RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL:JEWISH RENEWAL:REJOICING WITH TORAH:SIMCHAT TORAH

 RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL:JEWISH RENEWAL:REJOICING WITH TORAH:SIMCHAT TORAH

Prayer Baruch ata AdoSHEM, Elo-Keinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu bi'mitzvo-tav, vi'tzivanu al ni-tilat luluv. Blessed are You, Lord our G!d, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with His mitzvoth, and instructed us to raise up the Luluv. Simchat Torah Learn the spiritual and ethical lessons of the Torah and Talmud. On Simchat Torah, October 11, 2009, we start again with Beresheit. A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud will bring these texts alive for you. Join Our Mailing List Sukkoth - The Feast of the Booths A Holiday Message From Rabbi Arthur Segal's Jewish Spiritual Renewal September 2009 Shalom: L'Shana Tova and may we all be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. I hope you had an easy fast. The eight-day festival of Sukkoth - the Feast of the Booths - begins at sundown on Friday, October 2, 2009. Sukkoth ends with Simchat Torah (Celebrating Torah) on the eve of October 10th, continuing into the day of October 11th. Sukkoth Sukkoth is named for the Hebrew word for "booths." At Sukkoth G!d asks us to live in booths for a week. The practice is derived from the fall harvest festival when the Hebrews left their homes to live in the fields. The Talmud teaches that we may use one of a variety of methods to construct the walls, but that everyone, rich or poor, must make the roof out of the same materials (s'chach, i.e., palm fronds) so that we can see the stars at night. Obviously, most of us are not farmers and have no fields to cultivate, but there is a spiritual connection that is relevant to our lives in the modern world. Sukkoth is meant to remind us that although we may have successful careers, we may live in big, beautiful homes and drive nice cars, we must not become complacent with some notion that we have "made it" in the world. We are to remember that we are in G!d's hands and are a part of His nature and His universe. Sukkoth also reminds us that we can live without material goods and that G!d provides us with what we need. Rich or poor, we can live in a hut for a week and actually come to enjoy it! During the seven or eight days of Sukkoth we try to grow spiritually. I discuss more about how to experience a truly spiritual Sukkoth (and other holidays as well) in Chapter 13 of my book, The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew. If you don't have a copy and would like one, you can get it here: www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org We will also discuss Sukkoth in my class on Jewish Spiritual Renewal and Ethics via Hebrew College's Shamash program. You can join the class by sending an email to RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net. Be sure to mention that you would like to join the class. Simchat Torah Simchat Torah means, "to Celebrate Torah." It follows Sukkoth when we end the last parasha (portion) of Deuteronomy and immediately begin the first parasha of Genesis. Spiritually, you are to remember that you are never finished studying Torah, and that G!d's influence in our lives is never ending. Children are given their first lessons on this day. A bit of honey is placed on the texts for them to bring to their mouths. This is symbolically teaching them that the words of Torah and study will bring sweetness into their lives. "Mortal, feed your stomach and fill your belly with this scroll...and I ate it and it tasted as sweet as honey to me." (Ezekiel 3:3). This can also be done at Shavuot. However, with the secular school year coinciding with Simchat Torah in autumn, and because both holidays are about Torah, this custom is commonly practiced at both holidays. Since this holiday is about studying Torah, which can seem cumbersome without an excellent guide, let me be your Sherpa and guide you week by week with my book, A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud. If you don't have a copy and would like one, you can get it here: www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org You can also join our ongoing guidance to studying Torah in my class on Jewish Spiritual Renewal and Ethics via Hebrew College's Shamash program. Just send an email to RabbiSegal@JewishSpiritualRenewal.net and mention that you would like to join the class. Chag Someach! Shalom v'ahavah uvracha, Rabbi Arthur Segal P.S. Be sure to keep up with my three regular blog posts: Jewish Spiritual Renewal Rabbi Arthur Segal Eco-Judaism

