Espionage and Covert Liaison for International Peace, Space, and Equity (ECLIPSE) agent Frank Stevens had his work cut out for him. Pat Islands, a string of islands in the South Pacific, belongs to the Mesch Empire, an organization with economic and military power surpassing that of the United States. A representative of the secret service, Stevens is charged with helping keep peace throughout the world and protecting the Pat Islands interests. Its a world at war. Mankind faces complete annihilation at the hands of an ancient alien species known as the Saurian, hell-bent on seeing the extinction of the human race and exploiting planet earth for all its natural resources. Once again its up to Stevens and some other hand-selected ECLIPSE agents to return to the jungles of Brazil for the ultimate missionthe complete destruction of the Blue Army Headquarters and the assassination of their notorious leader Patriarch. They have to act fast when the agents learn the allies plan to use their nuclear arsenal against the Blue Army and the Saurian. Stevens and his crew must fight through Patriarchs clone army, alien enemies, and the Deafening Silence.
Espionage & Convert Liaison for International Peace, Space, & Equity (ECLIPSE) agent Frank Stevens had his work cut out for him. Pat Islands, a string of islands in the South Pacific, belongs to the Patrick Empire, an organization with economic and military power equal to that of the United States. A representative of the secret service, Stevens is charged with helping keep peace throughout the world and protecting the Pat Islands' interests. A terrorist leader known only as Patriarch pays an extremist group to overthrow the government of Brazil, and then mass-produces war machines, plans for world domination, and creates his prized Blue Army, a group ready to wreak destruction. Receiving covert, undetected help, Patriarch's control increases exponentially across the globe. It's up to Stevens and some other hand-selected agents to infiltrate the jungles of Brazil and destroy a satellite dish, thus disrupting the Blue Army's global communications network, in order to buy enough time for the allies to attack a disorganized enemy and save the world from nuclear war. They have to act fast when they discover that the satellite was created to communicate with violent beings from another world. Stevens and his crew must fight Patriarch's army, alien enemies, and The Deafening Silence.
Secular and religious Jews alike will find wisdom and inspiration in this new book in which Rabbi David Aaron reveals the joy that living a Jewish life can bring. With his characteristic humor, enthusiasm, and insight, Rabbi Aaron looks at key, and often misunderstood, aspects of Jewish practice—our relationship with God, Torah study, prayer, living the commandments, celebrating the Sabbath, and keeping kosher—and shows us how they enable us to access and express the godliness within us. Celebrating Shabbat, for example, reminds us that we are created in the image of God, empowered with free choice and intention; studying the Torah releases our chen, or inner beauty and grace; and observing kosher laws helps keep us in touch with our human sensitivity. Rabbi Aaron clarifies why many Jews today feel disconnected from their heritage. He invites readers who have lost touch with their Jewish roots to "unpack their spiritual baggage" and discover the true spirit of Judaism. Rabbi Aaron is one of the most dynamic and accessible teachers of Kabbalah and Jewish wisdom today, and this book is a warm invitation to anyone struggling to find fresh meaning in Jewish practice.
How much does our perception of God really matter? Many of us aren't conscious of our image of a "higher power." For some of us, that unspoken image is a Judgmental Parent or an exacting Old Man in the Sky. For others, God is an Imaginary Friend who is there to fix problems after we create them. David Aaron can help you discover a mature, new understanding of God and lead you to discover the wellspring of Divinity within you. By drawing on teachings of Kabbalah that were secret for millennia, he helps you to reclaim the power you've given away to negative images of God or passive images of yourself. These mystical secrets of Judaism can offer reassuring guidance, meaning, and purpose to the lives of people of all faiths. In the journey to discovering God's secret life you will: • Awaken to your life's deepest purpose • Delight in a deeper connection to your true inner self, God, and others • Learn to experience God's infinite love for you • Rise to new heights, cope with challenges, and make courageous choices • Achieve true peace of mind and freedom from anxiety Aaron shares these profound ancient teachings in simple, everyday language with a touch of wit and humor. Rich in personal stories and anecdotes, his examples from daily life help us tap the transformational power hidden within and illuminate the surprising paradoxes of spiritual growth. Awakened to finally experience a personal connection to God, we are at last able to receive God's love unconditionally and discover our ultimate identity, divine purpose, and true happiness.
