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.

Reform Judaism in America: A Biographical Dictionary and Sourcebook (Contributions in Afro-American & African Studies)

Politics & Social Sciences

Raphael, Marc

Sussman, Lance J.

Olitzky, Kerry

Social Sciences

Greenwood

The institution of the American synagogue has played a significant role in the history of American Judaism, which remains an incomplete history if it is limited to the lives of individuals and events. This work helps complete the history as it is the first reference book to document the historical development of many individual synagogues in the United States and Canada. It includes over 350 entries of synagogues from among the four main movements, each of which have made an impact on the Jewish community, either locally or beyond. It is an essential tool for researchers, scholars, and students, as well as anyone interested in the historical aspects of American Judaism.
An essay on the historical development of the American Synagogue by Frances Weinman Schwartz, introduces the volume. Entries are arranged alphabetically by city within each state. Synagogue descriptions include the date of the congregation's founding, the reason for its founding and its congregational mission, the history of buildings and neighborhood, its local or national historical impact, its significance in the movement to which it belongs, major episodes in the congregation's history, as well as details about the service of its rabbis. A brief bibliography follows each entry, and a general bibliography and index complete the volume.

The American Synagogue: A Historical Dictionary and Sourcebook

History

Americas

This encyclopedia presents historical accounts of Jewish rituals, the meaning behind their development, and descriptions of how the rituals are practiced among different Jewish communities. Entries discuss how the rituals evolved over time and what they are designed to symbolize. Whether practiced in the personal or public realm, the rituals included in this volume are generally acknowledged as such by the Jewish community, even if they are not practiced by large segments of the community. Comparisons are drawn among rituals as they are practiced by Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox Jews. This volume brings together a wealth of information about the often complicated rituals practiced in Jewish communities throughout North America.
Readers desiring to learn more about Jewish rituals will appreciate the mix of historical and practical concerns each entry details. Specific information is readily accessible in the encyclopedic format. Entries are cross-referenced throughout, and each concludes with references for further research. An index is included.

An Encyclopedia of American Synagogue Ritual

Little Flicker is always cheering his friends on with words of encouragement and support. But as the smallest candle in the box, why should he be chosen to be the shammash in the Hanukkah menorah? Isn't the job of lighting all the other candles too big for him? As it turns out, it's the size of your heart that matters, and in that department, Little Flicker is huge!

The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story

Children's Books

Olitzky, Jesse

Animals

Kalaniot Books

Where's the Potty on This Ark?

Uh-oh! The animals need to go. Not just on a journey on Noah's Ark, but to the potty, too! Noah's wife, Naamah, helps each animal―owl, giraffe, monkey, raccoon, and even elephant―go potty while on the big ark.

Kar-Ben Publishing ®

Sparks Beneath the Surface: A Spiritual Commentary on the Torah

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.

Religion & Spirituality

Kushner, Lawrence S.

Christian Books & Bibles

Jason Aronson, Inc.

The Heroes Haggadah: Lead the Way to Freedom

Biographies & Memoirs

Cohen, Deborah Bodin

Community & Culture

Behrman House

As the Israelites journey to the Promised Land a unicorn brings joy and inspiration to the children. This story draws¬+from the rabbinic understanding of tachash a mysterious creature named in the Book of Exodus.

The Mutual Interaction of People and Their Built Environment (World Anthropology)

Grubman, Bonnie

De Gruyter Mouton

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Olitzky, Kerry. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Olitzky, Kerry