Jessica Deutsch is a New York based artist. She earned her BFA in illustration at Parsons, & has also studied at Midreshet Harova & Bezalel Academy. She loves sharing her passion for Jewish spirituality through creative practices. Deutsch has worked with the New Shul, and was an artist in residence at the Brandeis Collegiate Institute.

Megillat Esther is commonly referred to as the Book of Esther: but there is nothing common about JT Waldman's interpretation of this Biblical story. In what may be the world's first religious, scholarly comic book, Waldman tells the epic tale of exile and redemption in graphic form. When Esther, a Jewish woman, is made Queen of Persia she must keep her identity hidden, all the while maneuvering to save her people from annihilation. This is a story familiar to many Jews who have heard it recounted every year on the holiday of Purim. But readers of all backgrounds will be entranced by what artist Waldman depicts in his interpretation of the text. At once traditional and groundbreaking Megillat Esther will challenge secular assumptions about the Bible. Each page of Megillat Esther is a visual tour de force and features the Hebrew text with original English translation, as well as opulent drawings depicting the story of the Persian Queen. Traditional interpretations of the story are woven throughout the panels. Megillat Esther presents the reader with a topsy-turvey world in which fortunes reverse and nothing is what it seems. This vibrant, edgy retelling of a classic Biblical tale is sure to amaze and intrigue scholars and laypeople of all religions and comic book lovers alike.

Each week, we as a Jewish people read one Parsha, one Portion of the Torah, and we work together to find meaning within it Within these pages are the comics that I have created during the 2017 year. There is a unique comic for each week, plus discussion questions and educational reflections.

For many queer Jews, Jewish tradition seems like a rich tapestry which at best ignores them and at worst rejects them entirely. In reality, queerness and queer Judaism have been a constant subplot of Jewish history, if only we care to look. Spanning almost two millennia and containing translations from more than a dozen languages, Noam Sienna's new book, A Rainbow Thread: An Anthology of Queer Jewish Texts From the First Century to 1969, collects for the first time more than a hundred sources on the intersection of Jewish and queer identities. Covering poetry, drama, literature, law, midrash, and memoir, this anthology suggests that Jewish texts are not just obstacles to be overcome in the creation of queer Jewish life, but also potential resources waiting to be excavated. Through an unprecedented examination of the histories of gender and sexuality over two millennia of Jewish life around the world, this book inspires and challenges its readers to create a better future through a purposeful reflection on our past.

Pirkei Imahot is first and foremost a book about giving Jewish women a voice within our Jewish tradition. Through that voice, the reader is given an opportunity to gain new inspiration, motivation and the clarity of purpose needed to move forward to make change in a world much in need of it. Just as Pirkei Avot, the rabbinic commentary written by rabbis in the 2nd century, C.E., provided an ethical road map for the community of its day, Pirkei Imahot provides an ethical road map written by and for contemporary women today. Through the authors' own unique experiences as women, mothers, leaders and teachers in their community, and those of the many women who contributed their own words of wisdom to this book, the reader will gain wisdom on how to live morally within her community, how to participate in tikkun olam, [the repair of the world] and how to strengthen her leadership roles to make a difference. The probing questions found throughout the book provide a further opportunity, through introspection and self-examination, for the reader to learn the lessons found within the covers of this thought provoking book!

Finally, a Pirkei Avot textbook for 6-8th grade students.Organized thematically, this text by noted educator and author Nachama Skolnik Moskowitz provides students with the opportunity to study a selection of essential rabbinic texts.The Hebrew of all texts is included with wonderful translations to encourage full student participation. The methodology stresses a cooperative chevruta learning style.A Bridge to Our Tradition looks at the Pirkei Avot text with three questions in mind: 1. What are the character traits that help define who we are as individuals?2. What are the ways we can interact positively with others?3. What are our responsibilities to improve the world?This approach helps students navigate the complicated journey of Jewish character development. In addition, they will learn the important task of asking questions of the text. With a complete copy of the text of Pirkei Avot and a glossary included, as well as an accompanying teacher's guide, this title is a new and indispensable addition to your curriculum.

The sages of the Mishna lived through one of the greatest transitions of Jewish history: the destruction of the Temple and withdrawal of divine revelation. Assuming responsibility for the future of the Torah, the sages set about bringing it out of the Temple and into everyday life, determined to keep it alive in a world of change. In his commentary to Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg mines the book for the religious and ethical wisdom, the humility and the courage, the staunch traditionalism and the bold innovation that guided the sages through this tempestuous era. Framed by thumbnail sketches of the lives and times of the sages, the book¿s line-by-line commentary offers an original reading of Pirkei Avot, applying its teachings to the questions and challenges of our rapidly changing world.