Basic Judaism

  1. Torah-Based Psychotherapy and Tools for Growth and Healing Learn More
  2. Exploring the True Meaning of Simchas Hachaim and the Eternal Value of a Yid

    We all know that as Yidden we are required to serve Hashem with joy. More than just a ticket to a pleasant life, it is clear that simchah is an inseparable part of avodas Hashem.

    But how do we maintain a joyful attitude today, when there is so much pulling us down?

    The answer is emunah.

    In the first two books of this series, The Heart of Emunah and The Soul of Emunah, which have impacted thousands, Rabbi Ruven Schmelczer explains that emunah is connecting to ruchniyus and seeing it as the reality. It is knowing that nothing, not even the smallest movement, that a Yid does is insignificant.

    Now, in this third volume - which can be read as a companion to the first two or as a standalone work - Rabbi Schmelczer delves into the different aspects of emunah, using fascinating stories, parables, and sources, augmented by a comprehensive Hebrew footnote section that's a complete limud of its own, to demonstrate that a Jew who has emunah can't help but feel simchah.

    Because when a Yid realizes that he possesses a neshamah sourced in the light of the Shechinah and that his every positive act will generate endless reward-

    When he recognizes that he is completely dependent upon his loving Father, Who takes care of His every need and answers his every cry-

    When he understands that he is a member of the Chosen People, a direct recipient of our treasured mesorah-

    He is filled with the purest joy.

    This is not like the fleeting happiness that results from worldly pleasures. It is true simchah, a joy that's authentic and everlasting.

    A joy born of the realization of how incredibly lucky he is to be a Yid. Learn More

  3. בְּטַח בַּה' וַעֲשֵׂה טוֹב שְׁכָן אֶרֶץ וּרְעֵה אֱמוּנָה (תהילים לז, ג)

    Trust in Hashem and do good; dwell in the land and nourish emunah (Tehillim 37:3)

    A person is put in this world to embark on a journey, and what must accompany him is his emunah. Each and every person must explore his world and see in it the existence of Hashem and his dependence on Him.

    The deep, informative, and inspiring shiurim of Rav Moshe Shapiro zt”l on the Rambam’s Thirteen Principles of Emunah achieved wide popularity through the groundbreaking Hebrew sefer Re’eh Emunah. Now, this seminal classic has been carefully and faithfully adapted into English by Rav Shapiro’s son-in-law to enlighten and nourish anew.

    With his profound understanding and comprehensive wisdom, Rav Shapiro explains the Thirteen Principles in a way that gives each individual the ability to embark on his own personal journey and to reveal Hashem in every aspect of his life.

    I put much effort into these shiurim, to formulate them and direct them toward the hearts of the listeners.

    Rav Moshe Shapiro, Foreword to the Hebrew edition Learn More

  4. Understanding Judaism, A basic guide to Jewish faith, history, and practice Learn More
  5. Gateway to Judaism, The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life Learn More
  6. On Judaism, Conversations on being Jewish in today's world.

    Have you ever wondered what it means to be a Jew? Why Judaism is still relevant in the modern world? What Judaism says about such topics as faith...covenant...chosen people...ethics...mitzvah observance...kashruth...love...G-d...sin...holiness... pleasure...Shabbos...prayer...Torah...food...countless other matters?

    David wondered, too. So he had some probing conversations with his rabbi. David asks the questions you would - the answers will enlighten you and put your mind into high gear.

    In these conversations between David and the rabbi, Judaism becomes exciting and stimulating, a joyous adventure of mind and body. It makes demands and offers rewards. And most of all, it is as fresh today as it was thousands of years ago.

    With knowledge, erudition, humor, good taste, tolerance, and elegant expression, David's rabbi gives shape and meaning to Judaism. His beginning and end is the Torah and its eternal tradition; his idiom is David's, his setting is our world. To those who think that Judaism is long on ritual and short on logic, the rabbi shows how it is a seamless whole, with the commandments flowing from the central core of faith and values. Far from being other-worldly or esoteric, Judaism is practical and constructive, obsessed only with the mission of perfecting people and their world through service to their Creator.

    Especially today, when Jewry is so divided within itself, when both interest in authentic Judaism and estrangement from all its traditional forms are reaching new heights, this work is needed. And it responds to the need. Few books are simultaneously so important, useful, and enjoyable.

    About the Author

    Rabbi Emanuel Feldman is one of the most respected and successful figures in the history of the American rabbinate. In over thirty-five years in Atlanta, he virtually created one of America's finest Orthodox communities. He is Editor-in-Chief of Tradition, a scholarly quarterly, author of three books and of over a hundred articles in such journals as Saturday Review and The New Republic; former adjunct professor at Emory University Law School; and Senior Lecturer at Bar Ilan University. Author, editor, graceful writer, incisive thinker, and superb commentator - Rabbi Feldman distills a lifetime of accumulated wisdom and experience in this masterful book. Learn More

  7. The Nineteen Letters

    Writing under the pen name "ben Uziel," Hirsch presents his original view of Judaism in the form of a fictional correspondence between a young rabbi and philosopher, and a youthful intellectual. With extensive commentary by Rabbi Joseph Elias. Learn More

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