Kerry M. Olitzky

Meet the spunkiest five sisters of the Bible: Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. The Sisters Z. Orphaned, the Sisters Z have learned to stick together and stand up for their rights as a family.Camped near the River Jordan, the five sisters can almost see the land of Canaan. They look forward to no longer having to live in a tent, but in a real home of stone and clay. One day, Milcah and Tirzah climb Mt. Nebo to get a glimpse of Canaan and overhear Moses explain to the elders that only males will inherit property. The sisters won't inherit their father's parcel of land to build their home. They might even be separated. Outraged, the five sisters go to Moses to plead their case.The Sisters Z don't know they're arguing the first case in history to allow women to inherit land. They just know it's not fair.The Sisters Z is a refreshing retelling of the story of the daughters of Zelphehad. The sisters' personalities sparkle through Rabbi Olitzky and Rabbi Cohen's prose and in the lively illustrations by Lena Tohoff. Children of all ages will cheer as the sisters stand up to Moses for their rightful inheritance of land.

A Whale of a Tale: A Sabbath Summer Solstice Story is a picture book created to help children learn how to determine Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, in countries where the summer sun remains high in the sky. Tova travels with her mother to Alaska during the summer solstice. In the Land of the Midnight Sun, she is uncertain how to tell time, because the sun never rises or sets. Tova wonders how she will know when Sabbath begins or ends. Eventually, she talks to a wise orca. The whale shares her secret to understanding time with a circular sun and reminds Tova of the magic of Shabbat.

Named one of "the best haggadahs of all time" by the Forward's Jay Michaelson. Welcome to a new kind of seder. Celebrate Passover with traditional seder texts as well as poems, readings, and stories that acknowledge, value, and include the diverse backgrounds of seder participants today. Evoke the universal message of freedom, inspired by writers and thinkers from around the world. Find new meaning in the Passover story, whether this seder is your first or your one hundred and first.Perfect for:Guests from a variety of backgrounds and experiencesMulti-cultural, interfaith, and unaffiliated familiesFirst-time seder guestsIncludes:All the instructions and readings for a seder of up to 60 minutesPrayers and blessings in English, Hebrew, and Hebrew transliterationUnusual additions to the seder plate to lift up those often marginalizedClear instructions for leadersVibrant, inspirational artwork by a leading Israeli artistMulticultural connections throughout the texts, including relevant blessings and rituals from other culturesReflective passages by a variety of contributors from diverse backgroundsMiriam's Cup and Ruth's Cup (to signify a welcome to Jews by Choice) included in addition to Elijah's CupSeder Songs: Dayeinu, Adir Hu, Orah Hi, Echad Mi Yodei'a (Who knows One), Chad Gadya (One Little Goat), Let My People GoSeder Recipes: Roasted Peanut Charoset, Italian Charoset, Make your own matzah

The book of Job is the most challenging--and most engaging--of all the books in the Hebrew Scriptures. It challenges one's faith in the essential goodness of God and humanity. In this volume, Rabbis Kravitz and Olitzky provide an original, modern translation and commentary while also inviting classic rabbinic commentators of the past to provide insight to the text. Along with helping the reader to understand the original Hebrew sources, the authors also strive to answer some of the basic answers of human existence posed by religion: Why is there evil? Why do the good suffer? Why do those who do evil seem to go unpunished? Are acts of goodness rewarded? ""The Book of Job confronts essential questions of being human: loss and grief, good and evil, and how human beings overcome life's significant challenges. This wise and beautiful book guides the reader through its intricacies, pausing along the way to teach profound lessons both loftily academic and deeply personal. It is a rare and lovely gift to bring ancient traditions to new life in such deeply meaningful and contemporary ways."" --Aaron Panken, President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion ""This is a remarkably accessible translation and commentary of the storied book of Job that has intrigued numerous generations of readers. Blending solid scholarship with insightful contemporary insights, this book is a must-have for anyone who is serious about their faith or just wants to learn more about the biblical notion of reward and punishment."" --Kirk Smith, Episcopal Bishop of Arizona Leonard S. Kravitz is professor emeritus of midrash and homiletics at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). He is an expert on the medieval philosopher/theologian Moses Maimonides and his Guide for the Perplexed. Kerry M. Olitzky is formerly executive director of Big Tent Judaism and was on the faculty and administration of HUC-JIR. He is the author of numerous books that bring insight and inspiration of Jewish wisdom into everyday living.

