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Best Jewish Reform Movements

The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today
Clever marketing has led us to believe in chasing happiness down a path that doesn't lead anywhere. No matter where you are in life, finding purpose is easier than you think. Rabbi Evan Moffic knows the power of prayer . You will discover those words in this book and the ten life-changing practices it reveals. Rabbi Moffic also appears regularly on cable news stations as a commentator on Israel and political and social events in America.
Reviews
"I have read many self-help books, religious books, and so forth that largely were written for one real reason, to make the author a lot of money, while providing very little in the way of real help to the reader. I have literally spent most of the past 2 decades struggling to overcome a lot of issues, and this small book has done more to help me than most of the other things I have tried combined."
"This is a warm, engaging, and at times beautiful book, in which author Rabbi EvanMoffic acquaints us with the Hebrew prayer, "El Devarim," which means "These are the Words," written down 2000 years ago and still so meaningful today. I found his words about marriage, learning, and celebration to be very moving, but above all, I was deeply touched by his words about death, grief, recovery from devastating loss, and the ways we can support , uplift, and strengthen each other at the most difficult times. Rabbi Moffit decribes the Eilu Devarim as "not only a happiness prayer, but a checklist for a meaningful life.""
"He says , It is a prayer for healing, The words are simple: May the source of strength , Who blessed the ones before us, help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing. and let us say, Amen. Bless those in need of all healing by picturing thinking of friends, and family who are ill etc."
"From this prayer, known as the “Eilu Devarim”, Moffic takes ten lessons and elucidates on using each to brighten lives. For those old enough to remember Rabbi Harold Kushner (author of the classic “When Bad Things Happen To Good People”), Moffic attempts to walk in those giant footsteps, not as an imitation but more as the voice (to my ears) as a Jewish Everyman. His stories of his interactions with members of his congregation and examples he draws from elsewhere are moving and persuasive, as are the lessons he tries to impart."
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Jadid al-Islam: The Jewish "New Muslims" of Meshhed (Raphael Patai Series in Jewish Folklore and Anthropology)
In 1839, Muslims attacked the Jews of Meshhed, murdering 36 of them, and forcing the conversion of the rest. Jewish life in Islamic lands has always fascinated Patai (The Jewish Alchemists, LJ 6/1/94). This work is best suited for academic and public libraries with very strong Jewish studies collections.
Reviews
"Patai does an incredible job in depicting the life my ancestors lived."
"What makes this community of marranos unique, unlike any other forced converts, is that the community returned to its original faith after several generations."
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Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice
The revised edition features an index, cross-references to Mishkan T'filah, and new sections exploring the impact of changes in the movement and the world at large over the last decade, including same-sex marriage, conversion, bioethics, and justification of war. Mark Washofsky is the associate professor of rabbinics at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio, and serves as chair of the CCAR Responsa Committee.
Reviews
"Great book, great example and source of Reform Judaism's response to and use of halacha."
"Reform Judaism is authentic, contemporary and supported by cutting edge scholarship and scientific reality."
"Guide to being reform, basically."
"Very informative and provides a very easy to follow content."
"A great great addition to any Reform household."
"This book provides a lot of information while contrasting and comparing traditional Judaism with Reform practices."
"really interesting and helpful book - a great addition to my shelves."
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Best Jewish Conservative Movements

The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today
Clever marketing has led us to believe in chasing happiness down a path that doesn't lead anywhere. No matter where you are in life, finding purpose is easier than you think. Rabbi Evan Moffic knows the power of prayer . You will discover those words in this book and the ten life-changing practices it reveals. Rabbi Moffic also appears regularly on cable news stations as a commentator on Israel and political and social events in America.
Reviews
"I have read many self-help books, religious books, and so forth that largely were written for one real reason, to make the author a lot of money, while providing very little in the way of real help to the reader. I have literally spent most of the past 2 decades struggling to overcome a lot of issues, and this small book has done more to help me than most of the other things I have tried combined."
"This is a warm, engaging, and at times beautiful book, in which author Rabbi EvanMoffic acquaints us with the Hebrew prayer, "El Devarim," which means "These are the Words," written down 2000 years ago and still so meaningful today. I found his words about marriage, learning, and celebration to be very moving, but above all, I was deeply touched by his words about death, grief, recovery from devastating loss, and the ways we can support , uplift, and strengthen each other at the most difficult times. Rabbi Moffit decribes the Eilu Devarim as "not only a happiness prayer, but a checklist for a meaningful life.""
"He says , It is a prayer for healing, The words are simple: May the source of strength , Who blessed the ones before us, help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing. and let us say, Amen. Bless those in need of all healing by picturing thinking of friends, and family who are ill etc."
"From this prayer, known as the “Eilu Devarim”, Moffic takes ten lessons and elucidates on using each to brighten lives. For those old enough to remember Rabbi Harold Kushner (author of the classic “When Bad Things Happen To Good People”), Moffic attempts to walk in those giant footsteps, not as an imitation but more as the voice (to my ears) as a Jewish Everyman. His stories of his interactions with members of his congregation and examples he draws from elsewhere are moving and persuasive, as are the lessons he tries to impart."
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Best Jewish Orthodox Movements

My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging
In My Grandfather's Blessings , Rachel Naomi Remen , a cancer physician and master storyteller, uses her luminous stories to remind us of the power of our kindness and the joy of being alive. When doctor and author Rachel Naomi Remen ( Kitchen Table Wisdom ) was young, she was caught between two different views of life: that of her rabbi grandfather and that of her highly academic, research-oriented parents, who believed religion was the opiate of the masses.
Reviews
"I was very moved by many of the stories as I, like most people, have also been touched by terminal illness and loss in my life."
"The introduction to this book should be required reading for anyone serving in the nonprofit world or the helping professions."
"The condition of the book was excellent & service was wonderful."
"I really love this book."
"It's one I don't want to pass on, because I know I will read it again and again and even mark special pages that will help in challenging times."
"So if you want goosebumps as well as a soul-full book, this is a must read!"
"I am glad I bought the book to read all these stories."
"I read this book a few months ago and enjoyed it."
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