New Book Release: The Arrest and Liberation of R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi

The Arrest and Liberation of R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi by R. A. Chanoch Glitzenstein

The History of Yud-Tes Kislev Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad- Lubavitch Chassidism was arrested, persecuted, and imprisoned in the year 1798 for his selfless efforts to strengthen the Jewish people and to disseminate Chassidic teachings.

Rabbi Schneur Zalman's arrest imperiled not only his own life, but also the future of Chassidism. On the 19th of Kislev that year, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi was freed from his severe imprisonment in Petersburg, Russia, cleared of charges and with his teachings vindicated.

This book explores this noteworthy turning point in the Chasidic movement, and its importance as a milestone in Jewish History.

New Book Release: The Divine Commandments

The Divine Commandments by R. Nissan Mindel

The philosophical and mystical significance of the Mitzvot - the Divine precepts of the Torah - are succinctly explained in this classic essay by a distinguished author and scholar of Chasidism.

The Divine Commandments Provides insight into the power of tangible deed as a means of bringing life and Divine benevolence into the physical world, this brief work answers many basic questions about man and G-d.

New Book Release: Channeling the Divine

Channeling the Divine by R. Avraham D. Vaisfiche, ed.

Originally delivered by Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah in 5634 (1873). The discourse`s main theme is the cosmic impact of performing the mitzvah of tefillin, and the special connection between this mitzvah and the age of Bar Mitzvah.

  

The Bar Mitzvah, the day a Jewish boy turns thirteen, is a turning point in his life. He comes of age, becoming responsible for adherence to the Mitzvot and fully accountable for his actions and every one celebrates. Chabad Chasidim mark this milestone by having the Bar Mitzvah boy publicly deliver this discourse.

New Book Release: Theologizing Place in Displacement

Theologizing Place in Displacement: Reconciling, Remaking, and Reimagining Place in the Republic of Georgia by Curtis W. Elliott

Displacement of peoples around the world continues to impact governmental policies and contest national identities. At the micro level, displacement's impact on the religious lives of those affected by displacement is a growing field of study and worthy of consideration as a form of self-theologizing and religious renewal. Theologizing Place in Displacement looks at the process of theologizing about place among displaced Orthodox Christian believers in the Republic of Georgia and outlines three key areas where a local theology takes shape around key Orthodox theological themes.

New Book Release: Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel: Teacher, Mentor, and Friend by Alan Berger, ed.

Who was Elie Wiesel? He was a Holocaust survivor, Nobel peace laureate, activist on behalf of the oppressed, a teacher, a writer, and friend of humanity. Born into an observant Jewish family in Sighet, Rumania, he was a God-intoxicated youth who survived the Shoah. As an adult he moved easily among presidents and prime ministers but was equally at home among the poor and disenfranchised. The reflections in this volume come judges in the Elie Wiesel Ethics Essay contest. They share their personal and professional experiences working with and learning from Wiesel and provide a glimpse of the person behind the public figure. At a time when the future looks ominous, these reflections collectively hold out the promise of a more ethical and morally robust future. Their message reflects Wiesel’s message about the abiding necessity of friendship; the importance of interrogating without abandoning God; the fact that everyone has a share in remembering—an obligation to remember—the past in order to construct a better future; and the importance of fighting against indifference. If we want to repair the world, we need to repair relations with each other and with ourselves.

New Book Release: Handy Texas

The Handy Texas Answer Book by James L. Haley

Texas is the country's second largest state by size and population. It has a unique and varied history, having been ruled by a succession of nations—from which the term “six flags over Texas” sprang—before becoming an independent republic. From its traditional oil, cattle, and cotton industries to the modern energy, electronics, computer, aerospace, and biomedical industries, Texas has become an economic powerhouse. It’s known for its low taxes, diverse population, thriving universities, and art scenes. Exploring the state’s fascinating history, people, myths, culture, and trivia, The Handy Texas Answer Book takes an in-depth look at this fascinating and diverse state with the bigger-than-life personality.

Learn about the original Indigenous peoples, the Spanish, French, and Mexican colonizations, the independence from Mexico, the ties to the Confederacy and United States, devastating hurricanes, football culture, fast-growing cities and urban sprawl, food, attitude, and much, much more. Tour landmarks from the Alamo and cattle ranches to the Rio Grande and the state capital. Learn about famous sons and daughters, including Lyndon Johnson, Sam Houston, Howard Hughes, Janis Joplin, and Renée Zellweger. Sports (both college and professional) are illuminated. The government, parks, and cultural institutions are all packed into this comprehensive guide to the state of Texas. Find answers to more than 850 questions, including: 

• What is the origin of “Howdy?”

• Where in Texas can you find all three kinds of dinosaur tracks in one place?

• Where can gold be found in Texas?

• How did we come to have “Dr. Pepper”?

• Is it true that Texas’s annexation to the United States was never really legal?

• How did Texas women get to vote a year before women in the rest of the United States?

• What Texan became the most-decorated soldier in World War II?

• Is it true that the only Texas governor to die in office expired in the arms of his mistress?

• How did Texas transform from solidly Democratic to solidly Republican?

• How did the discovery of Texas oil change the face of American business?

• How did rodeos originate?

• What was the University of Texas mascot before there was Bevo the Longhorn?

• What was the slightly dishonest secret of UT’s early success in baseball?

• What is so special about the television show Austin City Limits?

• What are the “Marfa Lights”?

• How many Texas convicts have been freed after proving their innocence with DNA?

• What is the Cuero Turkey Trot?

Illustrating the unique character of the state through a combination of facts, stats, and history, as well as the unusual and quirky, The Handy Texas Answer Book answers intriguing questions about people, places, events, government, and places of interest. This informative book also includes a helpful bibliography and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness.

New Book Release: Spelled in Blue

Spelled in Blue by Crymsyn Hart

Amanda moved to Ravensfield for a fresh start, but before that can happen she needs a handyman to fix a few things around the house. While searching for one in town, she falls victim to a town conspiracy. Someone is out to get her and the memebers of the town council. But that isn't the only thing. The town's residents aren't what they seem.

With everyone being a suspect, Amanda isn't sure who to trust. Although Simon, the handyman, helps her out in a pinch. Just when she thinks she might be safe, everything turns on its head and Amanda doesn't know who to turn to. The danger grows. The death toll rises. If the killer isn't found soon, then she might be next.