Go Ahead-Read That Book in Shul

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Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins has compiled a number of anthologies for the holidays, drawing on a wide range of classic and contemporary sources. His

(Jewish Lights, 2005) is published this season, featuring section introductions drawing on Arthur Green's

Those readers who prefer meditation to prayer, or find that meditation enhances their prayer, will enjoy one of his earlier volumes, "Meditations for the Days of Awe" (Growth Associates, 1999).

Rabbi Naomi Levy's

(Knopf, 2002) isn't directed toward the holidays, but readers will find comfort and inspiration in her original, personal prayers that touch on a wide range of human experience. Its compact size makes this an inconspicuous choice. She offers a prayer for daily insight:

"Open my eyes, God. Help me to perceive what I have ignored, to uncover what I have forsaken, to find what I have been searching for. Remind me that I don't have to journey far to discover something new, for miracles surround me, blessings and holiness abound. And you are near."

(Behrman House, 2004) by Rabbi David Wolpe is a first collection of his brief essays that touch upon topics like God, spiritual growth, forming families and life and death. Wolpe proves himself a master of this format: His essays are tightly woven gems based in deep learning and drawing on a huge breadth of sources.

edited by Gail Twersky Riemer and Judith A. Kates (Touchstone, 1997) anthologizes original essays by distinguished women scholars, authors and educators, interpreting the Torah readings of the holidays. Each contributor draws deep meaning from the text, and generously shares her wisdom.

For a more straightforward introduction to the themes of the holiday,

by Rabbi Reuven Hammer (Jewish Publication Society, 2005) demonstrates how the themes of the holiday play out in the service.

Just as you don't have to be a Conservative Jew to appreciate Hammer's style-in fact, it's intended for all Jews-you don't have to be female to enjoy "Beginning Anew" nor Chasidic to find "Days of Awe, Days of Joy" of great interest.

Another category of shul books is spiritual self-help, books that help readers with their process of teshuvah. "Improve yourself, then improve others," the sages say in the Talmud (Bava Metzia).

by Rabbi Simon Jacobson (Kiyum Press, 2003) is a workbook and a reading book, with kabbalistic, biblical, and psychological insights, covering the period from the beginning of the month of Elul to the end of the month of Tishrei. Jacobson urges sincere preparation for all of the holidays and his approach is hands-on, with articles of daily inspiration, meditative quotes and practical exercises.

Each year, tens of thousands make a pilgrimage to visit the grave of the Chasidic master, Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, in Uman, Ukraine, especially on Rosh Hashanah, and many study the teachings of this charismatic great-grandson of the Ba'al Shem Tov, born in 1772.

by Chaim Kramer (Breslov Research Institute, 1990) is an introduction to his life work and thought, organized thematically. The author emphasizes the rebbe's teaching about seeing the good in others, judging all people favorably. Several editions of Nachman's work are available for those who might prefer to directly encounter his words, in translation.

Not so much a self-help book but more of an analytic work, Aaron Lazare's

(Oxford, 2004) has much to offer related to teshuvah. For Lazare, professor of psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, the process of apology is both simple and entangled, potentially powerful and transformative.

Lazare quotes the talmudic teaching that says that God created repentance even before creating humankind: "I take this statement to mean that the sages who authored this sentiment were acutely aware of the fallibility of humankind and the need for religion's prescriptions to heal offenses. Repentance (or its secular approximation of apology), therefore, would be so important for sustaining a just and livable society that an infinite and all-powerful God would put it in place before creating mankind."

edited by Pinchas H. Peli (Jason Aronson, 1996) is a compilation of lectures given by the late preeminent Orthodox philosopher, laying out his philosophical and theological premises for teshuvah (repentance). For the Rav, as he is still known, teshuvah is not only repentance but purification.

On a more mystical note, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's

(Basic, 1985) is a remarkable synthesis of Jewish thought, and

by Lawrence Kushner (Jewish Lights, 1999) is a first-rate introduction to the Jewish mystical tradition.

Those interested in adding a modern historical context to the holidays might particularly enjoy two fine new works of Jewish history,

by Jonathan Sarna (Yale, 2004) and

by Howard M. Sachar (Knopf, 2005).

And some people just prefer a good novel. Many works of fiction touch on the ideas of the holidays. Elie Wiesel's latest work, "The Time of the Uprooted" (Knopf, 2005) is a beautifully written work that addresses, among other themes, survival, memory and new beginnings. This season, when so many people have lost their homes, the novel is particularly timely.

Hugh Nissenson's latest novel,

(Sourcebooks, 2005) is tied to these days not only by its title but by the author's exploration, both sensitive and powerful, of God, mortality and love, set in the context of Sept. 11. At the novel's center is a New York City family, unusually close and facing difficult times. The author creates an unconventional artful narrative, combining elements of mythology, poetry, email, various points of view, descriptions of the mundane details of daily life and spiritual yearnings. This is a novel with great heart.

Rabbi Debra Orenstein of Makom Ohr Shalom in Tarzana likes to recommend

by Alan Lightman (Warner Books, 1994), an imaginative short novel about time and memory, unfolded in vignettes.

And then there's the Book of Life. May we all be inscribed for a year of health and happiness, blessed with peace.

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