These easy-to-use guidebooks help the well-meaning guest of any other faith feel at ease, participate to the fullest extent possible, and avoid violating anyone's religious principles or hurting their feelings. Not a guide to theology. Not presented from the perspective of any particular faith. What will happen? What do I do? What do I wear? What do I say? When is it OK to leave? What should I avoid doing, wearing, or saying? What are their basic beliefs? Should I bring a gift? These are just a few of the basic, very practical questions answered in How to Be a Perfect Stranger, two books that belong in every living room, library, and office. Originally published in hardcover by Jewish Lights Publishing, these updated and expanded trade paperback editions now include information for the Canadian branches of each faith, plus an added chapter on the largest Protestant denomination in Canada, The United Church of Canada. VOL.1: How to Be a Perfect Stranger is based on information obtained from authorities of each religion. Assemblies of God; Baptist; Buddhist; The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Churches of Christ; Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist); Episcopalian and Anglican; Greek Orthodox; Hindu; Islam; Jehovah's Witnesses; Jewish; Lutheran; Methodist; Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); Presbyterian; Quaker (Religious Society of Friends); Roman Catholic; Seventh-day Adventist; United Church of Canada; United Church of Christ.

We North Americans live in a remarkably diverse society, and it's increasingly common to be invited to a wedding, funeral or other religious service of a friend, relative or coworker whose faith is different from our own. Originally published by Jewish Lights Publishing, this easy-to-use guidebook helps the well-meaning guest feel comfortable, participate to the fullest extent possible, and avoid violating anyone's religious principles. Newly revised North American edition now includes Canadian statistics and information.

Ancient words of the Buddha ("awakened one") that can become a companion for your own spiritual journey. The Dhammapada ("Path of the Buddha's Teachings") is a daily inspiration for millions of Buddhists all over the world and for people of all spiritual traditions who have been impressed by its beauty and power. These words—believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself over 2,500 years ago—contain most of Buddhism's central teachings. Originally composed in the ancient language of Pali, this timeless text concisely and inspirationally portrays the route a person travels as he or she advances toward enlightenment. With poetic sequence and rhythm, the Dhammapadadescribes the fundamental role of mental conditioning in making us who we are. It paints contrasting portraits of three levels of our human existence—the fool, the wise one, and the enlightened one—and addresses specific aspects of experience, conduct, and belief that characterize our transformation from one of these modes of being to another. Now you can experience the Dhammapada with understanding even if you have no previous knowledge of Buddhism. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains references and philosophical terms, shares the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers, and gives you deeper insight into the text.

Can Sudan, one of Africa's most diverse countries, function as an Islamic state? Mahmud Muhammad Taha posed an original answer to this question. Taha was the charismatic leader of the 'Republican Brothers and Sisters', a small group of Sudanese nationalists who called for a mystical, inclusive reinterpretation of Islam that ended traditional legal discriminations against women and non-Muslims. Taha's followers pitched his sometimes controversial mix of law and mysticism on Sudanese street corners in the 1970s. Sudanese Islamist politicians, who used a more divisive interpretation of Islam, opposed him vigorously. When they gained control of the state in the chaotic 1980s, Taha was executed. In Taha's first biography, Edward Thomas explores the life and ideas of an important Sudanese reformer who has become a symbol for resistance, tolerance and human rights.

This guidebook to Sufism, Buddhism, and Judaism shows how practicing within more than one spiritual tradition can lead to a true spiritual path.

The essential guide to Jewish family life and fun activities at home and on the road! This celebration of Jewish family life is the perfect guide for families wanting to put a new Jewish spin on holidays, holy days, and even the everyday. Full of activities, games, and history, it is sure to inspire parents, children, and extended family to connect with Judaism in fun, creative ways. With over 85 easy-to-do activities to re-invigorate age-old Jewish customs and make them fun for the whole family, this book is more than just kids? stuff. It?s about taking the Jewish family experience to a new educational and entertaining level. The Jewish Family Fun Book details activities for fun at home and away from home, including recipes, meaningful everyday and holiday crafts, travel guides, enriching entertainment?and much, much more! Clearly illustrated and full of easy-to-follow instructions, this lively guide shows us how to take an active approach to exploring Jewish tradition and have fun along the way. Each of The Jewish Family Fun Book?s three sections offer dozens of ideas and easy-to-understand instructions: ? ?Holiday Fun? aims to enrich the appropriate seriousness of Jewish holidays with a healthy dose of fun. How about having a Passover seder in a tent, like Israelites in the desert? Or celebrating the harvest holiday of Shavuot by taking your kids strawberry picking? ? ?Fun at Home? features Jewish activities ranging from relaxing (with a guide to Jewish books, music, movies, and websites) to exhausting (instructions for games and other outdoor fun); from creative (ideas for arts and crafts projects and recipes) to unforgettable (mitzvah and volunteer opportunities). ? ?Fun on the Road? is an easy-to-use travel guide, with suggestions for adding a memorable Jewish component to already built-for-fun family vacations. There?s information on Jewish museums, historical sites, camps, festivals, and kosher restaurants across the U.S.