Growing up under the spell of one of the world's most coveted surf spots. Norm "Shifty" Shifren risks missing his own bar mitzvah to take his first shaky ride at the mecca of surfdom -- Malibu Beach. An assimilated Jew who barely acknowledges his spiritual roots, Shifren pursues his dream of becoming a big-wave surfer, lifeguard and triathlete. Shifren's circuitous journey evolves into a spiritual quest that takes him from the pristine waves of Hawaii and Mexico, to an intermarriage in Germany and soldier duty in Israel, and finally, to a small orthodox shterl in Israel, where he learns the mysteries of the Jewish ancients...His true-life saga is one of new-found Jewish consciousness and eye-opening self-revelation. Ultimately drawn to the insular, yet joyous ultra orthodox Lubavitcher Chassidim, Rabbi Nachurn Shifren's life comes full circle as he finds G-d not in the synagogue, but in the majesty of Jewish mysticism and the vast power of the ocean.

In Sacred Therapy Estelle Frankel travels to the heart of Jewish mysticism to reveal how people of any faith can draw upon this rich body of teachings to gain wisdom, clarity, and a deeper sense of meaning in the midst of modern life. In an engaging and accessible style, Frankel brings together tales and teachings from the Bible, the Talmud, Kabbalah, and the Hasidic traditions as well as evocative case studies and stories from her own life to create an original, inspirational guide to emotional healing and spiritual growth.

"Every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is knocking for God." - G. K. Chesterton What if lust for porn is really a search for true passion? In a world where there are 68 million searches for pornography every day and where over 70 percent of Christian men report viewing porn in the last year, it's no surprise that more and more men struggle with an addiction to this false fantasy. Common wisdom says if they just had more willpower or more faith, their fight would be over. Is the answer really that simple? According to the counselor and ministry leader Michael John Cusick, the answer is no--but the big truth may be much more freeing.Backed by scripture, Cusick uses examples from his own life and from his twenty years of counseling experience to show us how the pursuit of empty pleasure is really a search for our heart's deepest desire--and the real key to to resistance is discovering and embracing the joy we truly want. Cusick's insights help readers understand how porn struggles begin, what to do to prevent them, and most importantly, how to overcome the compulsion once it begins. In the end, this powerful book shows us all how the barrier built by porn addiction can become a bridge to abundant life.

thelordismyshepherd.com opens a new and necessary dialogue on the soul of cyberspace. It will change the way people think about their computers, about God, about the future and about the interconnected destiny of humanity in this ever-shrinking world. The author, a noted rabbi and journalist, alternates between analytic and experiential approaches to the subject, escorting the reader on a multi-dimensional quest for spiritual and intellectual growth - a "virtual pilgrimage" if you will. A pilgrimage that travels tens of thousands of miles in a matters of instants, from Jerusalem to Mecca, to Chartres, even to Kosovo, and provides a new means of utilizing the vast power of technology to connect us to God and to transcend the artificial boundaries that separate us.

With 1,500 alphabetical entries and 300 illustrations, this resource is a comprehensive review of the people, places, events, equipment, vernacular, and lively history of this fascinating sport.

THE SURFING YEAR BOOK OFFERS the complete package of news, features, results, opinions, and photography, providing an insider's view of everything that matters in each of the world's surfing regions-Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan, South and Central America, United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. An extended Surfing Year Book awareness campaign is underway at Surfersvillage.com, the world's biggest surfing news Web site, with more than twenty-two million visitor sessions a year. Surfersvillage will also utilize its large family of publishing partners around the world to advertise the book's arrival in all surfing markets. With each regional section offering text in English and language of origin, the book will have broad appeal in all world surfing markets. Photo essays from the best surf photographers around the world; profiles of all the leading surfers of 2008. Ocean environmental issues, weather, and swell reports. The only global directory of surfing products and services. International sponsors include: O'Neill, Quiksilver, Vans Europe, Oakley Europe, Solitude, Billabong, Hurley, Rip Curl, and Body Glove. Online marketing and promotions. Print and web advertising campaign. Co-op available. For years, Surfersvillage has led the world in providing the most comprehensive online information about the sport, culture, and industry of surfing, from the biggest swell events and contests to the tiniest club meets on the back beaches of the most remote coasts.

We all live with a deeply rooted desire to understand our unique purpose in this world. That discovery is the key to making every moment meaningful and living a truly empowered life. But are we searching in the right places? The Four Elements of an Empowered Life takes you on a journey inward — to understand your unique purpose and to discover your inner worlds, represented by the four elements of fire, wind, water, and earth. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including classic Torah texts, Kabbalistic works, psychology, and modern-day thinkers, as well as the author’s own personal experiences in Jewish education and outreach, Rabbi Buxbaum presents a close-up look at the constant struggles that are taking place within each of these inner worlds. These pages are filled with practical tools and habits that will help you master the elements and become the greatest possible version of yourself — empowering you to accomplish the mission that only you can achieve in this world.