Purim becomes the springboard for kabbalistic teachings about the deep secrets of the universe.

Enemies hold fallen slivers of our souls, estranged sparks that we do not recognize as pieces of our very own selves. They have chosen us as their opponents because they are trying, in their deluded way, to connect back to their root, which really is us. The spark of ourselves inside the enemy must be recovered...

This book not only publicizes Jewish texts that are indisputably authoritative, but also enables people who do not have the skills or resources to access this experience on their own to directly encounter kabbalistic source material. Its luminous wisdom is sure to inspire a respect and affection for the Torah and its traditions. In Kabbalistic Writings on the Nature of Masculine and Feminine, the texts speak for themselves. Their authoritative voices are the soul and might of this work. As proof texts they verify statements made in their name, and as holy texts they transform all who take them to heart.

Bread and Fire is about the everyday lives of Jewish women and the struggles and aspirations, failings and triumphs of their spiritual endeavors. The women whose writings appear in this book span a wide range of ages, backgrounds, perspectives and professions. In her own way, each one reveals God as an anchoring force in her life. Readers will find themselves laughing, crying and gaining reassurance and strength as they come face-to-face with these women women just like them who are moving forward in the ancient quest to find God in the everyday.

...Humanity's first sin, teaches Rav Tsadok haKohen, was Adam and Eve's eating without right intention.The tree of Knowledge, says he, was not a tree or a food, or a thing at all. Rather it was a way of eating. Whenever a person takes self-conscious pleasure fromteh world he falls inthat moment from God consciousness and eats from the Tree of Knowledge...

Intrigue, humor, twisty plot turns--all descriptions of a new best-selling novel? No, rather of a drama over 2,000 years old; The Queen of Persia, an animated epic, based on the fascinating biblical Purim story. Step back 2,000 years and discover an inspiring tale of Queen Esther, Haman, and a nation of Israelites under the rule of the Great Persian Empire. In cartoon style, where characters seem to jump off the page, this animation is historical yet fun-filled; teaching timeless values of tolerance and courage, sticking to one's beliefs, and trusting G-d to win victory for the oppressed. Shazak's goal is to offer a series of Torah-learning videos and books that will inspire, educate, and entertain. The Queen of Persia nails it with comic book splendor.