Jewish Living Simply Explained

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Over 130 Jewish Beliefs and Observances Simply Explained 
Nearly a decade in the making, this unique compendium summarizes dozens of core Chabad teachings that explain and inspire Jewish faith and observance. Drawn from the vast body of works of the Rebbes of Chabad, it will engage, educate, and inspire readers from all backgrounds. A concise bottom-line, plus an extensive list of follow-up references round out this encyclopedic collection that can be read in minutes, yet inspire for a lifetime.

Written in a simple, easy-to-understand language, this book is perfect for individuals and students of all backgrounds, and will make a great addition to any home, synagogue, outreach center, and library bookshelf. 

An encyclopedic collection that can be read in minutes, yet inspire for a lifetime!

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

“Finally! Rabbis Goldstein and Seligson have created an amazingly clear and comprehensive work that introduces people from all walks of life to the wisdom of Chabad Chassidut, one that can serve as a wonderful resource for every home, school, and Chabad House worldwide.” —Rabbi Manis Friedman, world-renowned Chassidic scholar, author, and lecturer, and dean of the Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies

“There’s a lot of wisdom packed into this well-written and clearly organized book. One can read it straight-through or use it as a reference book. Regardless of one’s beliefs or current level of religious observance, “Jewish Living Simply Explained” relates a pure and unique perspective on mankind’s relationship with the Almighty and the world, offering moral and spiritual insights that will inspire and uplift anyone who reads it.” —Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Chassidic scholar, author of “Toward a Meaningful Life,” and dean of The Meaningful Life Center

“Einstein is reputed to have said, ‘Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.’ In clear precise language, Rabbis Goldstein and Seligson, two ardent and profound students of Chassidut, convey a great deal of valuable information about Judaism—and do so on page after page. The reader will learn a lot, and no less important, have a wonderful time while doing so.” —Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of “Rebbe” and “Jewish Literacy”

“Jewish Living Simply Explained is the most concise, eloquent, and broad guide about Jewish life and belief through the lens of Chabad teachings ever produced in English. It is beautifully and clearly presented, and represents a priceless resource for anyone interested in the basics of Chabad philosophy.” —Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, author of “Permission to Believe” and “Permission to Receive”

“Many people know what Chabad Chassidim look like; not many know about their about their approach to Jewish life and belief. In this volume, Rabbis Zalman Goldstein and Michael A. Seligson set forth the essence of Jewish Living from a Chabad perspective. The result is an easy-to-read guide that curious folks of every kind may learn from and appreciate.” —Professor Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University

“This beautifully written book is a description of the history, ideas and practices of traditional Judaism as seen from the perspective of Chabad Chassidism. It shows how Chabad teachings infuse spiritual significance into the life of a Jew and can therefore serve as a guide to those seeking a Jewish life of meaning and true religious connection.” —Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman, Ph.D., NYU professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, prolific author, and expert on the history of Jewish law and Talmudic literature

“As befitting its name, Chabad [Chochma, Binah, Daat] Chassidut is a deep and profound source of Jewish wisdom. Rooted in the depths of Kabbalah, it also strives to bring the esoteric down to earth and to translate the ethereal into practical guidance for living as a Jew and indeed as a human being. “Jewish Living Simply Explained” brilliantly encapsulates both the essential theoretical teachings and their practical applications in a manner that is accessible and helpful to people at all levels of Jewish learning. It also provides detailed sources for further study. A wonderful work that I recommend highly.” —Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz, rabbinic scholar, prolific author, and renowned lecturer on Jewish law and ethics

“There is no Jewish organization in our time that is touching Jews—and non-Jews—as effectively as Chabad. If you want to know what Chabad believes about almost any issue—religious or secular, Rabbis Goldstein and Seligson have done you great service. They have distilled Chabad teachings on myriad subjects into over 150 single-page descriptions. It’s like a concise ‘Encyclopedia Chabadiana.’” —Dennis Prager, bestselling author, columnist, and nationally syndicated radio talk show host.

“Jewish Living Simply Explained is a veritable ‘Wikipedia’ of Chabad thought—the first ‘go-to’ source for understanding an aspect of Jewish living or learning through the wisdom of Chassidic thinking. It will give the beginner a starting point for further discussion with a Rabbi or Rebbetzin. And it will prove just as useful to a Rabbi or Rebbetzin looking for a practical and simple way to introduce a new concept to a student. Each topic is explained in a way that allows it to be easily applied to daily life. For the instructor, the collection of references alone justifies the cost of the book.” —Chana Silberstein, Ph.D., Director of Education at the Roitman Chabad Center, Cornell University, and educational consultant for the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI)

“A wonderful resource for every Jewish home. The breadth of subjects treated in this deceptively small, yet masterful work is simply staggering!” —Rabbi Shais Taub, acclaimed Chassidic mentor, author, and teacher of Jewish mysticism

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