The Jewish Publication Society, the oldest Jewish publishing company in the United States, recently published “Modern Orthodox Judaism: A Documentary History,” by Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff, … more

The Birnbaum Siddur — who among us has never heard of that iconic prayer book? Yes, iconic, inasmuch as it was among the most popular siddurim of the mid-20th century. But who was … more

Yes indeed, it is Rosh Hashanah once again, and there are some really fine, high quality books for your continued learning pleasure. To really understand the true meaning and feeling for the upcoming “Yimei Ratzon,” a close reading of some of the most authoritative teachings concerning this holy season is always in order. This year is no different, and by the time you finish with this essay, you will be inspired to read some of the selections suggested or revisit previous Kosher Bookworm reviews for even more choices. more

This past Sunday marked the bicentennial anniversary of the yahrtzeit of the Baal HaTanya, Rabbi Scheneur Zalman. Among his most lasting literary works was the Tanya, perhaps the most definitive foundational work of Chabad chasidus, as well as one of the most influential of Judaism’s literary works of that era. Yet among his interpreters, each saw different teachings and theological meanings in his writings in the Tanya. more

When I was growing up on New York’s Lower East Side, one of the greatest people, who was to become in our time one of America’s most prominent literary figures, was Herman Wouk. His … more

The Kosher Bookworm by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of May 28, 2010/ 15 Sivan 5770 Dr. Michael Wyschograd, one of America’s premier Jewish theologians, once described the tsadik as “the … more

Maggid Books has released “The Intellect And The Exodus, Authentic Emuna for a Complex Age,” by award-winning author Rabbi Jeremy Kagan. Rabbi Kagan presents keen and powerful … more

How to respond to grief with chesed and Torah learning By Alan Jay Gerber Issue of July 31, 2009 / 10 Av 5769 Two recent books deal with the untimely death of a close one, each in a … more

Rabbi Shlomo of Kartin said: “If you want to raise a man from mud and filth, do not think it is enough to keep standing on top and reaching down to him a helping hand. You must go all the way down yourself, down into mud and filth. Then take hold of him with strong hands, and pull him and yourself out into the light.” more

Reviewed by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of April 24, 2009 / 30 Nissan 5769 “Honor your mother and father.” This commandment from G-d is given to us as a Divine mandate for all time. Rabbi … more