Everyone will agree that a story needs an ending; unless a story goes somewhere, it’s pointless. The purpose of a set-up is to lead toward a conclusion, toward a destination. A story without an ending, without a purpose, is not a story worth telling. The same is true for our lives: we need a destination. We are all part of a larger story, but we’re also writing our own individual stories. Hashem created us in this world with unlimited potential, but that was only the “set-up” ― the beginning of our story. Without a purposeful destination, a clear goal, and a deeper understanding of who we are and who we are meant to be, the set-up lacks true meaning. We need to make this a meaningful journey ― a story of growth, creativity, and contribution. This book is written to help you along your personal journey, to help you become the ultimate version of yourself. As you learn through this sefer, plant the ideas within your mind and soul, and bring them to life. Make your life a meaningful journey, an extraordinary story.
Our culture is showing the cracks of a growing fracture. Soaring divorce rates; a crippled economy that rewards the few and punishes the many; religious-fueled hatred; record rates of depression—the headlines paint a grim picture. We inhabit a society that desperately needs fixing. But as Rabbi Shmuley Boteach reveals in his new book, Renewal, our society can made whole again when we as individuals make the choice to live a life based on values. For too long, conversations about values have been derailed by political movements trying to score points over hot-button issues like gay marriage or abortion. Boteach, one of our wisest and most respected counselors and spiritual experts, reaches deep into our history and into our shared religious legacy to revive the key universal values of Judaism for our struggling world. He presents these age-old ideas as guideposts for the challenges of modern times. These values, whose roots are in the Bible and thousands of years of Jewish spiritual living, can be applied to anyone in the modern world—from Christians and Muslims to atheists and agnostics—who want to renew their existence and recommit themselves to the most precious things in life. Renewal shows everyone how to use the timeless values of the Hebrew Bible and Judaism to live a more fulfilling, modern life. Destiny Unlike the Greeks, who believed that life was scripted from birth, the Jews believe in destiny. In short, they reject the idea of tragic fates and instead champion the individuals’ capacity to create their own destiny through individual choice. Redemption Christians and Muslims emphasize salvation, or the need for man to become spiritual—to refine his character and earn a place in heaven. But Jews believe in world redemption, the capacity for the individuals to make heaven here on earth for,the betterment of the community. Action What you do is more important than what you believe. Good deeds always supersede good dogma. Enlightenment Jews are an infinitely curious people and believe that the great bane of existence—boredom—can only be cured by knowledge. Marriage Marriage refers not just to the institution, but rather the softening of the masculine by exposure to the feminine. A culture that does not know how to respect women is bound to collapse. Struggle It is wrestling with our nature, rather than attaining perfection, that constitutes true righteousness. Everyone is somehow flawed, but righteousness is found in the struggle to do right amid a predilection to act selfishly. Sacred Time Whereas other religions sanctify space, Jewish values privilege special moments. The Sabbath day, the holiest day of the week, provides a time for connecting with family and friends.
The understanding and study of fathers has traditionally assumed that fathers, compared to mothers, are less involved with their children. Originally published in 1997 Fathers and Adolescents presents a different approach that focuses on the distinctive role of fathers in the lives of their adolescents, especially in their role in adolescents’ attainment of developmental tasks. Drawing on a variety of disciplines, the authors’ examine the relationships of fathers to their adolescents in the context of a changing society. They find that fathers interact in ways that are different from those of mothers, but that are important for both normal and disturbed adolescent development. Psychopathological, aggressive and incestuous behaviour is considered as well as the role of the father in more ideal circumstances. Drawing on the authors’ wealth of clinical experience, this title will still be an important resource for all professionals working with adolescents, as well as those in research.
The author, Shmuel Shimshoni, born in Montreal Canada and now living in Israel, has created a number of imaginative essays, some bordering on fictionalized reality.We find David, a timid clerk looking for the host. His cell phone indicates an incoming call that happens to be from the elusive host. The voice notifies him, I won't be joining you for the Sabbath retreat. Therefore it's up to you to take things in hand and organize a program.With no alternative, our central figure somehow finds a way to become the leader of thirteen other men who were likewise invited to attend this event in total ignorance of what to expect.Throughout the story a fine strand connects all fourteen total strangers. They all have something to contribute; as between courses during their meals, each one tells of an event in his life that unwittingly relates to the other participants.But before they even get to eat their first meal they are introduced to a discourse based upon a little known religious ruling about how guests are supposed to conduct themselves, especially when the host is absent.All the seemingly disconnected guests share something in common. But it is not till the very end of the day that they learn what it is, as a most completely unexpected secret is revealed.
Folktales For Lifes Journey presents the folktales and parables of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, one of Judaisms greatest luminaries, who lived from 1772-1810. His storied contain messages, both obvious and esoteric, all with the purpose of enhancing the lives of others. While his tales are almost always presented with Kabbalistic (Jewish mystical) understanding and explanations, or alone, Rabbi Kaplan offers the tales with a profound psychological understanding, which will assist and guide the reader through the many challenges encountered on lifes journey.
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.