Howard Cooper

The classic and beloved guide to the cultural and spiritual treasures of Judaism; Living a Jewish Life is a primer on Jewish vocabulary, holidays, life cycle events, as well as a handbook for how to make Jewish choices for yourself in our ever-changing modern world. Living a Jewish Life describes Judaism as not just a contemplative or abstract system of thought but as a blueprint for living fully and honorably. This new edition builds on the classic guide, which has been a favorite among Jewish educators and students for years. Enriched with additional resources, including online resources, this updated guide also references recent changes in the modern Jewish community, and has served as a resource and guide for non–Jews as well as Jews. Addressing the choices posed by the modern world, Living a Jewish Life explains the traditions and beliefs of Judaism in the context of real life. It explores the spectrum of liberal Jewish thought, from Conservative to Reconstructionist to Reform, as well as unaffiliated, new age, and secular. Celebrating the diversity of Jewish beliefs, this guide provides information in ways that readers can choose how to incorporate Judaism into their lives. There are no “shoulds” in Living a Jewish Life, just the foundation needed to understand the whys, supported by the Torah, traditional Jewish Law, interpretive texts such as the Midrash, and the sweep of Jewish historyReaders will learn how to choose the right synagogue, and discover the meaning and significance of lighting Sabbath candles. "Shabbat," "Torah," "kosher," "mitzvah" and other key words are all defined in all of their complex and potent meanings. On the most basic level, this book explains the essential Jewish vocabulary, but more importantly, Living a Jewish Life is a sensitive and comprehensive introduction that reveals the timeless nature of Jewish tradition, rich with history and relevant in the modern world.

What does it mean to be Jewish? Are there different ways of being Jewish? Can you be Jewish but not religious? In this friendly guide, 12-year-old Ruth explains the different ways a person can experience being Jewish, by introducing us to her family and friends. Documenting the lived experience of being Jewish, the book contains diary entries covering festivals, rituals, ethics, and what a relationship with God entails, as well as more challenging topics such as Israel, the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. Providing an excellent starting point for discussion with children, it also includes a helpful list of recommended sources for further information.

Did you know that you are of great importance to the universe? You are part of a mosaic of life, and you have meaning. This is not intended to make you feel good or bad. It is a fact of third dimensional reality and beyond. You are an ingredient in the flow of history, but the reasons why can seem a mystery. Only you hold the key to your existence. What is the meaning of life? What is your ultimate destination? We liken the journey of life to walking the path of a labyrinth. The initial step of the journey is to simply realize what exists in the world today; the second is to realize the parts we play. The third step highlights issues that interfere with our potential and provides tools to set us free. The fourth reflects a vision of the future that is totally dependent on our willingness to step beyond our current world conditions and level of consciousness. As we travel through this lifelong labyrinth of third dimensional reality, we must keep in mind that there are many paths but only one journey. This path that you now walk is the key to the great mystery of existenceyour existence. Finding purpose is a logical goal, and in part, that is necessary but there is a greater mystery to solve on your journey. Are you ready to find the answers?

Did you know that you are of great importance to the universe? You are part of a mosaic of life, and you have meaning. This is not intended to make you feel good or bad. It is a fact of third dimensional reality and beyond. You are an ingredient in the flow of history, but the reasons why can seem a mystery. Only you hold the key to your existence. What is the meaning of life? What is your ultimate destination? We liken the journey of life to walking the path of a labyrinth. The initial step of the journey is to simply realize what exists in the world today; the second is to realize the parts we play. The third step highlights issues that interfere with our potential and provides tools to set us free. The fourth reflects a vision of the future that is totally dependent on our willingness to step beyond our current world conditions and level of consciousness. As we travel through this lifelong labyrinth of third dimensional reality, we must keep in mind that there are many paths but only one journey. This path that you now walk is the key to the great mystery of existenceyour existence. Finding purpose is a logical goal, and in part, that is necessary but there is a greater mystery to solve on your journey. Are you ready to find the answers?

Paradise is not some far-off distant time or place, nor is it beyond death. It is here and now ,according to Howard Cooper—one of the most eloquent new voices in spirituality. The Alphabet of Paradise contains twenty-six chapters, A–Z, on such topics as: Awe • Bodies • Creativity • Dreams • Emotions • Food • Humor • Illness • Justice • Kabbalah • Love • Money Throughout each, Cooper uses the ancient Jewish mystical interpretive technique of PaRDeS, examining: • The Plain or literal meaning of the subject • Reminders, hints, or allusions that the subject evokes • Deeper spiritual meanings • And the Secret or mystical meanings that are sometimes present Demonstrating a remarkable range of cultural understanding and spiritual insight—from Salman Rushdie to soccer to sauerkraut—The Alphabet of Paradise uncovers the mystical meaning of our everyday lives.

Paradise is not some far-off distant time or place, nor is it beyond death. It is here and now ,according to Howard Cooper—one of the most eloquent new voices in spirituality. The Alphabet of Paradise contains twenty-six chapters, A–Z, on such topics as: Awe • Bodies • Creativity • Dreams • Emotions • Food • Humor • Illness • Justice • Kabbalah • Love • Money Throughout each, Cooper uses the ancient Jewish mystical interpretive technique of PaRDeS, examining: • The Plain or literal meaning of the subject • Reminders, hints, or allusions that the subject evokes • Deeper spiritual meanings • And the Secret or mystical meanings that are sometimes present Demonstrating a remarkable range of cultural understanding and spiritual insight—from Salman Rushdie to soccer to sauerkraut—The Alphabet of Paradise uncovers the mystical meaning of our everyday lives.