kiruv.com

• The Eye of a Needle, by Yitzchak Coopersmith

An eye-opening look at the foundations of Judaism -- designed for the observant Jew who wishes to venture into the world of kiruv. This comprehensive, well-organized primer lays a solid foundation for one's own hashkafah, as well as providing useful techniques and answers which will be useful when involved with outreach.

• Shmooze: A Guide to Thought-Provoking Discussions on Essential Jewish Issues, by Nechemia Coopersmith

Don't let the small, convenient size of this book deceive you. It is a veritable powerhouse of thought-provoking, discussion-stimulating nuggets, opening up the world of Judaism to everyone. Explores such issues as true friendship, love, intermarriage, moral responsibility, and the value of life. Essential for youth groups, campus meets, and anywhere you want to start up a lively, gratifying, Jewish discussion. In Pocket-Paperback format.

•Triumph: Inspiring True Stories of Challenge and Spiritual Growth

Triumph features 27 personal accounts of people who meet — and conquer — their challenges with courage and determination. Top Jewish educators and writers take us on their extraordinary journey of faith and spiritual growth. Brimming with humor, insight and everyday acts of heroism, Triumph is the ideal gift for every type of Jew.

• Heaven on Earth, Edited by Nechemia Coopersmith & Shraga Simmons

An anthology of 54 inspiring essays, and chronicles a wide range of spiritual journeys that demonstrate how to bring spirituality into everyday life.

•What the Angel Taught You: 7 Keys to Life Fulfillment, by Rav Noah Weinberg and Yaakov Salomon

Two world-renowned educators collaborate to ask and answer some of life's most compelling questions. Insightful, humorous and user-friendly.

• Let's Face It : 8 Essential Challenges of Living, by Tziporah Heller

A treasure-trove of uplifting approaches to dealing with life's major challenges: Suffering, Happiness, Anger, Self-Change, Relationships, Death, Prayer, and Parenting.

•The Committed Life, by Esther Jungreis

For anyone longing to connect with the ancient teachings of the past in order to live a better life today, inspirational spiritual leader Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis offers a perfect modern guide. Each chapter offers its own riveting lesson on such pivotal subjects as responsibility, forgiveness, banishing fear, gratitude, anger, committing to marriage, depression, faith, and hope.

• Something to Think About , Yaakov Salomon

Entertaining, inspiring, astute, Rabbi Salomon has the uncommon ability to look at the ordinary and see the extraordinary. And he always finds something to give us pause and make us think. Something to Think About gives us just that -- with a healthy dose of wit and charm.

• Understanding Judaism, by Benjamin Blech

This work presents an excellent overview of Jewish philosophy. It deals with all the major issues such as belief, free will, mitzvot, intellect and faith, etc.

• Gateways to Judaism, by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life

• Permission to Believe, by Lawrence Kelemen

Four rational approaches to God's existence.

• Permission to Receive, by Lawrence Kelemen

Four rational approaches to the Torah's Divine Origin, for those who value both intellectual integrity and the Jewish spiritual inheritance.

•Jewish Matters, by Doron Kornbluth

In this pocketsize book, 23 Jewish educators offer their insights and knowledge on topics as varied as relationships, prayer, mysticism and happiness.

• The Aryeh Kaplan Anthology, Volumes 1 and 2, by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

In these two volumes published by the OU and NCSY, Rabbi Kaplan asks hard questions about Judaism and its commandments, and he gives compelling answers that have broadened the horizons of countless people. VOL I: Maimonides' Principles / The Real Messiah/ The Infinite Light / If You Were G-d VOL. II: Waters of Eden/ Tzitzith / Tefillin / Jerusalem / Sabbath, Day of Eternity

• The Aryeh Kaplan Reader, by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

Essays on a variety of topics, from biography to Kabbalah, contemporary movements to cosmic speculation.

•Letters to a Buddhist Jew, by Akiva Tatz and David Gottlieb

When a Buddhism-practicing Jew begins searching for his Jewish roots, he develops an ongoing correspondence with esteemed educator, Rabbi Akiva Tatz. This book is the collection of their fascinating, immensely informative correspondence. An intellectually stimulating, intensely fascinating book full of extremely thought-provoking questions -- and brilliant answers.

• Making Sense of Suffering, Rabbi Yitzchok Kirzner

Why do people suffer? Where is Divine justice? What purpose can there be in the suffering of children? Unafraid to ask the questions that dwell in the inner recesses of our minds, the late Rabbi Kirzner discussed them forthrightly, with crisp honesty and intense realism as he confronted his own illness.

•The Way of G-d, by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

This 18th century classic is a standard text in every yeshiva throughout the world. A thorough, intellectual examination of the whys and hows of the relationship between G-d and mankind, Jews and non-Jews and the physical and metaphysical worlds.

•The Magic Touch, by Gila Manolson

There's more to touching than most of us realize. In this frank, eye-opening book, an experienced teacher offers the thought-provoking Jewish perspective on this subject. Entertaining and enlightening, this work clarifies one of the least understood areas of Jewish law.

• Outside/Inside, by Gila Manolson

In a refreshing, straightforward style, the author addresses the subject of tzniut, loosely translated as "modesty", providing insight and inspiration for all. An eye-opening, unique perspective for both men and women of every background and Jewish skill level.

