Basic Judaism

  1. The study of Shulchan Aruch at times is very challenging in terms of clarifying the ‎final stance of the learned subject. This especially applies in instances that many cases ‎and opinions exist within a given topic. In addition, throughout the generations ‎hundreds of practical questions on the laws in Shulchan Aruch arose. Even amongst ‎the currently available English literature, the opinion of the greatest of the Achronim, ‎the Shulchan Aruch Harav, is many times omitted or not given its proper presence. ‎This Sefer tackles all the above deficiencies. A clear summary of the rulings of ‎Shulchan Aruch Harav, in the order of his Shulchan Aruch, together with hundreds of ‎practical Q&A that were compiled from classical Halachic sources. All this is ‎compiled with an emphasis of the Chabad custom and informative footnotes that lend ‎the reader background information and other opinions voiced on the subject matter.

    The current Sefer is a thorough summary of the first seven chapters in Shulchan Aruch and chapters 46-47, and covers all the ‎laws relevant to morning conduct. Follows the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch Harav with Chabad Minhagim. ‎Contains a wealth of fascinating footnotes that gives the reader great background knowledge, useful and ‎interesting information, and a glimpse of opinions held by other Poskim, such as the Michaber and Mishneh ‎Berurah. Contains Hundreds of practical Q&A with insights from Chassidus and Kabala!‎

    It covers questions such as:‎

    In what position of the hands did the Rebbe Rayatz state one is to perform Modeh Ani?‎

    Is one to cover his Neigal Vasser prior to sleep?‎

    May one delay the Bracha of Netilas Yadayim until after Mikveh?‎

    How is one to get dressed-up to down or down to up?‎

    Must one wash hands after cutting another person's nails?‎

    May one enter a dollar bill into the bathroom?‎

    May one recite Birchas Hashachar prior to morning?‎

    And hundreds more of practical questions that have been compiled from the sea of Poskim all with an ‎emphasis on the opinion of the Alter Rebbe and the aged Chabad custom.‎

    Haskamas were assigned to the book by leading Chabad Rabbanim.‎ Learn More

  2. In times past, the average Jewish person was born in a shtetl, a small Jewish town,with a local kosher baker and fish market,with pious people in the study halls, and a Rabbi who knew both you (and your grandparents) by name. The spirit of the next holiday permeated the air. Life was rich. People were sincere. Jewish knowledge was simply absorbed from daily life. Tradition was cherished.

    In our own times, the shtetl walls have come down. In Western society, Jewish beliefs and customs are largely ignored - and sometimes scorned. These days, nothing is automatic. Individuals must make their own choices and ask themselves:Does Judaism make sense? Can a modern, thinking person identify with traditional Judaism?

    In this remarkable book, Jewish belief is explained clearly and logically, for both the beginner and scholar, using a wide variety of both ancient and modern sources.This fascinating book shows that there is a rational way of understanding traditional Jewish values.

    About the author:

    Rabbi Taylor serves as the Director of Adult Education and Outreach at the Chabad of Plantation. As an erudite and inspirational young scholar, Rabbi Taylor has become a sought-after educator and speaker.

    Reviews:

    Your book, Pillars of Faith, will enlighten the understanding of all who follow the laws of the Torah, and serve as a source of knowledge and inspiration for those who are seeking a life of truth. --Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky

    …an invaluable aid to introduce one to the foundations of Jewish belief and also to inspire and strengthen the faith of those already on the Torah path. --Rabbi Zev Leff

    Impressive… clear and logical explanations of many difficult and complicated subjects. --Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz Learn More

  3. For all those seeking the truth of Torah, the writings of HaRav Chaim Zimmerman zt"l are required reading. Torah & Rationalism is presented for the two different readers.

    For the Torah Jew, this book will intellectually secure his mind by demonstrating the structure of Torah and Halachah in a rational way. And, for the person who lacks an understanding of Torah, but is seeking the truth. For this individual, this book will provide a unique system of thinking, and challenge the reader with a genuine test of their search. Learn More

  4. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Jewish History and Culture Learn More
  5. A High-Level Look at Judaism--Honest, Insightful, and Innovative Learn More

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