Miscellaneous

  1. Which mother has not felt that twinge of panic when their toddler goes missing momentarily?

    You turn your head for a second, and a little one can make a quicker getaway than students exiting a classroom at the sound of a recess bell. Almost always, children are thankfully found unharmed – they climbed behind the sofa, they hid in the closet, or they ran to the next aisle at the supermarket... Shauli Mordehai was a typically active toddler who enjoyed the disappearing act. So it followed that his house was extra, extra “child-proofed” with all the safety mechanisms available at the time. And it goes with out saying that there was ALWAYS at least one adult watching Shauli, his twin, Daniella, and their three-year-old sister, Eveline. Usually, it was two or three adults on call.

    The Mordehai household continued its “active duty” watching the twins, until one day, the unthinkable happened. Who could have imagined that a little boy not even two years old could UNLOCK and OPEN a sliding glass door – in the space of a few seconds that the caregivers focused attention away. That sliding glass door, unfortunately, led to an unused, backyard built-in swimming pool. The pool was secured with a taught tarp, but one small area had become loose. Shauli followed a ball that fell under the tarp, and then he fell into the pool, where a few inches of rain water deprived him of life-giving oxygen.

    This book chronicles Shauli’s life following the accident, and shows how a “regular family” developed super-human strength. The Mordehais, along with an amazing cadre of volunteers, never gave up hope, and never wavered in their immutable faith in the Master Healer. Learn More

  2. “There is a secret panel beneath the carpet in my bedroom. Under a hidden floorboard, there is money and a cache of diamonds, for emergencies like this. If you see that I am delayed returning, you will take Mamme and the rest of the family, along with the hidden valuables, and cross the river to find me.”

    Amidst falling bombs and enemy approach, Tatte leaves Reginna with a mission to bring Mamme and the family across the San River to the relative safety of the Soviet side. She promises Tatte she will do it. She is sixteen years old.

    Following Tatte’s instructions, she bundles her family away from the German invasion and crosses the river that now designates the border between Germany and Soviet Russia. She leaves her hometown of Yaroslav far behind. Withstanding loss and years of enforced imprisonment in Siberia, she is relentless in her quest of finding her beloved Tatte, of protecting her ill Mamme, and of keeping her family together. Never losing faith, she holds tight to her belief that the Aibeshter is with her. And that she and her family will survive.

    Based on the true story of Rivkah bas Moshe Yosef Learn More

  3. The United States Congress President in 1991 endorsed a set of seven universal ethical principles, known as the Noahide Laws, as the "bedrock of society since the dawn of civilization" and as values "upon which our great nation was founded." Associated with the name of Noah, with whom this moral code was completed, practised by Abraham and reiterated at Sinai, these principles constitute the root ethical code of humanity. At a time of great moral and social drift, when both individuals and legislators seek an objective and universal moral compass, these timeless laws have a special relevance and a unifying resonance over different cultures, societies and traditions.

    The first part of this book sets out the idea or theory of the Noahide laws - from spiritual, philosophical, psychological, social and political perspectives. Various of its contents have already been before leaders, including international statesmen (whose letters are included here), who have responded with encouragement for their study and dissemination.

    The second part of the book presents the concrete conduct or practice of the Noahide laws. This precise task proceeds from extensive research into the Tradition of commentary on the Revelation at Sinai, of which the Noahide laws (already previously the moral covenant of humanity, but which were authoritively restated at Sinai) form a part. The way the Noahide Laws in their detail structure the ethical conduct of the major domains of human existence is set out clearly for the general reader; and with extensive footnotes and references for those seeking further study. Learn More

  4. The Observant Jew, A refreshing new look at the world

    Did you ever notice…? Jonathan Gewirtz most likely did and in his syndicated weekly column, "The Observant Jew," he combines humor and inspiration into a new, unique genre that is at once both entertaining and uplifting. Offering a Torah perspective on everyday occurrences and a positive, optimistic outlook on life, these words touch the heart and soul of readers around the world.

    This book is a collection of some of his most-popular articles, and these bite-size morsels are perfect light reading whether you need some down time or a quick pick-me-up. Advocating fun with a purpose, you will laugh, enjoy, and find your eyes opened to new vistas and ways to view your daily experiences. You’ll begin to see things in a new light and notice things that used to pass you right by. Who knows? This book may just make you a more “observant” Jew. Learn More

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