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Rabbi Arthur Segal reveals the path to Jewish Spiritual Renewal - and happiness in  troubled  times... Is Joy and Happiness Still Possible in Times Like These? YES, it is possible. Even when the world seems to be turning upside-down, you can follow a simple, step-by-step process that will have you loving life every day no matter what is going on around you. It's no secret, but nobody's been talking about it for generations...until now. In His New Book: THE HANDBOOK TO JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal brings Judaism back to its roots for the millions of modern Jews who have become disenchanted with "normative" Judaism. In The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew, Segal reveals how Judaism leads you up the path to a happy, fulfilling life. And he casts aside the long, boring sermons and tedious litany of rules and regulations in favor of plain English, humor, and life examples that we can all relate to. Click Here to Order $19.99 254 Pages Published by Amazon's BookSurge ISBN: 1439223394 "The Handbook To Jewish Spiritual Renewal by Rabbi Arthur Segal has given me the foundation to approach each day with honesty, reverence, hope and gratitude. I feel like I am having a personal conversation with a wise prophet with a jovial sense of humor."  Diane Weinberg, Washington, D.C. Shalom. My name is Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal, and in my years of rabbinic counseling I've met an awful lot of fellow Jews who are short on faith that Judaism can deliver the happiness and joy that it promises, especially in these turbulent times. Their emotions run the gamut: sadness, loneliness, bitterness; fearfulness of what the future holds for them. Some are just downright cynical and angry. I've been there myself; stuck with a feeling of, "Is this all there is?" But I found the way out. That's why I became a rabbi after retiring from my dental practice; to help others up the path to a life of joy and freedom that I couldn't find in "normative" Judaism. I want to show you that path today. "You lead the spiritual practices of the entire program and offer our followers a unique spiritual opportunity."  Hune Margulies, Ph.D. Founder, Martin Buber Institute Reclaim Your Spirituality...And Your Life Click to Order THE HANDBOOK TO JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal distills millennia of sage advice into a step-by-step process to reclaim your Judaism and your spirituality in a concise easy-to-read and easy-to-follow manner. If you find yourself wishing for the strength to sustain you through the ups and downs of life; if you want to learn how to live life to its fullest without angst, worry, low self-esteem or fear; or if you wish that your relationships with family, friends and co-workers were based on love and service and free of ego, arguments, resentments and feelings of being unloved...this book is for you. Price: $19.99 254 Pages Published by: Amazon's BookSurge In The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew, I distill teachings from our sages that have been passed along for thousands of years, along with lessons from the Torah and the Talmud. But unlike other Jewish spiritual texts that you may have read, or sermons you may have heard, this book presents these lessons in a concise, easy-to-read, easy-to-follow life transformation process that you can follow step-by-step at your own pace. And it is written in plain English with relevance to the modern world. I even threw in a few jokes to make it fun! This is stuff we were not taught in Hebrew school or in most synagogues, but it is what Judaism is really all about.  "Wonderful stuff! I'm savoring it, bit by bit."  Samuel Hughes, Senior Editor The Pennsylvania Gazette University of Pennsylvania In The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew, you will learn: That "normative" Judaism as you have known it throughout your life is not really Judaism at all, why it may leave you uninspired, and how spiritual renewal will help you recapture that inspiration (Chapter 1). That your ego is your own worst enemy, and how to win the battle against it (Chapter 2). How to stop struggling for control over things you cannot control, and be happier because of it (Chapter 3). How spiritual renewal conquers the fears and character flaws that are holding you back in life (Chapters 4 and 5). To actually get rid of your character flaws forever (Chapter 6). How to turn negative relationships in your life positive (Chapter 7). How simple it is to make prayer a regular part of your days...without going back to Hebrew school (Chapter 8). How to to find peace of mind through meditation (Chapter 9). How to simplify life's toughest decisions (Chapter 10). How spiritual renewal transforms you into the best individual you can be, and how to stay on track (Chapter 11). How to celebrate the Sabbath and the Jewish Holidays with meaning (Chapters 12 and 13). How to live with happiness, joy, and freedom every day of your life (Chapter 14). Click Image to Enlarge THE HANDBOOK TO JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew Price: $19.99 254 Pages Published by: Amazon's BookSurge Click Here to Order A Question for You Let me ask you a question: Are you enjoying life like the people in the cartoon at the top of this letter? Or, do you spend your days worrying about the economy... ...in conflict with friends, family, and co-workers... ...stressed out about the future? If the latter sounds like you I'm not surprised. As I said earlier, I counsel many fellow Jews who are in the same boat, and they look to their Jewish faith to find a happier life. However... Some have trouble understanding what they read in the Torah and how it relates to their own lives. Others find that their synagogues are more about social climbing and fundraising and less about spiritual awakening. Many simply give up, believing that Judaism has failed them, and they walk away from their Jewish faith.  