Saturday, January 1, 2011

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

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

Charged with the grave crime of treason, the founder of Chabad- Lubavitch Chassidism was arrested and imprisoned by the Czarist regime in the year 1798. The charges were the result of a malicious slander brought before the government by his opponents. His only "crimes" were 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. Ultimately he was cleared of the charges and released, his teachings vindicated. The day of his liberation, the 19th of Kislev, has since become recognized as a historic milestone in the development of the Chassidic movement.

New Book Release: The Handy Psychology Answer Book

The Handy Psychology Answer Book by Lisa Cohen

Famous psychologists -- Freud, Jung, Adler, Erickson -- were once known to almost everyone and there was a time that basic psychological ideas permeated the popular culture.

Ever since then, psychology has become either all entertainment with little substance or pure substance but dryly academic. This book incorporates the best of both approaches. It provides real substance in an accessible, engaging and entertaining way.

Featuring more than 800 answers to questions of how the human mind and the science of psychology really work, this fascinating discussion gives you the real facts of modern psychology along with fun factoids and thought provoking insights into what motivates our behavior.

The Handy Psychology Book covers the fundamentals of psychology, the history of psychology, plus the psychology of money, sex, morality and everyday living. This intriguing exploration gives insight into the current science of the mind by answering questions such as What makes a marriage last? Why do toddlers have temper tantrums? and Are people happier in wealthier countries?

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

New Book Release: Feminine Faith

Feminine Faith by Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn

When the Jews served the golden calf during their sojourn in the wilderness, says the Midrash, the woman refused to join them. Feminine Faith traces the roots of the feminine within the supernal realms, and explores its relationship to woman and how it translated into their aversion for unholy and ungodly worship. Why are woman more sensitive than men to G-ds role in earthly events and His mastery over creation? In this discourse, Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn, fourth leader of Chabad Lubavitch (1834-1882), explores G-ds unity and immanence in the world, and the innate sensitivity that woman posses to spirituality.

New Book Release: Full Devotion

Full Devotion by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson

Referred to as a landmark discourse, delivered by the Rebbe barely two years after ascending to the leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch, this discourse is perhaps unique among all of the Rebbe`s teachings in the sense that its message required a retooling of our conception of divine service. It discusses the self-satisfaction that might result from our love and awe of G-d, and that contemplating the fact that our days upon earth need to be utilized to the fullest serves to remove any such feelings of satisfaction.

Even without having been present, the reader can sense the immeasurable devotion emanating from the mind and heart of a true servant of G-d, as he charges us with the task of continuously choosing to look beyond ourselves, with FULL DEVOTION, to see G-d`s love for us, which in turn, will make us successful in loving and serving him.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

New Book Release: Jewish Living

Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice by Mark Washofsky

This definitive guide for Reform Jewish practice is a complete source for those who wish to incorporate Jewish practice into their everyday life. Mark Washofsky, a highly respected professor at Hebrew Union College, leads the reader to an understanding of the whole of Jewish life-from blessings to bar/bat mitzvah, Havdalah to haftarah, and tikkun olam to tikkun Leil Shavuot. This user-friendly compendium for living a Jewish life is a wonderful tool for those seeking an understanding of current Reform Jewish practice.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

New Book Release: Real Monsters

Real Monsters, Gruesome Critters, and Beasts from the Darkside by Brad Steiger

Spotlighting news articles, historical accounts, and first-person interviews, this chronicle of human interactions with monsters will convince even the most hardened skeptic of the existence of the bogeyman, bigfoot, werewolves, and swamp creatures. Offering an array of wild reports—from the police officer who begrudgingly responded to a call about a long-haired woman flying over a suburban neighborhood only to find himself calling for backup when she attacked his patrol car to the motorist whose headlights illuminated a seven-foot tall, wolf-like creature that stood on its hind legs—this historical record highlights scary and unbelievable narratives. From slightly demented humans to spine-tingling paranormal encounters, each outlandish occurrence is detailed with thorough research and recounted with a storyteller's crafted voice.

New Book Release: The Vampire Book

The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead, 3rd Edition by J. Gordon Melton

Death and immortality, sexual prowess and surrender, intimacy and alienation, rebellion and temptation. The allure of the vampire is eternal. The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead, 3rd edition, explores the historical, literary, mythological, biographical, and popular aspects of one of the world's most mesmerizing paranormal subject. This vast reference is an alphabetical tour of the psychosexual, macabre world of the soul-sucking undead.

In the first fully revised and updated edition in a decade, Dr. J. Gordon Melton (president of the American chapter of the Transylvania Society of Dracula) bites even deeper into vampire lore, myths, reported realities, and legends that come from all around the world. From Vlad the Impaler to Dracula and from modern literature to movies and TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, Twilight, and The Vampire Lestat, this exhaustive guide furnishes more than 400 essays to quench your thirst for facts, biographies, definitions, and more.