Kerry M. Olitzky – författare

This valuable reference extensively documents the lives and careers of the most influential leaders of Reform Judaism in America. The editors have assembled concise but informative biographical profiles of approximately 170 people. The work spans the period from the beginning of the Reform movement in 1824 through the 1976 Centenary Perspective. The individuals profiled were selected because of their impact on Reform Judaism at a national level. Included are the principal architects of reform, national organizational leaders, distinguished rabbis and academicians, outstanding cantors, volunteer lay activists, and women.The work begins with an essay on the history of Reform Judaism in America. A biographical dictionary follows. Each entry in the dictionary assesses the career and contributions of a particular leader and closes with a short bibliography of works by and about that individual. The dictionary is followed by a set of essays that overview the history of associations related to Reform Judaism. A section of appendices lists the principal figures affiliated with these organizations. An extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources concludes the work, making it an indispensable reference tool.

This spiritual guided journal will help you prepare your heart and soul for the Jewish New Year.

Named one of "the best haggadahs of all time" by the Forward's Jay Michaelson. Welcome to a new kind of seder. Celebrate Passover with traditional seder texts as well as poems, readings, and stories that acknowledge, value, and include the diverse backgrounds of seder participants today. Evoke the universal message of freedom, inspired by writers and thinkers from around the world.Find new meaning in the Passover story, whether this seder is your first or your one hundred and first.Perfect for:Guests from a variety of backgrounds and experiencesMulti-cultural, interfaith, and unaffiliated familiesFirst-time seder guestsIncludes:All the instructions and readings for a seder of up to 60 minutesPrayers and blessings in English, Hebrew, and Hebrew transliterationUnusual additions to the seder plate to lift up those often marginalizedClear instructions for leadersVibrant, inspirational artwork by a leading Israeli artistMulticultural connections throughout the texts, including relevant blessings and rituals from other culturesReflective passages by a variety of contributors from diverse backgroundsMiriam's Cup and Ruth's Cup (to signify a welcome to Jews by Choice) included in addition to Elijah's CupSeder Songs: Dayeinu, Adir Hu, Orah Hi, Echad Mi Yodei'a (Who knows One), Chad Gadya (One Little Goat), Let My People GoSeder Recipes: Roasted Peanut Charoset, Italian Charoset, Make your own matzah

Take a journey with Rabbis Ron Isaacs and Kerry Olitzky to discover the best seder ever! Traditional Hebrew text, accessible transliterations, and modern translations guide families through the story and practice of Pesach. Every part of the seder is introduced with WHY and HOW TO, so everyone can understand and participate. The Discovery Haggadah is great for the classroom, too! 80 full-color pages loaded with games, activities, and interesting facts.

In Sparks beneath the Surface: A Spiritual Commentary on the Torah, Lawrence Kushner and Kerry Olitzky, two leaders in a new generation of liberal rabbis, have provided an invaluable tool to bring the teachings of Torah to modern Jews. Organized around the weekly Torah portions, Sparks beneath the Surface is designed to designed to resemble the pages of the Talmud. In the center of each page the rabbis present the targum - the English translation of the phrase or verse being explored. The authors include material from great chasidic teachers, offer insights from Jewish tradition to add depth to the point under discussion, and provide sources for further study. Sparks beneath the Surface provides the student, whether experienced or new to Torah study, with what the authors refer to as 'psycho-spiritual' insights on the Bible. This work represents the first time chasidic insights have been brought to a liberal context without compromising either ideological framework.

The Journey of the Soul: Traditional Sources on Teshuvah is dedicated to the process of self-discovery through Teshuvah (commonly translated as repentance). Teshuvah is the method, described by Jewish tradition, through which one literally turns or returns (as the term suggests) to the correct path in life and to God.According to the Sages, one of the reasons that God created the world was to produce good. By granting man the opportunity to repent-to better himself-God adopts man as His partner in the effort to create and perpetuate this good. This in turn brings man closer to redemption. Repentance also makes it possible for the sinner to try again. One's intention to change and one's attempt at change bring the individual back on the path to God.In the works from which selections were made for this collection, individual authors suggest that their writing is designed to assist one's exploration of the inner life. In keeping with the tradition of this literature, which includes works from Abraham bar Chiyyah, Bachya ben Joseph ibn Pakuda, and Maimonides, among others, this collection is a culmination of the efforts of these individual authors and is dedicated to the same purpose.Performing Teshuvah requires constant attention through study, prayer, and good acts. This book is a vehicle specifically designed to guide the reader toward his or her own personal return to God, which will, in turn, bring the Jewish nation closer to redemption.Jason Aronson Inc.230 Livingston StreetNorthvale, New Jersey07647Shmuel HaNagid 494592 JerusalemIsraelNo. 7 Spectrum House32-34 Gordon House RoadLondon, NW5 1LPEngland

In Sparks beneath the Surface: A Spiritual Commentary on the Torah, Lawrence Kushner and Kerry Olitzky, two leaders in a new generation of liberal rabbis, have provided an invaluable tool to bring the teachings of Torah to modern Jews. Organized around the weekly Torah portions, Sparks beneath the Surface is designed to designed to resemble the pages of the Talmud. In the center of each page the rabbis present the targum - the English translation of the phrase or verse being explored. The authors include material from great chasidic teachers, offer insights from Jewish tradition to add depth to the point under discussion, and provide sources for further study. Sparks beneath the Surface provides the student, whether experienced or new to Torah study, with what the authors refer to as 'psycho-spiritual' insights on the Bible. This work represents the first time chasidic insights have been brought to a liberal context without compromising either ideological framework.

“In codependence, the emphasis is on everyone and everything but ourselves....In recovery, we learn how to say no, to set boundaries in relationships, and then perhaps walk away—if necessary—sometimes for a long time, perhaps forever. It's not without effort....Even if a relationship is worth saving, your active codependence can destroy it. It will not help it or you and will certainly not convince the other person in your life to stop drinking or using or gambling or eating compulsively or running around. But your recovery can nurture a relationship with God while it nurtures you at the same time.” —From Recovery from Codependence This book is not just for Jewish people. It's for all people who would gain strength to heal and insight from the Bible and the wisdom of Jewish tradition. With the same groundbreaking insight of his Twelve Jewish Steps to Recovery: A Personal Guide to Turning From Alcoholism and Other Addictions and Renewed Each Day: Daily Twelve Step Recovery Meditations Based on the Bible, Kerry Olitzky has produced an inspiring new volume that brings healing wisdom to those whose lives are most directly affected by the addiction of a loved one. Recovery From Codependence: A Jewish Twelve Steps Guide to Healing Your Soul explains how the Twelve Steps of Co-Dependents Anonymous are relevant for Jewish people and all people who would gain strength to heal and insight from Jewish tradition.You may be a codependent person if you are in a relationship with an alcoholic or addicted person, someone who has an eating disorder, engages in compulsive gambling or sex, if you are addicted to a relationship, or if you are part of a dysfunctional family. Though you may be suffering, broken in spirit, this book can help you be healed, be empowered to take hold of your life, and be made to feel spiritually whole once again. Using the familiar Twelve Step model, Dr. Olitzky, known for his spiritual leadership and for reaching out to help people in recovery, takes the codependent person on a Jewish journey through the Twelve Steps. Rabbi Olitzky's inspiring message draws on the experience of Jewish tradition and the personal experiences of recovering codependent people. He provides Twelve Step support for people of all faiths and backgrounds.