recommended reading

FIVE BOOKS OF MOSES

STONE CHUMASH
R' Nosson Scherman (Artscroll-Mesorah 1993)
Modern translation; user-friendly format. Features a thorough and fully sourced commentary, culled from Talmudic, medieval and contemporary sources. Lively reading. A must for every Jewish home.

THE LIVING TORAH
R' Aryeh Kaplan (Moznaim 1981)
Modern scholarly translation. Includes study aids like maps, table and charts.

PENTATEUCH
R' Samson Rafael Hirsch (Judaica Press 1967)
This classic commentary, written during the height of the Reform movement in Germany, tackles many contemporary issues of interest to Jews of all backgrounds.

ARTSCROLL TANACH SERIES
Multi-Volume (Artscroll-Mesorah)
Unlock the secrets of King David, Ruth, Job, Daniel and Queen Esther. Modern translation, exhaustive commentary from all the traditional and modern sources.

THE MIDRASH SAYS
R' Moshe Weissman (Benei Yakov Publ. 1983)
Narrative of the weekly Torah portions, gathered from the Talmud and Midrash. Fascinating stories and insights. Easy reading.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL PERSONALITIES
Yishai Chasidah (Shaar Press 1994)
Blurbs collected from the length and breadth of rabbinic literature. Inspiring glimpses into the lives of those who laid the foundation of our Jewish nation.

OUTLOOK AND PHILOSOPHY

HANDBOOK OF JEWISH THOUGHT
R' Aryeh Kaplan (Moznaim 1979)
A veritable encyclopedia of Jewish philosophy. A highly systematic and exhaustively-researched treatment of virtually every theological issue including G-d, prophecy, the Messiah, reward and punishment, the Sinai experience and the Oral Law. Fully referenced and sourced. Essential reading.

THE WAY OF G-D
R' Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Feldheim 1988)This 18th century classic is a standard text in every yeshiva throughout the world. A thorough, intellectual examination of the whys-and-hows of the relationship between G-d and mankind, Jews and non-Jews and the physical and metaphysical worlds.

ON JUDAISM
Emanuel Feldman (Shaar Press 1994)
In the form of conversations between a rabbi and a seeker, this book delightfully weaves through the fabric of Jewish life, including faith, covenant, ethics, sin, holiness, prayer and more. The author, besides being a law school professor and magazine editor, is the rabbi who built Torah Judaism in Atlanta from the ground up.

IF YOU WERE G-D
R' Aryeh Kaplan (NCSY 1983)
Three masterful essays: understanding G-d by putting oneself in His role, immortality and the soul and the purpose of creation.

PERMISSION TO BELIEVE PERMISSION TO RECEIVE
Lawrence Keleman (Feldheim 1990, 1996)
Two articulate and cogent presentations of the assertion that (despite conventional attitude to the contrary) an intelligent, critical and rational person may, or even should, accept the veracity of Torah Judaism. Straight intellectual approach. Includes and outstanding section on Torah and Science.

STRIVE FOR TRUTH
R' Eliyahu Dessler (Feldheim 1985)
Very accessible exploration of deep Jewish concepts like Reward and Punishment, Emulating G-d and Love. Based on Rabbi Dessler's classic Hebrew work, "Michtav M'Eliyahu".

MITZVAHS AND OBSERVANCE

TO BE A JEW
R' Hayim Halevy Donin (Basic Books 1972)
A complete guide to Jewish observance in contemporary life. Clearly explains the origin and practice of every holiday and ritual. Great refresher course or re-introduction to our rich heritage.

TO PRAY AS A JEW
R' Hayim Halevy Donin (Basic Books 1980)
A systematic exploration of prayer and the synagogue, which both the beginner and expert will find extremely nformative and useful. Analysis of the Amidah, Shema, Kaddish and grace after meals.

SEFER HACHINUCH
R' Aaron HaLevi (Feldheim 1984)
This classic from the 13th century offers rational reasons for the 613 mitzvahs, as well as an overview of their details and applications.

THE CONCISE BOOK OF MITZVOT Avraham Chill (Keter 1974)
An anthology of the traditional rationale for the commandments. Eclectic and lively.

HOREV
R' Samson Rafael Hirsch (Soncino, 1962)
Review of the details and reasons for mitzvahs, in light of the struggles of modern man.