The book of Job is the most challenging--and most engaging--of all the books in the Hebrew Scriptures. It challenges one's faith in the essential goodness of God and humanity. In this volume, Rabbis Kravitz and Olitzky provide an original, modern translation and commentary while also inviting classic rabbinic commentators of the past to provide insight to the text. Along with helping the reader to understand the original Hebrew sources, the authors also strive to answer some of the basic answers of human existence posed by religion: Why is there evil? Why do the good suffer? Why do those who do evil seem to go unpunished? Are acts of goodness rewarded? ""The Book of Job confronts essential questions of being human: loss and grief, good and evil, and how human beings overcome life's significant challenges. This wise and beautiful book guides the reader through its intricacies, pausing along the way to teach profound lessons both loftily academic and deeply personal. It is a rare and lovely gift to bring ancient traditions to new life in such deeply meaningful and contemporary ways."" --Aaron Panken, President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion ""This is a remarkably accessible translation and commentary of the storied book of Job that has intrigued numerous generations of readers. Blending solid scholarship with insightful contemporary insights, this book is a must-have for anyone who is serious about their faith or just wants to learn more about the biblical notion of reward and punishment."" --Kirk Smith, Episcopal Bishop of Arizona Leonard S. Kravitz is professor emeritus of midrash and homiletics at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). He is an expert on the medieval philosopher/theologian Moses Maimonides and his Guide for the Perplexed. Kerry M. Olitzky is formerly executive director of Big Tent Judaism and was on the faculty and administration of HUC-JIR. He is the author of numerous books that bring insight and inspiration of Jewish wisdom into everyday living.

Open wide your mind--and your community--to fresh concepts of synagogue financial and spiritual success." A] welcome addition.... Replete with examples of synagogues, independent minyanim and spiritual communities that have developed creative and sometimes surprising strategies ... that ameliorate what many observers believe are obstacles to recruiting and engaging Jews into their spiritual communities."--from the Foreword by Dr. Ron WolfsonThe concept of the "dues-based membership model" in synagogues was once an innovation. Now that model is in decline and sweeping change is required in order to reverse the downward trend in synagogue participation. This groundbreaking book provides synagogue and communal leaders with a useful process and the ingredients necessary to consider important changes in the synagogue, including: Thoughtful new models for membership and synagogue financeExamples from successful synagogues, bolstered by illustrations from the private sectorPractical steps for change and implementationWith checklists for exploring and adopting alternative models from nationally recognized congregational consultant Debbie Joseph.

Open wide your mind and your community to fresh concepts of synagogue financial and spiritual success." A] welcome addition.... Replete with examples of synagogues, independent minyanim and spiritual communities that have developed creative and sometimes surprising strategies ... that ameliorate what many observers believe are obstacles to recruiting and engaging Jews into their spiritual communities." from the Foreword by Dr. Ron WolfsonThe concept of the "dues-based membership model" in synagogues was once an innovation. Now that model is in decline and sweeping change is required in order to reverse the downward trend in synagogue participation. This groundbreaking book provides synagogue and communal leaders with a useful process and the ingredients necessary to consider important changes in the synagogue, including: Thoughtful new models for membership and synagogue financeExamples from successful synagogues, bolstered by illustrations from the private sectorPractical steps for change and implementationWith checklists for exploring and adopting alternative models from nationally recognized congregational consultant Debbie Joseph."

Take a journey with Rabbis Ron Isaacs and Kerry Olitzky to discover the best seder ever! Traditional Hebrew text, accessible transliterations, and modern translations guide families through the story and practice of Pesach. Every part of the seder is introduced with WHY and HOW TO, so everyone can understand and participate. The Discovery Haggadah is great for the classroom, too! 80 full-color pages loaded with games, activities, and interesting facts.

This book is not just for Jewish people. It's for all people who would gain insight-- and strength to heal--from Jewish tradition. - All people who are in trouble with alcohol, drugs, or other addictions--food, gambling, and sex - Anyone seeking an understanding of the Twelve Steps from a Jewish perspective--regardless of religious background or affiliation - Alcoholics and addicts in recovery - Codependents - Adult children of alcoholics - Specialists in recovery and treatment An updated and expanded edition of a recovery classic. A rabbi, a psychiatrist, and many recovering Jewish people share their understanding of the Twelve Jewish Steps of recovery from addiction of all kinds based on conversations with each other--and with God. They present a Jewish perspective on the Twelve Steps and offer consolation, inspiration, and motivation for recovery--for people of all faiths and backgrounds--by drawing on traditional and contemporary Jewish sources and by sharing what recovering people say about their experiences. They explore why some Jews are uncomfortable with the Twelve Steps, as well as how the Jewish understanding of the Twelve Steps differs from the Christian understanding of it.

Wake up to the divine abundance that is all around you! This inspirational companion helps you recognize God’s gifts in the everyday world around you. For each day of the year, an inspiring quote from a Jewish source and a personal reflection on it help you focus on your spiritual life and all the things you have to be grateful for. Using both the secular and Jewish calendar as a framework, this daily devotional helps you honor the special and holy events of the year as well as identify the sacred in the mundane moments of your life. It draws on the wisdom of Jewish sources and teachings, and ancient and contemporary spiritual thinkers, to gain perspective on the abundance that is all around you—in your achievements and challenges, relationships and personal time, joy and suffering, job and home. It will help you elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary every day of the year.