In my book, The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew, I will show you that true Judaism has not failed them...or you...and that you can return to your Jewish faith and enjoy your life to its fullest, even when the news of the day keeps going from bad to worse. "I couldn't have written the book or expressed my pain and concern for the Jewish people returning to Judaism. Thank God that He put this desire in your heart." Janelle Vechi California It's simpler than you may think, and you don't have to become a rabbi as I did. To give you an idea what I am talking about, here is an excerpt from The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew: We become so far removed from God, our loving Sovereign Parent, that when we pray, (if we pray at all), we pray to meet an immediate need. We desire an immediate fix, rather than to seek renewal (return) and the wisdom to work toward renewal. We are satisfied for a moment if our trivial need is met. We therefore never achieve happiness in the long term. We are constantly searching and striving for our secular notions of success and happiness. While in this all-too-common state our egos "lock horns" with the egos of others, putting us in a sustained state of human conflict and resentment.   This is not the Jewish way to live; but most of us cannot find the way out. In this book, I will give a map to the tools of the process in simple terms and in language easily understood, to turn your life around to a much more pleasant state. If you follow the map faithfully and honestly, you will find that the journey is life-changing and life-affirming. "Nice Rabbi Segal! Thank you! Peace." Deepak Chopra's Intent.com What Would You Say Something Like This is Worth? Think about it… The teachings of the Torah and the Talmud all distilled into an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-follow step-by-step process that will help you: Overcome the challenges that life throws at you every day Stop letting ego, resentment, and other conflict strain your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers Get the angst and worry out of your life Eliminate low self-esteem from your life Overcome your fear of failure and other fears I know it sounds priceless and in reality…it is. But I sincerely want to share what has helped me and countless others with you. In other words, I want to show you the path to the happy and joyous life that your were meant to live. So I want you to have The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew for only $19.99. "The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal is an invaluable resource for anyone who is searching for more in their life. I was involved with organized Jewish religion, but something was always missing. Using this guide, and taking each chapter to heart, has transformed my views and put me on the track my life is supposed to be on,  filled with love, trust and emunah (faith). Thanks Rabbi Segal!" Ben Pincus Houston, TX Like I said, I've been where you are: in a life missing spirituality; seemingly unable to cope with life's difficulties; and unable to find peace and inner shalom.  But I found it and now I want to share with you the path that I have found and passed on to others with consistent success. It took me many years of work and study, and rabbinic ordination. But it didn't have to. And it doesn't have to for you. You can travel the same path that I did, but you can do it in only 254 pages! We are living in a historically turbulent time. Economic uncertainty, political corruption, threats of aggression, and religious conflict are everywhere. I know that I would find it difficult to find comfort without the peace and inner shalom that I have found through Jewish Spiritual Renewal. Please join me now. Start your journey UP the path of Jewish Spiritual Renewal so that it may bring the same joy, happiness, freedom and shalom that I now enjoy into your own life!   Click Here to Order Many Blessings, Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal   P.S.  Another thing that I've noticed over the years in my Rabbinic Counseling is that many modern Jews are not as familiar with the Torah and the Talmud as they might be.  They find it difficult to understand and interpret in a way that makes sense and has relevance to their lives in the modern world.  