THE CHALLENGE OF WEALT
Meir Tomeri (Jason Aronson 1995)
A Jewish perspective on earning and spending money. Includes charity, competition, taxes and wages. Essential for the ethical businessman.

BRIS MILAH
R' Paysach J. Krohn (Artscroll-Mesorah 1985)
Deeper significance of Circumcision and the Covenant with Abraham. Includes sections on choosing a name and guidelines to the Bris ceremony.

THE JEWISH WAY IN DEATH AND MOURNING
R' Maurice Lamm (Jonathon David 1969)
Written for the layman, this description of Jewish customs surrounding death and burial clarifies a subject often misunderstood and always difficult.

SHABBOS AND HOLIDAYS

THE BOOK OF OUR HERITAGE
R' Eliyahu Kitov (Feldheim 1978)
A thorough review of the Jewish calendar includes month-by-month explanation of all the holidays, laws and customs throughout the Jewish year. A classic.

THE SABBATH
Dayan I. Grunfeld (Feldheim 1954)
A guide to understanding and observing Shabbos. Provides a rational and concise analysis of the 39 categories of orbidden Shabbos activities.

FRIDAY NIGHT AND BEYOND
Lori Palatnik (Jason Aronson 1994)
The "How-To" book on the authentic Shabbos to experience. Filled with step-by-step instructions, answers to common questions, and warm personal anecdotes. Highly recommended.

ROSH HASHANA AND YOM KIPPUR SURVIVAL KIT Shimon Apisdorf (Leviathan Press 1994)
The award-winning guide to getting more meaning out of the High Holidays. With humor and sophistication, this book offers invaluable insight into the significance of the holidays and prayers. User-friendly format.

SURVIVAL KIT HAGGADAH
Shimon Apisdorf (Leviathan Press 1994)
This Passover, don't just eat the Matzoh and bitter herbs - find out "why"! Explanations of all the symbolism and historical background of the Seder rituals.

THE ONE-HOUR PURIM PRIMER
Shimon Apisdorf (Leviathan Press 1994)
Everything a family needs to understand, celebrate and enjoy Purim. BYOB!

ARTSCROLL SIDDUR

Mesorah Publications 1984

The most complete and accurate prayer book on the market today. Yet more than just a text of the prayers, this includes full explanations of all prayers, laws and customs. Features a masterful essay on the essence of prayer. Includes special prayers for the holidays and life-cycle events. Beautifully organized and designed.

THE ARYEH KAPLAN SERIES

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan emerged in the 1970's as the most articulate voice of today's generation. Listed in "Who's Who" as an accomplished physicist, Aryeh Kaplan applied his brilliant mind first and foremost to Torah study - mastering all the works of Jewish philosophy, law and kabbalah. He shared his encyclopedic knowledge in a series of masterful works that blends the mystical and the practical. His death at the age of 48 left a void, which remains until today.

*Sabbath: Day of Eternity
How Shabbos is a taste of the Messianic Age and the World to Come. (NCSY)

*Tefillin: G-d, Man, Tefillin
Practical and philosophical exploration of man's search to unite with G-d. (NCSY)

*Tzitzith: A Thread of Light
How these threads are the essence of passion, free will and self-control. (NCSY)

*Waters of Eden
The mystery of the Mikvah. (NCSY)

*Jerusalem: Eye of the Universe
Reveals the depth of Judaism's holiest site. (NCSY)

*The Real Messiah
Jewish response to missionaries. (NCSY)

*The Infinite Light: A Book About G-d
What the Kabbalists say about the highest spiritual dimensions. (NCSY)

*If You Were G-d
Three essential essays on G-d, the soul and afterlife. (NCSY)

*Maimonides Principles
Exploration of the 13 Fundamentals of Jewish Faith. (NCSY)

Reaching Out
Sources on the mitzvah of bringing others close to Torah. (NCSY)

Jewish Meditation
Mantras, unification and conversing with G-d. (Schocken)

Meditation and the Bible
How the prophets attained their lofty state of consciousness. (Samuel Weiser Publ.)

