Inside the closed community of Borough Park, where most Chassidim live, the rules of life are very clear, determined by an ancient script written thousands of years before down to the last detail-and abuse has never been a part of it. But when thirteen-year-old Gittel learns of the abuse her best friend has suffered at the hands of her own family member, the adults in her community try to persuade Gittel, and themselves, that nothing happened. Forced to remain silent, Gittel begins to question everything she was raised to believe. A richly detailed and nuanced book, one of both humor and depth, understanding and horror, this story explains a complex world that remains an echo of its past, and illuminates the conflict between yesterday's traditions and today's reality.

Rabbi Stern, the master of modern Jewish liturgy, offers the Passover seder that runs itself in this revision of his best-selling classic, Gates of Freedom. The text is clearly marked so that families with young children can shorten the service, while those who want to deepen their seder experience can enhance it with both traditional and contemporary readings. A dazzling array of commentaries, anecdotes, poems, and songs enrich the Gates of Freedom service, and the compelling computer-generated graphics add the exciting dimension of visual interpretation. Rabbi Eugene Borowitz's inspiring Introduction sets the stage for the evening drama. All the Passover traditions are explained with clarity and insight. Seder participants will find renewed delight in the Passover celebration, as they experience the familiar rituals and text, and discover new meaning, relevance, and inspiration.

A popular educator offers insights on Eishis Chayil--'Woman of Valor'--for contemporary women.