A collection of original stories by acclaimed author Rabbi Zoë Klein, Candle, Feather, Wooden Spoon invites readers on a magical, mystical journey. With settings both traditional and contemporary, the stories each highlight an essential aspect of living a meaningful Jewish life. Appropriate for all ages, the many tales include "Time Palace," a legend of how the Jewish people created Shabbat; "Yofiel," the story of an angel who keeps revealing the secrets of Torah; "Shalom Bayit," imagining the chuppah as a metaphor for powerful social change; and "Candle, Feather, Wooden Spoon," which reframes these traditional Passover objects as tools for intergenerational healing. Whether you're a rabbi, cantor, or educator—the storytellers of our community—or just a lover of stories, this book is sure to stir your heart and inspire your spirit.

This issue of the CCAR Journal is dedicated to honoring the seventy-fifth anniversary of Israel. Articles discuss what it means to be Jewish in the Jewish State, the presence of the Reform Movement in Israel, and the relationship that exists between Diaspora Jews and Zionism, among other topics. Book reviews and poems are also included.

An anthology of essays written by a wide cross-section of rabbis, Lights in the Forest presents a range of Jewish responses to both theological and philosophical questions pertaining to God, humanity, and the Jewish people. Thoughtful and engaging, these responses are meant to strengthen the reader's sense of Jewish identity through expanding his or her knowledge and understanding of Jewish life, practice, and tradition. Perfect for self-study, group study, adult learning, and conversion, the collection strives to encourage further study and ongoing discussion through presenting Judaism's intellectual and spiritual tools as means for leading a life full of purpose and commitment “Rabbi Israel of Rhyszin tells a story of two people entering a forest. One has a lantern while one does not. The two meet, and the one carrying the lantern is able to illuminate their shared path. When the two part, the one without a lantern is left in the dark once more. From this, we learn that we all must carry our own light. My hope is that this book will provide light along the path and, in so doing, will provide a wider horizon of Jewish tradition and ideals to light the way.” - Rabbi Paul Citrin, Editor Published by CCAR Press, a division of the Central Conference of American Rabbis

The Wonder and Majesty of God's Festivals and Holy Days demonstrates God's love for these special days, the history associated with them as well as how they declare His plan for mankind. Come and join me on this incredible journey into our Creator's marvelous festivals and holy days. Your faith will be strengthened and a more intimate relationship with Jesus will be developed.

Sammy leads young children through the steps of the Passover seder, telling the story of the Exodus, asking and answering the Four Questions, and sampling the traditional foods. Includes creative readings and songs, as well as colorful paper collage art by Katherine Janus Kahn.

Recent years have seen an increased interest in Jewish life, its culture, and its celebrations. There are many new students of Judaism, often potential converts or members of interfaith families who are seeking to learn more about the religion and its rituals. Unfortunately, many of the existing texts that examine the Jewish holidays are written in a dry, unexciting way, making it difficult for the reader to retain much information. For those seeking to learn more about Jewish celebrations, Cantor Matt Axelrod has written Your Guide to the Jewish Holidays: From Shofar to Seder. Intended for the reader who has no prior knowledge about the Jewish holidays as well as the reader who knows the basics about the holidays but wants to understand the holidays on a deeper level, Axelrod’s book takes a humorous, light-hearted look at the 11 most important Jewish holidays. Instead of simply explaining that Jews are obligated to observe in a certain way because of a biblical text, Axelrod shows where each holiday, along with its rituals, came from in a historical context. He provides a humorous retelling of the biblical passages relating to the holiday, explorations of rituals associated with each holiday, and descriptions of traditional foods. Your Guide to the Jewish Holidays also features special sections labeled “In Depth” or “Perfect for Families” that expand upon elements of each holiday in ways that provide greater understanding of traditions or that invite the reader to get the rest of the family involved.

Looking to help your children appreciate the events of Pesach and Shavuos? You Left Mitzrayim! will help you transmit the message of these times. Learn about the cruelty and hardship of the Egyptian exile, the miracles of the plagues, and the awesome experience of standing at Har Sinai.Then, connect them to our present-day routines of Pesach cleaning, matzah baking, checking for chametz, and counting the Omer -- and other topics to discuss with your children.You Left Mitzrayim! also includes a Haggadah Companion to enhance your Pesach seder. The secret to really connecting to and reliving Yetzias Mitzrayim lies in being able to relate and understand the events of Pesach. The Haggadah Companion contains selected Midrashim in story form, telling the tale of the Exodus from Egypt in vivid detail. You'll feel as if you were there! And most importantly, your children will, as well.

The essential guide to Jewish fun in the classroom! This celebration of Jewish life is the ideal guide for teachers who want to put a new spin on classroom holiday celebrations, lessons on Jewish traditions, and everyday activities. The Jewish Lights Book of Fun Classroom Activities is full of crafts, recipes, games, and history that will captivate your class and help your students connect with Judaism in fun, creative ways. With over eighty easy-to-do activities that re-invigorate age-old Jewish customs and make them fun for students and teachers alike, this book is more than just kids’ stuff. It’s about taking Jewish education to a new level—one that is both enriching and entertaining. Enhance Rosh Hashanah observance by making a toy shofar. Create a tree centerpiece for the Tu B’Shvat seder table. Explore the Jewish connections to secular American holidays. Learn and teach an Israeli folk dance. However you use this lively guide, you’ll find your class taking an active approach to exploring Jewish tradition and having fun along the way!

The Jewish holidays are not really Jewish -- they are G-ds! He commands the observance of the holidays in Leviticus 23 and refers to them as, My feasts, belonging to Him and not to the people. Much of the teaching derived from these special days is the foundational milk the early church was built upon. Today, they are a mystery. Nestled within the ancient traditions (observed to this day) are secrets spelling out the events occurring at the end of the age. Open a doorway into a world that is both past and future; a world that is the undiscovered territory to a majority of people in the two major religions calling the Bible G-ds Holy Word.

LAST STOP: DUISBURG is the retelling of the captivating true story of the Rechtschaffen family, from forefathers born in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains to present day descendants around the world. One family’s heroic story to keep hope alive against unimaginable brutality during extraordinary times, and their constant faith while surrounded by antisemitism. From the pogroms in Eastern Europe to the horrific rise of Hitler, the Rechtschaffen’s navigated through incredible obstacles; their history is a testament to courage and enduring faith, and their story exposes the best and the worst humanity has to offer. Candace Rechtschaffen-Gillhoolley was born in New York City and grew up in Scarsdale, New York. She attended Barnard College of Columbia University and double majored in English and Women Studies. She immigrated to Montreal, Quebec where she lives with her husband Sean of 25 years and her two teenagers Ronin and Autumn. She is a proud American and Canadian dual citizen. This is her first novel.