The Handbook of Jewish Thought, Vol.I and II
Jewish philosophical concepts from A to Z. (Maznaim)

The Living Torah
Modern, fresh translation of the Five Books of Moses.(Maznaim)

NOTE: Books with an asterisk (*) are available in a two-volume complication entitled "The Aryeh Kaplan Anthology". (NCSY-Mesorah)

TESHUVA - RETURN TO JUDAISM

ANATOMY OF A SEARCH
R' Akiva Tatz (Artscroll-Mesorah 1987)
A young, affluent South African surgeon traces his disaffection with Western secular society and contrasts it with the advantages he found in the Orthodox way of life.

THE BAMBOO CRADLE
Avraham Schwartzbaum (Feldheim 1988)
While on Sabbatical in Taiwan, an American professor and his wife find a newborn baby girl abandoned in a railroad station. When they adopt and raise the Chinese infant, their desire to provide her with a Jewish education eventually leads them to a Torah lifestyle. An excellent account of the intellectual and social processes experienced along 'the road back'. Heartwarming, amusing and educational.

BLUE STAR OVER READ SQUARE
Carmela Raiz (Feldheim 1994)
For 18 years the author and her husband were Soviet Refuseniks, hounded and harassed by the KGB. The true story of how their Jewish spark ignited against all odds, and their fight to learn and teach Torah in the secret underground.

MIGRANT SOUL
Avi Shafran (Targum 1992)
When a Catholic of Native American descent decides to convert to Judaism, his incessant quest for the authentic Jewish experience leads him to some pretty amazing discoveries. A true story.

HOLY DAYS: THE WORLD OF A HASIDIC FAMILY
Lis Harris (Summit 1985)
This portrayal of Orthodoxy, drawn from a year-long relationship with a Hasidic family in Brooklyn, is filled with good humor, respect and surprisingly perceptive insights.

NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM
Ellen Willis (Rolling Stone, April 1977)
A female journalist travels to Israel to investigate the life of her brother who has enrolled in an Orthodox yeshiva. Her findings are startling. Twenty years later, her brother is a rabbi at Aish HaTorah. The piece is a classic on the teshuva phenomenon.

RETURN
Herman Branover (Feldheim 1982)
The autobiographical record of a world class Soviet physicist who undergoes spiritual transformation into a Chasidic outreach activist.

THE ROAD BACK
R' Mayer Schiller (Feldheim 1978)
In search for his spiritual roots and identity, the author sets out on a rigorous educational program. Includes an examination of assimilationist movements in light of traditional Judaism, and a stunning contrast of Western versus Jewish thought.

THE HOLOCAUST

KIDDUSH HASHEM
R' Shimon Huberband (Ktav 1987)
Jewish religious and cultural life in Poland during the Holocaust

A PATH THROUGH THE ASHES SPARKS OF GLORY THE UNCONQUERABLE SPIRIT
(Artscroll-Mesorah)
This series features inspiring vignettes of spiritual fortitude in the face of the Nazi terror.

WITH G-D IN HELL
Eliezer Berkovitz (Sanhedrin 1979)

THE HOLOCAUST
Martin Gilbert (Holt 1985)
Gilbert infuses a chronological review of the dry facts with their full import and horror, through actual, vivid anecdotes from the Nazi inferno. The definitive Holocaust account.

DESTRUCTION OF THE EUROPEAN JEWS
Raul Hilberg (New Viewpoints 1973)
A classic, comprehensive review of the Nazi Holocaust.

THE DEAFENING SILENCE
Rafael Medoff (Shapolsky 1987)
A frank, investigative study of the activities of American Jewish leaders during the Holocaust.

ABANDONMENT OF THE JEWS
David S. Wyman (Pantheon 1984)
This painful book examines the lack of Allied response to the slaughter of Jews during World War II.

THE WAR AGAINST THE JEWS
Lucy Dawidowicz
General history of the origins and developments of the Nazi regime, and its policy toward the Jews. Required reading for anyone interested in the topic.

HITLER'S WORLDVIEW
E. Jakel (Harvard Press 1981)
Hitler's anti-Jewish ideology parallels that of many of our enemies throughout history. Hitler displays a shocking familiarity with traditional Judaism and expresses his intent to undermine the Jews' quest to spread morality and monotheisms. Helpful in understanding the cyclical, dialectical patterns of Jewish history.

