DMC: Deep Meaningful Conversation THE AMIDAH Rabbi Ira Kosowsky Mosaica / 223 pages In this refreshing reader authored by Rabbi Ira Kosowsky, director of Machon Maayan Women's Seminary in "Givat Washington", we are treated to a new and modern look at the Shemoneh Esrei we recite three times a day. Each of the nineteen blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei are examined in individual chapters complete with thoughts, readings, and advice on how to make our prayer experience even better. Much of the material was gathered by "Rav K" (as he's called) from his students over the years. This unique angle, o ..read more

The Importance of the Community Rabbi Leading with Compassionate Halacha By Rabbi Daniel Sperber Urim / 367 pp. In "The Importance of the Community Rabbi" Rabbi Daniel Sperber, whose prominence and accomplishments need no introduction, argues vigorously for today's rabbis to rule more leniently. He presents a fascinating and engaging treasury of hundreds of lenient halachic rulings throughout the ages. Rabbi Sperber argues that issues like sensitivity to people’s feelings, human dignity, "changing circumstances" and "ko'ach d'heteira" should be given more weight in halachic decision making. T ..read more

Don't Tell Ima Lisa Barness Jewish Self Publishing Guest Post by Shira Yael Klein It’s clear from the start (ok, even from the blub on the back) that the husband, Efraim, is the Bad Guy. No surprises there. This complex, compelling book pulls us into the twisted world Efraim creates and we watch as things go from bad to worse. It’s a dark, disturbing read. Interestingly, while at first the book attempts to get into Efraim’s psyche and figure out what motivates him, what core of goodness he has or at least had, it quickly moves to hammering home the message that “He can’t change. You must di ..read more

With Truth and Love Rabbi Yaakov Greenwald Feldheim Distribution / 420 pp With Truth and Love is an outstanding guidebook and manual for improving one’s life in various ways. Some of the topics include: Chinuch (this chapter –a topic affecting virtually every Torah family today- was extraordinarily impressive), Emunah, Self-Confidence, Punishment, Tznius, Thought, Self-respect and more. One can see rather quickly how every chapter is lovingly written in a manner of arousing "devarim hayotzim min halev….nichnasim l’lev.” Each of the 17 chapters chapter is made up of two sections: “The Princip ..read more

http://www.urimpublications.com/state-of-the-heart-stories-of-a-humanitarian-israel.html http://www.urimpublications.com/giving-the-essential-teaching-of-the-kabbalah.html http://www.urimpublications.com/torah-of-the-mind-torah-of-the-heart-divrei-torah-of-the-talner-rebbe-harav-yitzhak-isadore-twersky.html ..read more

The Emperors and the Jews Ari Lieberman Mosaica Press / 355 pp The Emperors and the Jews is a truly exciting and fascinating presentation on the relationship between the Roman Emperors and the Jews.  The emperors discussed include Alexander the Great, King Ptolemy, Vespasian, Hadrian Antonius, and more. Interspersed within each chapter are mini-biographies on the great sages and Jewish leaders that were predominate in that era. For example, in the chapter on Alexander the Great we will have his biography, what life was like in the Roman Empire in his time, and his relationshi ..read more

Defining the Moment: Understanding Brain Death in Halakhah Rabbi David Shabtai, MD Kodesh / 415 pp I was completely blown away by the clarity and readability of Defining the Moment: Understanding Brain Death in Halakhah by Rabbi David Shabtai.  Medical papers, articles, and books, far too often scare away the layman rather than educate him. In this book, Rabbi Shabtai presents the relevant issues surrounding brain death in unprecedented clarity. For the first time, certainly in terms of a book of this caliber on medical issues, I am able to say that I understood what was presented and ..read more

Harry Fischel: Pioneer of Jewish Philanthropy  KTAV Publishers, 2012 Edited by Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel, Esq. GUEST POST: Reviewed by Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein Many of Jerusalem’s hallowed streets bear the names of 20th century Jewry’s most remarkable figures: Rechov Chafetz Chaim, Rechov HaRav Kook, Rechov Chaim Ozer, Rechov Polanski, Rechov Brandeis, Rechov Straus, and Rechov Magnes. One man's biography involves all of these esteemed personalities. It recalls the life and times of an individual — Harry Fischel (1865–1948) — who laid the foundations for Orthodox Judaism in America and ..read more

Nishmat Ha-Bayit Contemporary Questions on Women's Reproductive Health Maggid/Nishmat/OU  - 370 pp  The “Nishmat Habayit” is an incredibly impressive and urgent collection over of 60 sheilot u’teshovot related to Niddah and Taharat Hamishpacha that were authored by Yoatzot Halacha – women who have undergone extensive training in Hilchot Nidda in the Nishmat women’s seminary led by Rabbi Yehuda (z”l) and Chana (ly”t) Henkin. The sefer is divided up into the categories of pregnancy, birth, nursing, contraception, and more. The material is exceptionally well-written, clear, and appropri ..read more

New Books from Urim! Jews in Medicine: Contributions to Health and Healing Through the Ages Ronald L. Eisenberg / 464 pages This is an amazing collection of Jews who have made contributions to medicine from the Talmudic era till today. There are 450 entries along with pictures organized by region and area of specialization. Also includes words of introduction on medicine in Judaism. An exciting resource. Living in the Presence Benjamin Epstein / 240 pages This book is a guide on attaining greater levels of Emuna and how to better connect with Hashem. Although I did not yet read the entire ..read more