This is quite often the root cause of the kind of spiritual disconnection that I described earlier. So, as a companion to The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew, I have also written: Click to Order A SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL COMPENDIUM TO THE TORAH AND TALMUD Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal dissects each of the Torah's weekly sections (parashot) using the Talmud and other rabbinic texts to show the true Jewish take on what the Torah is trying to teach us. This companion to The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew brings the Torah alive with daily relevance to the Modern Jew. All of the Torah can be summed up in one word: Chesed. It means kindness. The Talmud teaches that the Torah is about loving our fellow man and that we are to go and study. The rest is commentary. This compendium clarifies the commentary and allows one to study Torah and Talmud to learn the Judaic ideals of love, forgiveness, kindness, mercy and peace. A must read for all Jews and deserves a place in every Jewish home. Price: $24.99 494 Pages Published by: Amazon's BookSurge "Very informative and timely. It allows many people to benefit from Torah lessons, where many of them may not otherwise have an opportunity receive such content." Mauricio Benzipporah Founder, Beta-Gershom Organization A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud dissects each of the Torah's weekly sections (parashot) using the Talmud and other rabbinic texts to interpret its lessons. "Shalom. What a blessing your insights have given me. I am interested in reading more of your writings of Talmud. I find it difficult to find good Talmudic readings. Excellent work, Rabbi!" Rabbi Daniel Ben Shmuel A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud brings the Torah alive with daily relevance to the Modern Jew. All of Torah can be summed up in one word: Chesed. It means kindness. The Talmud teaches that the Torah is about loving our fellow man and that we are to ''go and study.'' The rest is commentary.  A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud clarifies the commentary and allows one to study the Torah and the Talmud to learn the Judaic ideals of love, forgiveness, kindness, mercy and peace.  It is a must read for those seeking Jewish Spiritual Renewal and is the ideal complement to The Handbook to Jewish Spiritual Renewal: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew. Here is an excerpt from A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud: Since each parasha is the weekly Torah portion, you may read each of the chapters in the book during the course of a week while also reading the actual Torah portion. By doing so, you will learn a modern Jewish Spiritual view of each Torah portion. At the same time, your world will be open to the ethical teachings of the Talmud.   While many read the Torah as a history book, or a deed to land, or see it as a boring book full of legalisms and ritual for a priesthood that no longer exists, this book aims to show you the spiritual ethical lessons in each parasha. In a sense this book will hopefully help you enjoy reading and understanding the Five Books of Moses, what we call Chumash from the Hebrew word for "five." You may even discover that you want to continue your study with the Talmud and other Jewish texts. "...most insightful (Torah) essay I could find was written by Rabbi Arthur Segal." Leslie Palma-Simoncek Staten Island Advance Complete your journey UP the path to Jewish Spiritual Renewal with a better understanding of the Torah's lessons through A Spiritual and Ethical Compendium to the Torah and Talmud for only $24.99... ...certainly a small amount to pay for the priceless wisdom contained within the Torah and the Talmud. You can purchase each book individually, but if you purchase them together as a set, I will donate a portion of the sales price in your name to a tzadakkah of your choice, such as your synagogue. Think of it as your first act of loving kindness in your spiritually renewed life!     Click Here to Order   Click Image to Enlarge THE HANDBOOK TO JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: A Path of Transformation for the Modern Jew Price: $19.99 254 Pages Published by: Amazon's BookSurge Click Here to Order Click Image to Enlarge A SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL COMPENDIUM TO THE TORAH AND TALMUD Price: $24.99 494 Pages Published by: Amazon's BookSurge Click Here to Order   About Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal's love of Judaism and his Ahavath Israel led him on his personal quest for Jewish Spiritual Renewal, beginning his studies after retirement from a successful oral medicine practice. Rabbi Segal graduated cum laude with BA and DMD degrees, Specialty, and Post-Doctoral studies in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in the 1970s. He is an author in these chosen fields as well. Rabbi Segal teaches classes on Jewish Spiritual Renewal and The Spiritual and Ethical Teachings of the Torah, TaNaK and Talmud via the Shamash online program. He teaches Torah, Talmud, and other great texts, such as Duties of the Heart by Ibn Pakudah of 1050 C.E. Spain, to adults in his hometown. Rabbi Dr. Segal does rabbinic counseling using the step-by-step process of Jewish Spiritual Renewal to help his fellow Jews achieve a spiritual life.     Click Here to Order ©2009 Dr. Arthur Segal, P.A. d/b/a Rabbi Arthur Segal  Page header image is courtesy of Steve Greenberg (greenberg-art.com)