Philosophy

Designed for the serious student, this is a masterful work that explores Jewish law through the prism of the teachings of Rebbe Nachman.

Following the order of the Shulchan Aruch, Reb Noson highlights a particular halacha, presents an overview of the relevant concepts found in Rebbe Nachman's lessons, and then creates an original discourse showing how the Rebbe's insights illuminate the deeper meaning of the halacha.

Praise for Previous Works "Mitchell First has produced a groundbreaking study of Jewish intellectual history." - Professor Sid Z. Leiman “Mitchell First… combines extensive research into primary sources, the contributions of other contemporary scholars, and his own original ideas to build stronger structures in the pursuit of truth.” - Rabbi Hayyim Angel “Mitchell First's scholarship is like detective work. It picks up on clues sometimes overlooked by others, coming to surprising conclusions. " - Professor Reuven Kimelman Mitchell First's 66 short articles address interesting questions about the Hebrew language, Jewish history, and liturgy. For example: On Hebrew language: insights into the original meanings of the words chamushim, totafot, kohen, minchah, nefesh, netzach, selah, tefillin and many others. On Jewish history:

A publishing sensation long at the top of the best-seller lists in Israel, the original Hebrew edition of Maimonides and the Book That Changed Judaism has been called the most successful book ever published in Israel on the preeminent medieval Jewish thinker Moses Maimonides. The works of Maimonides, particularly The Guide for the Perplexed, are reckoned among the fundamental texts that influenced all subsequent Jewish philosophy and also proved to be highly influential in Christian and Islamic thought. Spanning subjects ranging from God, prophecy, miracles, revelation, and evil, to politics, messianism, reason in religion, and the therapeutic role of doubt, Maimonides and the Book That Changed Judaism elucidates the complex ideas of The Guide in remarkably clear and engaging prose. Drawing on his own experience as a central figure in the current Israeli renaissance of Jewish culture and spirituality, Micah Goodman brings Maimonides's masterwork into dialogue with the intellectual and spiritual worlds of twenty-first-century readers. Goodman contends that in Maimonides's view, the Torah's purpose is not to bring clarity about God but rather to make us realize that we do not understand God at all; not to resolve inscrutable religious issues but to give us insight into the true nature and purpose of our lives. Micah Goodman is a lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, and the director of Israel's Ein Prat Midrasha. A prominent public intellectual, he is a leading voice on Judaism, Zionism, the Bible, and the challenges and opportunities facing Israel and contemporary world Jewry. He is the author of three best-sellers in Hebrew on canonical Jewish texts.

The reader is introduced to Maimonides' family, people who generally failed to share his rational approach to life.The book addresses provocative questions such as: did the majority of Jews before Maimonides believe that God has a body? Why did Maimonides and many rabbis disparage women? Why did Maimonides extol intelligent non-Jews? Why don't Jews say a prayer before such activities as having sexual relations or giving charity? Why doesn't the Torah condemn the five suicides committed in its pages? Why were Jacob and david passive when their daughters were raped? should rational Jews observe mystical Jewish practices and say mystical prayers? This volume contains surprising facts, such as: not all Jews believe that people have "souls." Rabbis know that we do not possess the original Torah text. Rabbis suggest that Moses' staff had unusual magical powers. Jewish judges do not adjudicate cases according to Torah law. Many rabbis recognize that the ten plagues were not miracles. The Torah records how innocent people are killed for the misdeeds of their ancestors. dipping bread in salt is based on a superstitious fear of demons.

A historic new project from ArtScroll Mesorah: The Jaffa Family Edition Mesillas Yesharim: Way of the Upright
Access the wisdom of Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's mussar classic, Mesillas Yesharim, in an entirely new way, in ArtScroll's monumental new translation and elucidation.

• Phrase-by-phrase translation, in the format of the Schottenstein Talmud, shows us the richness of Ramchal's writing.
• Extensive explanatory notes, based on dozens of commentaries, as well as Torah and mussar classics, give us a deeper understanding of this classic work.
• The unique Insights section that bring the words of Mesillas Yesharim into our lives, taking us on a wondrous journey to self-discovery.
  You can learn Mesillas Yesharim. And now you can LIVE Bedside Yesharim.

Recognized as a classic in the field, this book is a pioneering study dealing with the traditional rationale behind the 613 commandments, or mitzvot, in the Torah. The author draws on the considerable literature to present the interpretation of the great rabbinical thinkers on each biblical commandment throughout the ages. Excerpts from the key commentaries are given in English translation. The book provides easy reference for the student interested in the systematic study of the mitzvot and for anyone interested in additional information on a particular commandment.

