of religious engagement, Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation, Chicago
“Truly inspiring. This brave collection explores the tension between religious norms and the lived experience of young Jewish women. "
—Professor Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, Director, Hadassah-Brandeis Institute at Brandeis University
"Courageous, heart-breaking, passionate, honest, so vividly transcribed that these poets and storytellers seem to be baring their souls."
—Dr. Joy Ladin, author, The Soul of the Stranger: Reading God and Torah from a Transgender Perspective
"Should be required reading for men, all men."
—Chaim Trachtman, MD, editor, Women and Men in Communal Prayer: Halakhic Perspectives
Any worthwhile, long-term endeavor must develop from sound principles and a firm foundation especially child-rearing. Planting & Building: Raising a Jewish Child is not only the title of this 80-page text, but these two concepts Planting & Building form the foundation upon which the structure of successful child-rearing rests.
Growth is a natural, organic process, as when a seed becomes a flower, while construction is a conscientious, manual process...but both are essential to proper personal development.
Effective child-rearing involves building character and personality by cultivating a child s inner potential. This is the theme Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe develops in this seminal work on raising children.
Along the way, the author touches upon a variety of pertinent issues: the importance of timing, setting a good example, the love component, values, responsibility, the significance of play, kindness and compassion, relating to others, choosing a school, and more. But everything emanates from the creative fusion of planting & building.
Simple yet profound, Planting & Building deals in essentials.
Full of wisdom, warmth, and human understanding, it defines the basics of effective child-rearing, and then outlines a clear plan of action for securing it.
With hashkafic and halachic explorations that untangle the threads of mitzvah, middah, halachah, and cultural practice, Reclaiming Dignity highlights the universal relevance of tzniut to both men and women, evoking a sense of empowerment and pride in this significant Jewish value.
In Part I, a diverse anthology of twenty-six essays by leading educators and influencers presents honest and personal perspectives on this sensitive topic.
In Part II, a comprehensive, source-based explanation of the halachot will transform the way we understand and learn about tzniut, helping you relate to this challenging mitzvah in a nuanced and positive fashion.
“A most important work for those seeking a comprehensive and intelligent understanding of this crucial aspect of Torah life.”
– Rabbi Ahron Lopiansky
“This book is written with great care, providing sources for every single detail, so that anyone who wishes to look into a specific issue will have the correct address to find it.”
– Rabbi Herschel Shachter
“Rabbi Manning manages to show the special beauty of the world of tzniut in a way that will motivate people and give them the impetus to be properly observant in this area.”
– Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon
The unusual title, The RIVER, the KETTLE, and the BIRD refers to an age-old Jewish saying that describes three successive levels of peace found in a happy marriage.
Based on traditional Jewish sources, this distinctive volume enlists the profound wisdom and insight of traditional Judaism to come to the aid of contemporary married life.
A sound structure cannot stand unless it rests on firm foundations, and the focus here is to examine the necessary foundations of a fulfilling relationship: the goal of marriage, the criteria for choosing a mate, understanding the different natures of male and female, controlling anger and criticism, fostering love, giving and gratitude.
The modern marriage, given today s complex societal state, finds itself under attack, and challenged from severe social and financial pressures; it can use all the support and fortification it can get. Deeply rooted in reality, not fantasy, this illuminating guide provides the essential tools and understanding all couples need to ensure a marriage that not only survives, but thrives.