Enrich your wedding with your own creative use of Jewish ritual and tradition. Wedding planning can be a stressful experience. Keeping track of all the details--deciding who to invite, choosing a caterer, arranging the reception--can sometimes lead to a couple forgetting about the bigger picture and the significance of this day in their lives: a joyous occasion that should reflect not only your personality, but your values, as well. Updated and expanded, The Creative Jewish Wedding Book, 2nd Edition, brings your complete wedding planning into focus. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer helps you express your individuality and spirituality on your wedding day. Whether your plans are traditional or alternative, whether you are planning your first or second marriage, she provides the tools you need to look at and think about ritual and tradition in new and innovative ways including: Insights and reflections from a broad range of couples who have created their own distinctive weddings Practical hands-on techniques and ideas for creating many of the ritual objects connected to a Jewish wedding--from designing your own ketubah, to making paper for invitations, to fashioning the chuppah How to express your spiritual life and values through your ceremony--now updated with more eco-friendly tips and suggestions An up-to-date guide to wedding resources in the Jewish world Inspiring and useful, The Creative Jewish Wedding Book, 2nd Edition, can help you reclaim your wedding day from the whirlwind of details and bring out the honesty and integrity you desire in your wedding experience.

This book explains the process of spiritual guidance, encourages us to seek it out, and helps prepare those who feel called to become spiritual guides. Drawing from their personal and professional experience, as well as a rich array of traditional Jewish sources, Dr. Carol Ochs and Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky explore what Judaism has to say about the spiritual journey and the ways in which spiritual guidance can help us open more fully to God's presence in our lives. Using the Book of Exodus, the Song of Songs, and the psalms as roadmaps-and sharing stories of contemporary Jews engaged in their own spiritual explorations-Ochs and Olitzky explore prayer as a relationship with God, listening as a key to recognizing all that is holy, and discernment as a way to distinguish the real from the apparent. The hardcover edition of Jewish Spiritual Guidance was first published in 1997 by Jossey Bass.

A window into Judaism's sacred days--throughout history and today. Written especially for Christians. Holy days and holidays provide the peak experiences of Jewish life. These moments speak deeply to the Jewish soul and animate Judaism's culture. They encourage Jews to participate in their shared historical experience, which reflects their covenantal relationship with God, and articulate Jewish values that have allowed for the survival of the Jewish people. But what can they mean to Christians seeking to understand their own faith?In this special book, Rabbis Olitzky and Judson guide you through the major Jewish holidays and what they mean for the Jewish people. Each chapter explores a different holiday and explains the origin, historical background, customs and rituals that are part of observance and the holiday's Christian parallels. Examining observance in both home and synagogue--and in all Jewish denominations--this easy-to-use guide to the Jewish holidays will be a valuable resource for your own understanding of Jewish sacred time throughout the year. And by linking the Jewish holidays to familiar Christian holidays and practices, you will be better able to appreciate the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and reflect your own spiritual foundation.Rosh Hashanah-New YearYom Kippur-Day of AtonementSukkot-Feast of Booths (Fall Harvest Festival)Simchat Torah-Rejoicing in the TorahHanukkah-RededicationPurim-(Festival of Survival)Pesach-PassoverShavuot-(Receiving the Torah)Tisha B'Av (Mourning and Commemoration) and Other Special DaysShabbat (Day of Rest)

Written especially for Christians, a comprehensive guide to the major Jewish holidays explores each holiday's historical development, basic information about the holiday's meaning, and the ways it is observed today. Original.

A window into the meaning of Jewish rituals throughout history and today--written especially for Christians. Ritual moments and opportunities guide the daily life of practicing Jews. These spiritual practices give expression to Jewish identity and reflect Judaism's core beliefs and values. But what can they mean to Christians seeking to understand their own faith? In this special book, Rabbis Olitzky and Judson guide you through the whys and hows of nine specific areas of Jewish ritual. Observing the Sabbath Keeping Kosher Putting on Tefillin (Prayer Boxes) Wrapping the Tallit (Prayer Shawl) Covering the Head Studying Torah Praying Daily Saying Blessings throughout the Day Going to the Ritual Bath Providing you with the biblical and historical background of each practice, insight into its contemporary use and significance--including the often divergent approaches of different Jewish movements--and personal stories from rabbis and lay people, this easy-to-understand guide illustrates the deep meaning these rituals have in the Jewish relationship with God. Linking these practices to familiar rituals in the Christian tradition, Olitzky and Judson help you better understand the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and reflect your own spiritual foundation.