Aaron Wildavsky, a giant of American political science, brings his profound understanding of human affairs to bear on the founding of the world's most enduring political community, the nation of Israel. At a time in which we are rediscovering the indispensability of resolute and perspicacious leadership, Wildavsky's brilliant study of Moses as founding father illuminates not only the Jewish past but the enduring political questions of how to build and preserve a decent, righteous, and stable community, here and hereafter. A marvelous book! -- Leon Kass, University of Chicago
You are an individual expression of God; that’s the teaching of the ancient Jewish mystical tradition. Here Rabbi David Aaron shows that when we truly connect to our inner self, that fact becomes wonderfully obvious. Each of us has a divine mission in life, he says, and when we understand this, we are empowered to take control of our life; to use our creative powers more fully; and to give more to others, our community, and the world. In The God-Powered Life, Rabbi Aaron uses Jewish mystical teachings, including the ten Sephirot, or attributes of God, to help us get in touch with our inner selves and find a deeper sense of our own self-worth. In his characteristic warm, witty, and accessible style, Rabbi Aaron helps us find a connection to the divine within ourselves and then shows us how to manifest that divine presence in our dealings with others and during tumultuous times. To learn more about the author, visit his website at www.rabbidavidaaron.com.
Espionage and Covert Liaison for International Peace, Space, and Equity (ECLIPSE) agent Frank Stevens had his work cut out for him. Pat Islands, a string of islands in the South Pacific, belongs to the Mesch Empire, an organization with economic and military power surpassing that of the United States. A representative of the secret service, Stevens is charged with helping keep peace throughout the world and protecting the Pat Islands interests. Its a world at war. Mankind faces complete annihilation at the hands of an ancient alien species known as the Saurian, hell-bent on seeing the extinction of the human race and exploiting planet earth for all its natural resources. Once again its up to Stevens and some other hand-selected ECLIPSE agents to return to the jungles of Brazil for the ultimate missionthe complete destruction of the Blue Army Headquarters and the assassination of their notorious leader Patriarch. They have to act fast when the agents learn the allies plan to use their nuclear arsenal against the Blue Army and the Saurian. Stevens and his crew must fight through Patriarchs clone army, alien enemies, and the Deafening Silence.
Unbinding Isaac takes readers on a trek of discovery for our times into the binding of Isaac story. Nineteenth-century Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard viewed the story as teaching suspension of ethics for the sake of faith, and subsequent Jewish thinkers developed this idea as a cornerstone of their religious worldview. Aaron Koller examines and critiques Kierkegaard’s perspective—and later incarnations of it—on textual, religious, and ethical grounds. He also explores the current of criticism of Abraham in Jewish thought, from ancient poems and midrashim to contemporary Israel narratives, as well as Jewish responses to the Akedah over the generations. Finally, bringing together these multiple strands of thought—along with modern knowledge of human sacrifice in the Phoenician world—Koller offers an original reading of the Akedah. The biblical God would like to want child sacrifice—because it is in fact a remarkable display of devotion—but more than that, he does not want child sacrifice because it would violate the child’s autonomy. Thus, the high point in the drama is not the binding of Isaac but the moment when Abraham is told to release him. The Torah does not allow child sacrifice, though by contrast, some of Israel’s neighbors viewed it as a religiously inspiring act. The binding of Isaac teaches us that an authentically religious act cannot be done through the harm of another human being.
How to behave in the diaspora has been a central problem for Jews over the ages. They have debated whether to assimilate by adopting local customs or whether to remain a God-centered people loyal to their temporal rulers but maintaining the peculiar customs that separated them from their host nations. The question not only of survival, but of the basis for survival, is also a central problem in the Joseph stories of the Book of Genesis. The work shows its readers the grand alternatives of Judaism, instilled in two larger-than-life figures, so its readers can reassess for themselves the road Judaism did not take, and understand why Joseph though admirable in many respects, is left out of the rest of the Bible. The question is answered through the stories about how Joseph, the son of Jacob, saved his people/family from famine by becoming a high-ranking administrator to Pharaoh. By analyzing his behavior to the people over whom he exercises power, Joseph lords it over his brothers, grieves his father, takes lands from Egyptian farmers, and engages in forced deportation. Wildavsky explains why Joseph-the-assimilator is replaced in the Book of Exodus by Moses-the-lawgiver. The book ends by demonstrating that Joseph and Moses are, and are undoubtedly meant to be exact opposites. As in his earlier book on The Nursing Father: Moses as a Political Leader, Wildavsky combines analysis of political and administrative leadership with both traditional and modern study of texts: thematic linkages via plot, grammar, dreams, poetry, and religious doctrine. Thus the chapter on "Joseph the Administrator" is preceded by a chapter on Joseph as The Dream Lord" and followed by an analysis and explanation of why Jacob's obscure blessings to his sons are more like curses. Always the emphasis is on the reciprocal influence of religion and politics, on rival answers to questions about how Hebrews should relate to each other and to outsiders. New, in paperback, the book will be of interest to biblical scholars and readers as well as those concerned with the interaction of religion and political life.