Another 60 fascinating interviews by Jewish Press writer and editor Elliot Resnick. Included in this volume are the likes of Charles Krauthammer, Katie Hopkins, Rabbi Natan Slifkin, Rabbi Berel Wein, Cantor Joseph Malovany, Dr. Phyllis Chesler, Nancy Spielberg, Daniel Jonah Goldhagen, David Horowitz, Jason Greenblatt, and Yoram Hazony. Highly praised by NYU's Lawrence Schiffman, TV host Rabbi Daniel Lapin, bestselling author Aaron Klein, and AFSI director Helen Freedman.

You never learned Sideboards Yesharim ... until you learned it the clear and vivid Ohr Avigdor way! Vol. 2 - Chapter 6–12 / Zerizus – Nekius The ladder to holiness just got so much easier to climb. The Ohr Avigdor Mesillas Yesharim is a completely original sefer that will let you discover a Mesillas Yesharim like you never did before. In fact, you never learned mussar until you learned it the clear and vivid Ohr Avigdor way. You'll discover: Rabbi Avigdor Miller's own all new translation Every word of the text is explained It gives background for unfamiliar concepts; understand chazal and history Plentiful examples for all concepts that drive the message home Crystal clear! All posukim and chazalim are explained But that is just the beginning. Ohr Avigdor Mesillas Yesharim will introduce you to the Ramchal's ladder to kedusha (holiness). With Rabbi Miller, you'll go up the that ladder, mind and soul, as each step is illustrated in awesome detail and clarity. Chock full of real world observations and tips that speak to today's reader, it's no longer merely a mussar sefer, but the ultimate how-to guide for life and avodas Hashem. Suddenly you'll realize you've never rejoiced in Hashem like this before! Hardcover, 340 pages.

In Olam HaMiddos, thousands found a way to improve themselves and their lives. Now, it’s time to strengthen our connection to Hashem. • Did you ever wonder what you are doing here? Why Hashem put you in the exact place where you are? What your mission in life really is? • Do you have any idea how great you really are? • Do you know how you can create Olam HaBa -- in this world? Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum, an acclaimed educator, writer, and speaker, shares with us forty daily readings that show us how we -- “regular” people, with flaws and imperfections -- can achieve a wondrous closeness to Hashem. “This sefer is a calling to the limitless greatness and holiness that lies inside of you. It is meant to kindle your spirit…” --From the Introduction to Olam HaAvodah

Orchos Yosher, the classic sefer by Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita, is now available in a flowing English translation - together with more than 150 stories to enhance our understanding of the sefer's vital teachings. Rav Chaim presents 30 areas of our daily lives and illuminates them with teachings from our Sages, as well as his own wisdom and perspectives. The topics include Torah learning, chessed, honesty, humility, avoiding anger and pride, modesty, and many more. Rav Chaim's Orchos Yosher is studied and reviewed again and again by thousands. Now English readers can do the same - but this volume provides even more: a wealth of stories! The stories - about such legendary greats as the Chazon Ish, the Steipler, Rav Shach, Rav Steinman zt "l, and, of course, Rebbetzin Kanievsky a" h and ybl " ch Rav Chaim himself - show us how these teachings can be incorporated into today's world, infusing our lives with authentic Torah values and perspectives. They were compiled by Rabbi Shai Graucher, who spend many hours with Rav Chaim and other members of the family. Every story was written and reviewed by the family for accuracy.

"When the summer begins to approach, go out to meditate in the meadows. When every bush of the field begins to return to life and grow, they all yearn to be included in your prayer." Rebbe Nachman emphasized the greatness of spontaneous, improvised prayer uttered in one's own language and springing from the heart -- hitbodedut. This handbook of his teachings on prayer includes Rabbi Kaplan's scholarly introduction setting hitbodedut in its context in the history of Jewish prayer and meditation.

When the summer begins to approach, go out to meditate in the meadows. When every bush of the field begins to return to life and grow, they all yearn to be included in your prayer. Rebbe Nachman gave pride of place to the spontaneous, improvised prayer uttered in one's own language and springing from the heart hitbodedut. This handbook of his teachings on prayer includes Rabbi Kaplan's scholarly introduction setting hitbodedut in its context in the history of Jewish prayer and meditation.