Writings

modern rabbi

Books & Writings

Below are links to some of my writings. There are also links to books written by others I believe you will find interesting and enlightening.

For God’s Sake Go to Sleep

From time immemorial, humanity has pursued the elusive gift of restful sleep. In Judaism, sleep is not merely a nightly reset but a profound spiritual passage. The Talmud refers to sleep as a gateway through which the soul may ascend and be spiritually renewed. Classical sources teach that during sleep a portion of the soul rises to unite with the Divine, returning refreshed in the morning. The practice of K’riat Shema al ha‑mitah—the Bedtime Shema—is recited not only as a declaration of faith but as a divine shield through the darkness of night.

Rebbe Nachman's Tales: Stories for Personal Refinement

This book represents a combination of Judaica and self-help, and reflects the growing area of spiritually integrated psychotherapy. Empirical evidence has developed showing this approach is effective in treating cancer patients and those suffering from PTSD.

Smokescreen: A Jewish Approach to Stop Smoking

Smokescreen and the Smokescreen Workbook is a Jewish-based approach to smoking cessation that allows the reader to achieve a spiritual cleansing and healing accompanied by the use of strategies and techniques that have been derived from both Jewish sources and the behavioral sciences.

Smokescreen:: A Jewish Approach to Stop Smoking - WORKBOOK

This companion workbook to Smokescreen: A Jewish Approach to Stop Smoking will support you in reaching your goal of a smoke-free life by leading you through a step-wise process for quitting smoking. This workbook contains the insightful work of experts in stopping smoking.

Shall We Dance?

Books on Jewish conversion line the shelves of many libraries and bookstores. Why another? A major reason is the approach to the topic, an approach which is multi-dimensional and non-judgmental. This is indeed reflected in examples given in the work where opposing opinions and viewpoints are offered by each author.

Sefer P'ri Etz Yitzhak Fruit of Yitzhak’s Tree Volume 1: A volume in honor of Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum

Fruit of Yitzhak’s Tree encompasses two volumes dedicated to noted storyteller and Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum who passed away in 2020. Volume1 contains a glimpse of Reb Yitzhak’s life as a means of getting acquainted with him, representative of the facets of his personality

Shall We Dance?

Books on Jewish conversion line the shelves of many libraries and bookstores. Why another? A major reason is the approach to the topic, an approach which is multi-dimensional and non-judgmental. This is indeed reflected in examples given in the work where opposing opinions and viewpoints are offered by each author.

For Strangers Passing Through: Many Paths, Many Masters Chassidic Stories

This book contains a collection of Chassidic mayses (stories or anecdotes) and parables from the eighteenth and nineteenth century. They were selected because they are sweet, meaningful, or to the point. The stories illustrate the complex and different paths that Rebbes and their Chassidim chose to live, survive, and solve their problems.

Divine Rest: A Christian's Guide to Better Sleep and Deepening Your Faith

Divine Rest: A Christian’s Guide to Better Sleep and Deepening Your Faith What if the secret to deeper spirituality, better health, and greater effectiveness isn’t doing more—but sleeping better?

Sefer P'ri Etz Yitzhak Fruit of Yitzhak’s Tree Volume 1

Fruit of Yitzhak’s Tree encompasses two volumes dedicated to noted storyteller and Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum who passed away in 2020. Volume1 contains a glimpse of Reb Yitzhak’s life as a means of getting acquainted with him, representative of the facets of his personality, but by no means comprehensive, as Reb Yitzhak forged a special and unique kind of relationship with each person he knew. It offers an eulogy and kaddish, an interview with his widow, essays about stories,

UNDER THE CHUPPAH: A Jewish Couple’s Guide to Weddings and Meaningful Marriage

UNDER THE CHUPPAH: A Jewish Couple’s Guide to Weddings and Meaningful Marriage is aimed at providing useful information to couples who are planning a wedding and for anyone interested in learning more about history and traditions contained in Jewish wedding ceremonies.

Fruit of Yitzhak's Tree - P'ri Etz Yitzhak Volume 2

Fruit of Yitzhak’s Tree encompasses two volumes dedicated to noted storyteller and Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum. Vol. 2 contains contributions from over 50 Jewish storytellers, rabbis, cantors, philosophers, psychiatrists and psychologists, and a screenwriter, with original artwork and photos. Among our contributors are highly regarded and established maggidim,

Fruit of Yitzhak's Tree - P'ri Etz Yitzhak Volume 2

Fruit of Yitzhak’s Tree encompasses two volumes dedicated to noted storyteller and Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum. Vol. 2 contains contributions from over 50 Jewish storytellers, rabbis, cantors, philosophers, psychiatrists and psychologists, and a screenwriter, with original artwork and photos. Among our contributors are highly regarded and established maggidim,

Smokescreen:: A Jewish Approach to Stop Smoking - WORKBOOK

This companion workbook to Smokescreen: A Jewish Approach to Stop Smoking will support you in reaching your goal of a smoke-free life by leading you through a step-wise process for quitting smoking. This workbook contains the insightful work of experts in stopping smoking, aids—including a self-hypnosis script—and a series of worksheets that you can use to evaluate your smoking habits, motivations, and goals. As well, you will learn key skills for overcoming this addiction.….