At a hundred years old, Holocaust survivor Wolf Gruca turned to his grandson, Rabbi Aaron Starr, and asked, “Where was God?” Don’t Forget to Call Home is a grandson’s attempt to respond to a weeping grandfather, and it’s a clergyman’s effort to help the modern person deepen a relationship with the Divine. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Starr sets out to answer the question, “Where is God, and what does God want of us?” Perhaps God is no longer the Law Giver or Judge, the Warrior or even the Miracle Maker. Perhaps God is an Empty-Nester Parent, expecting us to live with gratitude, obligation, joy, and hope. Perhaps, like a loving parent whose children are now grown-up, God desires us to act like adults by emulating our Heavenly Parent. Perhaps, too, God and Grandpa are reminding us: “Don’t forget to call home.”
At a hundred years old, Holocaust survivor Wolf Gruca turned to his grandson, Rabbi Aaron Starr, and asked, “Where was God?” Don’t Forget to Call Home is a grandson’s attempt to respond to a weeping grandfather, and it’s a clergyman’s effort to help the modern person deepen a relationship with the Divine. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Starr sets out to answer the question, “Where is God, and what does God want of us?” Perhaps God is no longer the Law Giver or Judge, the Warrior or even the Miracle Maker. Perhaps God is an Empty-Nester Parent, expecting us to live with gratitude, obligation, joy, and hope. Perhaps, like a loving parent whose children are now grown-up, God desires us to act like adults by emulating our Heavenly Parent. Perhaps, too, God and Grandpa are reminding us: “Don’t forget to call home.”
Judaic Spiritual Psychotherapy is in the contemporary mode of utilizing the profound insights present in spiritual literature for psychotherapeutic use. Jewish spiritual writings are a rich source that encompasses three thousand years of scholarship and experience dealing with emotional problems. These insights can benefit all clients, not only those nurtured in the Jewish tradition. A whole range of topics include an introduction and history of this modern trend. The basic principles of this approach are clearly defined, and case histories are presented to further refine and clarify the method. In addition, meditation —- including some of its methods and basic, guiding principles —- is analyzed from a Jewish point of view. The topic of forgiveness and its relevance to psychotherapy is presented through the analysis of Simon Wiesenthal's The Sunflower, in which he discusses the morality of forgiving a dying SS soldier for his part in murdering Jews during World War II. Several prominent moral and religious authorities express their views, helping to clarify the role of forgiveness in the fabric of interpersonal relationships. The book concludes with a discussion of the place of values in the process of psychotherapy.