THE ANGUISH OF THE JEWS
Edward Flannery (MacMillan 1965)
An excellent, comprehensive history of anti-Semitism, reaching from Graco-Roman times until the present day. Flannery is a Catholic priest, a fact that makes his unbiased account all the more shocking.

JEWISH CONTRIBUTION TO CIVILIZATION

All of these books explore the moral, spiritual and material contribution of the Jewish people to world civilization.

THE EVOLUTION OF MAN AND SOCIETY
C.D. Darlington (Simon 1989)

HEBREW IMPACT ON WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Dagobert D. Runes (Citadel 1976)

ISRAEL AS A WORLD INFLUENCE
Bernhard Stade

JEWISH CONTRIBUTION TO CIVILIZATION
Cecil Roth (The East and West Library 1988)

ORIGIN OF THE MORAL INSTINCT
Sutherland

HISTORY

TRIUMPH OF SURVIVAL
Berel Wein (Shaar Press 1990)
The complete story of the Jews in the modern era, 1650-1990. Filled with facts and anecdotes, includes Enlightenment, anti-Semitism, American Jewry, the Holocaust and the State of Israel. Drawn from Rabbi Wein's masterful cassette lecture series.

HERALD OF DESTINY
Berel Wein (Shaar Press 1993)
The complete story of the Jews in the medieval period, 750-1550. Far from the 'Dark Ages', this is a time when Jews achieved great heights of power, wealth, scholarship and creativity. Includes Maimonides, the Golden Age of Spain, the Spanish inquisition and the rise of Kabbalah. Entertaining, informative, inspiring.

HISTORY OF THE JEWS
Paul Johnson (Harper & Row 1987)
Although clearly at odds with the traditional Jewish outlook on many issues (most glaringly regarding the origins of Torah), this is perhaps the most complete and authoritative account of Jewish history written by a non-Jew. Covers everything from Abraham to Moses, Maimonides to Zionism.

AM OLAM: HISTORY OF THE ETERNAL NATION
R' Shlomo Rotenberg (Feldheim 1988)
An abridged translation of the classic Hebrew-language series Am Olam.

CASSETTE TAPES

VOICES FROM JERUSALEM
USA: 1-800-VOICES-3 (Ext. 895)

Literally thousands of titles on every aspect of Jewish life, including:

Torah portion of the week
Spirituality, Soul and the Afterlife, Prayer
Relationships,
Love, Dating and Marriage
Self-Growth (48 Ways to Wisdom)
Holidays (Customs and Significances)
Life Cycles (From Birth to Death)
Jewish History (Rabbi Berel Wein's series)
Jewish Laws (Shabbos, Kashrus, Loshon Horah)

SONGS FOR YOUR SHABBOS TABLE
Chaim Dovid Green
All the classic Shabbos melodies. Now you can sing along, learn the tunes and brighten up your own Shabbos table.

LIGHT UP THE SKY
Brad Schachter
This former Hollywood actor and singer, now a yeshiva student, composed these moving songs based on the Discovery class, "Seven Wonders of Jewish History". Includes 14-page booklet. Highly recommended.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

ARTSCROLL STONE CHUMASH
KV Computer Services (800-736-3025)
Five Books of Moses in Hebrew with Artscroll translation. Plus Rashi, Maimonides and Hebrew/English word processor.

BAR ILAN JUDAIC LIBRARY
KV Computer Services
Five Books of Moses with Rashi, Talmud with Rashi, Midrash and Rambam's "Mishne Torah".

GEMARA TUTOR
KV Computer Services
Teaches "key" words, phrases and Talmudic concepts. Increases comprehension. Suitable for all levels, from the beginner to the advanced student.

SONCINO TALMUD
Davka Corporation (800-621-8227)
All 18 volumes of the renowned Soncino English version of the Talmud. Plus the Hebrew text of the Talmud and Rashi's commentary. Search, print and paste features.

COMPLETE SIDDUR
Davka Corporation
Prayers for weekday, Shabbos and Holidays. Copy, paste and print.

ZMANIM CALENDAR/
Davka Corporation
English/Hebrew calendar maker includes: sunrise/sunset times, prayer times. Torah readings and Jewish Holidays. Plus find the corresponding Hebrew-English date for the years 1600-2200 CE.