•Head to Heart, by Gila Manolson

All too often, we prepare more for a tough test than we do for our marriages. Here is an insightful, frank, and sensible manual that looks at dating, love, and marriage from the Torah perspective and comes up with some surprising, and important, conclusions.

•Why Marry Jewish?, By Doron Kornbluth

It's a question many young singles have asked themselves at one point or another. Here are some very convincing answers to the question.

•The Death of Cupid, by Nachum Braverman & Shimon Apisdorf

Marriages all begin with the highest of hopes, yet today, most fail. Is it all a matter of fate or luck? "The Death of Cupid" offers real world insights and clear definitions of love, marriage and commitment that can serve as solid foundations for fulfilling, life-long relationships.

•Talking Tachlis, by Rosie Einhorn & Sherry Zimmerman

Talking Tachlis was written to help single men and women learn more about themselves, formulate lasting goals based on their unique needs, and use this new understanding to determine what it is they are looking for in a spouse. Written by a psychotherapist and a family law attorney, this book contains valuable advice to aid, and hopefully hasten, the process of finding one's mate.

• To Be a Jewish Woman, by Lisa Aiken

Includes issues of child-raising, modesty, and spirituality. Included is a historical overview of the Matriarchs as well as a guide to the ideas and building blocks for becoming more observant. It touches on all the major issues in a Jewish woman's life.

•Ten Minutes a Day to a Better Marriage, by Dr. Meir Wikler

Even if your marriage is great, it can be better. And working on it 10 minutes a day is all it takes. Improving communication between you and your spouse is the key to enhance your relationship.

• Preparing Your Child for Success, by Rabbi Zecharya Greenwald

An accomplished educator's approach to bring out the best in every child. This book has a wealth of practical analysis and advice that every teacher and parent will value and be able to put to good and effective use.

•To Kindle a Soul, by Lawrence Kelemen

In this fascinating, extensively-researched work, Rabbi Kelemen sets out a practical Torah-based model for raising ethical, moral, and well-adjusted children, backing up his insights with over 400 scientific studies. This book is must reading for kiruv professionals and for parents, both observant and non-observant alike.

• WorldPerfect: The Jewish Impact on Western Civilization, by Ken Spiro [link to amazon]

A highly readable and well-documented book about the origins of values and virtues in Western civilization as influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Christians, Muslims and, most significantly, the Jews.

• Triumph of Survival, by Berel Wein

The complete story of the Jews in the modern era, 1650-1990. Filled with facts and anecdotes, includes Enlightenment, anti-Semitism, American Jewry, the Holocaust and the State of Israel.

• Herald of Destiny, by Berel Wein

The complete story of the Jews in the medieval period, 750-1550. Far from the 'Dark Ages', this is a time when Jews achieved great heights of power, wealth, scholarship and creativity. Includes Maimonides, the Golden Age of Spain, the Spanish inquisition and the rise of Kabbalah. Entertaining, informative, inspiring.

• The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, Maurice Lamm

Written for the layman, this description of Jewish customs surrounding death and burial clarifies a subject often misunderstood and always difficult.

• To Be a Jew, by Hayim Halevy Donin

A complete guide to Jewish observance in contemporary life. Clearly explains the origin and practice of every holiday and ritual. Great refresher course or re-introduction to our rich heritage.

• The Art of Jewish Prayer, by Rabbi Yitzchok Kirzner & Lisa Aiken

Refreshing, relevant, deep, and invigorating. Each down-to-earth page is filled with stimulating insights that make prayer come alive, that transform it into the most relevant of human activities, that make it what it should and can be: the moments when I feel the strength, power, and miracle of man's ability to talk to God and know in my heart of hearts that God is actually listening.

• Kosher for the Clueless but Curious, by Shimon Apisdorf

A fun, fact-filled and spiritual guide to all things kosher.

•The Artscroll Siddur

The most complete and accurate prayer book on the market today. Yet more than just a text of the prayers, this includes full explanations of all prayers, laws and customs. Features a masterful essay on the essence of prayer. Includes special prayers for the holidays and life-cycle events. Beautifully organized and designed.

•Horeb: A Philosophy of Jewish Laws and Observances, by Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch

"Epoch-making books have their own history. This is particularly valid with regard to S.R. Hirsch's Horeb, which is not only a classical and original exposition of the rationale and underlying ideas of Jewish law, but also played a historic and perhaps decisive role in redressing the balance in favor of the conception of authentic Judaism as the Religion of the Law." - Dayan Dr. Isidor Grunfeld

• Friday Night and Beyond, by Lori Palatnik

The "How-To" book on the authentic Shabbos to experience. Filled with step-by-step instructions, answers to common questions, and warm personal anecdotes.

• Survival Kit Haggadah, by Shimon Apisdorf

This Passover, don't just eat the Matzoh and bitter herbs -- find out "why"! Explanations of all the symbolism and historical background of the Seder rituals.

• The One-Hour Purim Primer, by Shimon Apisdorf

Everything a family needs to understand, celebrate and enjoy Purim.

• Inspiring Days

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Beyond -- Visions and Pathways for Spiritual Growth and Personal Potential