Mark Robinson, Ecological Engineer and Environmental Scientist, International Atomic Energy Agency, and Saudi Geologist from the Atomic Energy Research Institute (AERI) at Riyadh, at Bedouin Well-June 2009, 40 miles east of Mecca. Afternoon temperatures were about 128°F. The well was hand dug and ~90 feet deep. Water in the well is suitable only for camels. The area may receive less than an inch of rain in 100 years in contemporary centuries. It is possible that the Children of Israel might have visited this site in their wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33). The children of Israel left chiseled images of their feet all over the wilderness from Mt. Sinai (Jabal Al Laws in NW Saudi Arabia not far from the Red Sea) to the Promised Land, making a record for the fulfillment of the promise of Yehovah in Joshua 1:33. Many of these imprints have been documented through the efforts of Jim & Penny Caldwell (splitrockresearch.org). At the top of the mountain range to the south of the photo location there is evidence of a dry lake with a dam constructed at the mouth of the canyon that drops into this plain. We were accompanied by a number of other technicians from AERI, making a party of 14 all together. When we returned to Riyadh, we had dinner in a traditional restaurant where all sit on the floor around a bowl of meat (lamb or goat) and rice that is eaten with fingers. After the meal I took a chance and gave the Saudi's a dissertation on the parable of the wheat & the tares given by Jesus in Matthew 13:24-30. The Saudi's were very excited to hear the words of Jesus who is mentioned in the Koran, but his words are not documented, and -in fact -reading his words is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
In this remarkable book, prolific writer and lecturer Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky delves into the ocean of Torah and brings up bits of fabulous treasure.The essays the essays span the Jewish year, from Rosh HaShanah to Tishah B'Av, in which the themes of the Jewish calendar spring to life. They tell of the remarkable lives and deeds of great men, such as Rav Aaron's own father, Reb Bentzion Lopiansky, Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, Rav Nochum Partzovitz, and Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. They present timeless issues such as the chareidim and the draft, modern-day Jewish marriage, negotiating with kidnappers, and comparing the completing of the Talmud with competing in the Olympics. It is a rare work that profoundly delights even as it teaches and inspires. Time Pieces is such a book.“In our mundane world, feeling and intellect are forever at odds. But when it comes to the Divine, these seemingly mutually exclusive realms converge, since Hashem is one… No professor of Jewish thought ever had tears coursing down his cheeks, overwhelmed by the depth of Shir HaShirim… One who has experienced that spark of knowledge and awareness arising from those divrei Torah [derived from in-depth exploration of the Torah] knows that no Minchah can ever be the same again.”—From the Introduction to Time PiecesAn esteemed friend, who reads critically, once put the question into much sharper focus. Upon evaluating an essay of mine, he commented, “It's nice, but will anyone daven a better minchah because of it?” An important question, and one that must be answered fully. Life is too short for things that are merely “nice”; if they don't move a person closer to his Creator in any significant way, then one should not waste one's time on them.
This study of the Shofar will change your life forever! The Shofar is a sadly neglected, yet greatly needed, instrument which is created by Jehovah God and placed into the hands of His believers. This instrument is used as a means of warfare, repentance, encouragement, warning, conviction and victory. The sound of the Shofar is as powerful as it is unique. As we unearth the truths that surround the Shofar we find that there is an awesome connection between it and God's greatest creation; mankind! From within our churches to our streets, the sound of the Shofar will penetrate the hearts and lives of all those within earshot of its powerful blast. Within the pages of this book you will discover, from a Christian perspective, the correlation between the Shofar, God and you! Grab your Bible and prepare to venture into this eye opening study concerning the: Shofar The Instrument of God.
An engaging and sobering look at memorializing in Judaism and why memory—ours and God's—is so central to people. Through a series of lively introductions and commentaries, over thirty contributors—men and women, scholars, rabbis, theologians and poets, representing all Jewish denominations—examine the history and ideas behind Yizkor, the Jewish memorial service, and this fascinating chapter in Jewish piety. Featuring the traditional prayers—provided in the original Hebrew and a new and annotated translation—this fourth volume in the Prayers of Awe series explores the profound theological questions at the core of this service and our own humanity: What happens to us after we die? Is there really an afterlife? Does our fate after death depend on the goodness with which we have pursued our earthly life? And more. Prayers of Awe: A multi-volume series designed to explore the High Holy Day liturgy and enrich the praying experience for everyone—whether experienced worshipers or guests who encounter Jewish prayer for the very first time. Contributors: Yoram Bitton Dr. Annette M. Boeckler Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler Rabbi Lawrence A. Englander, CM, DHL Rabbi Edward Feinstein Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof, PhD (z"l) Dr. Eric L. Friedland Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand Rabbi Edwin Goldberg, DHL Rabbi Andrew Goldstein, PhD Dr. Joel M. Hoffman Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD Rabbi Walter Homolka, PhD, DHL Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar Rabbi Daniel Landes Catherine Madsen Rabbi Jonathan Magonet, PhD Rabbi Dalia Marx, PhD Rabbi Charles H. Middleburgh, PhD Rabbi Jay Henry Moses Rabbi Aaron D. Panken, PhD Rabbi Jakob J. Petuchowski, PhD (z”l) Rabbi Jack Riemer Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso Rabbi David Stern Rabbi David A. Teutsch, PhD Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig, DD Dr. Ron Wolfson Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel Dr. Wendy Zierler
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