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Perfection Is Not the Goal by Jan Katzew When it comes to character, perfection is not an expectation in Jewish tradition.
Character: A Discussion Guide by Alan D. Bennett This study guide for the “Character” Focus section contains background information, questions for discussion, and additional resources.
I, Jacob by Peter Pitzele The perfection against which I, Jacob, had for so long measured myself exists nowhere.
Whistleblowing in Washington by Jesselyn Radack I was convinced that the Justice Department had acted illegally in the “American Taliban” case. My Jewish conscience compelled me to act.
A Torah of the Heart by Eric Yoffie Love of Torah flows from the embrace of those who teach it.
How To Become the Person You Want To Be by Edythe Mencher What we can learn from a gentle shepherd in ancient Israel, the mother of an ill child, and an executive who put job before family.
PLUS 4 WEB EXCLUSIVES
Justice at the Center by Stephanie Bernstein I always tried to put justice at the center of my life—and then I lost my husband on the Pan Am flight destroyed by terrorist bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Blessings of the Heart by Samuel Karff Although I only met my maternal grandmother, Manya Margalith, three times, she taught me one of the most powerful messages of my life.
Great-Grandfather's Blessings by Helene Ferris What my great-grandfather and, more recently, my congregants have taught me about what it means to act ethically and with courage.
All in a Day's Work by Bonny Fetterman One day, a clerk approached my father for a favor: would my father give his son a job so he could get out of prison?
Pipeline to Peril by Richard L. Rubenstein How Europe’s surrender in the face of the 1973 oil embargo turned the continent against Israel and set off a wave of violence against Jews.
Cooking: Hamantashen: The First Thousand Ears by Tina Wasserman Tracing the history of Hamantashen, poppy seeds, and prune fillings. Plus—recipes for “Haman’s ‘Ears,’” “Mohnbrodt,” and “Hamentashen de Panema,” along with instructions on how to shape a perfect Hamantashen.
Dear Reader: Recognizing Non-Jewish Heroes in Our Midst by Eric H. Yoffie Those spouses who involve themselves in synagogue activities, support the Jewish activities of husbands or wives, attend Jewish worship, and—most important of all—commit to raising Jewish children are heroes of Jewish life.
Books: For Discussion by Bonny Fetterman The Union for Reform Judaism recommends two Significant Jewish Books per quarter for individuals and book groups, and provides a Study and Discussion Guide for each. The selected books: Bread Givers: A Novel by Anzia Yezierska and Wise Men & Their Tales: Portraits of Biblical, Talmudic, and Hasidic Masters by Elie Wiesel.
Books: Reviews by Bonny Fetterman Reviews of A History of the Jews in the Modern World by Howard M. Sachar and The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden.
Fiction Prize: Introducing Jonathan Rosen, 2005 Prize Winner, Reform Judaism Prize for Jewish Fiction
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