Our Lives As Torah

In this powerful book, Carol Ochs shows us how to develop apersonal theology by examining our life stories, learning torecognize God at work in them, and bringing them into conversationwith Torah. Using timeless biblical texts as lenses to see thepresent, she helps us understand who we are and who God is for usby exploring the tightly interwoven basic elements of ourlives--our love, suffering, work, bodies, prayer, community, andexperiences of death. Through the process of seeing our experiences in relation toBiblical stories, we begin to recognize our lives as part of theongoing story of the Jewish people--as Torah. This insight allowsus to see these experiences as meaningful, not accidental, andopens us to recognizing God's power in and through all that happensto us. Rather than a collection of random events, our lives arepart of the Jewish people's ongoing adventure. Armed with ourpersonally shaped theology, we can face this adventure of living inthe vanguard of history with awareness and confidence.

In each devotional, Lanier reflects on the biblical text, relates the text to the struggles facing faithful readers of the Bible, and concludes with a prayer for the day.

Chapters of the Heart: Jewish Women Sharing the Torah of Our Lives invites readers into the lives of twenty women for whom Jewish language and texts provide a lens for understanding their experiences. The authors don't just use religious words (texts, theologies, or liturgies) like a cookbook. Instead they serve readers something closer to a real meal, prepared with love and intention. Each essay shares one piece of its writer's heart, one chapter of experience as refracted through the author's particular Jewish optic. The authors write about being daughters, mothers, sisters, partners, lovers, and friends. They share their experiences of parenting, infertility, and abortion. One describes accompanying her young husband through his life-threatening illness. Another tells of her daughter's struggle with an eating disorder. Still another reflects on long decline of a parent with Alzheimer's. All these writers wrestle with Jewish texts while growing as rabbis, as feminists, and as interfaith leaders. They open their hearts and minds, telling when Jewish tradition has helped make meaning and, on occasion, when it has come up empty. The results are sometimes inspiring, sometimes provocative. Readers will find new insights into God, into Judaism, and into themselves.

An accessible introduction to how to read, study, and understand Torah—the Bible and related sacred texts that have grown up around it. For everyone who wants to understand Torah, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism, and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition. Guided by Dr. Norman J. Cohen, rabbi and professor of midrash at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, The Way Into Torah helps us explore the origins and development of Torah, why it should be studied, and how to do it. What Torah is. The texts, and beyond: Not simply the Five Books of Moses, Torah refers to much more than written words. The different approaches to studying Torah. The many ways Jews have interacted with Torah through the ages and how, by learning to read Torah ourselves,we can connect it to our lives today. The levels of understanding Torah. How Torah can come alive in different ways, at different times; and how new meanings of Torah are discovered by its readers. Why Torah study is a part of the Jewish experience. How it allows us to experience God’s presence—and why the Rabbis called Torah study more important even than belief in God. This guide offers an entrance into the world of Torah, and to its meaning for our lives. The Way Into Torah shows us why reading Torah is not the same as reading anything else—and enables us to become a part of a chain of Jewish tradition that began millennia ago, and remains unbroken today.

An in-depth elucidation of "The Lost Princess", a tale by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.

This book explains the concept of Talmud Torah: what it is, different approaches to Studying, and levels of understanding.

Those who devote their early adult years to full-time Torah learning know they are living in a different reality. Their world is pure and idealistic, and their goals are spiritual. Their success is measured in the thrill of a new insight and the glimpses of Hashem's wisdom that only the Talmud can reveal. For some, the early years are only the beginning of a life-long ascent in the world of Torah. For most, however, a return trip to the material world is inevitable. This is one of the most difficult transitions a Ben Torah ever will make. It calls his entire identity and purpose into question. And yet little time is devoted to preparing for this transition in the years during which all energy is focused on Torah learning. Some get lost, and some feel misled; most are confused about how to proceed with their self-esteem and values intact. Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky has written a book that will serve as a guiding light to the many young men who are making this transition.--Back cover.

The Tapestry of Torah shines each Torah portion into the eternally woven tapestry design of God's blueprint for history; unveiling Messiah, the heart of Torah. Jennifer's Genesis Story ~ Page 82 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tapestry of Torah brings forth new understanding of the heart of Adonai and His relentless love for Israel and the Wild Olive Branch. Laura's Exodus Story ~ Page 87 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tapestry of Torah teaches fresh new lessons for our own lives today. The Lessons from the Wilderness anoint us with holy oil, etching Torah upon our hearts! Theresa's Exodus Story ~ Page 143 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tapestry of Torah sings with synergy. Sydney's writing illuminates the woven words of Adonai from the garden of His Torah; still changing lives today! Kilee's Leviticus Story ~ Page 200 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tapestry of Torah illuminates revelation from each Torah portion leading readers into the brilliant presence of Adonai! This devotional is the perfect companion for Torah study, encouraging a journal experience for readers. Carol's Numbers Story ~ Page 259 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tapestry of Torah brings the Torah portions to life each week. I see in deeply supernatural ways as never before, from the illumination of Sydney's writing. Beverly's Deuteronomy Story ~ Page 265 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Tapestry of Torah illuminates deep Hebraic meanings found in the Scriptures. By studying Torah with Sydney's devotional, one comes to know the land of milk and honey in a visceral way! Magda's Deuteronomy Story ~ Page 320