Perspectives on Faith; Halachah; and Leadership during the Holocaust. From amidst the unspeakable ravages of the Holocaust emerges this breathtaking book--a wellspring of faith; perspective; and astonishing testimonies of witnesses. In these two meticulously researched and heart-stirring volumes lies the unbroken spirit of the millions of Jews who willingly and lovingly sacrificed their lives while sanctifying Hashem's Name at the murderous hands of the Nazis. Halachic questions asked of rabbonim of the era give piercing insight into the darkest moments experienced by our brethren--and the blinding light of faith to which they clung even when faced with horrific challenges. Astounding in its scope; this work also examines the post-war era; opening a window upon the stark and brutal realities of those who survived and their supreme struggles to rebuild their lives. It is simply impossible to describe the vast depth and detail of this monumental work; even a peripheral reading will reveal its importance and the precious lessons it contains. Rich with historical documentation--some of it presented here for the first time--these volumes are truly eye-opening. Covers a broad spectrum of topics: individual and communal prayer; the role of rabbis at the time; halachic and moral issues which arose including dilemmas concerning rescuing people; hidden children; marriage; and agunot. Special attention is given in this work to the survivors' lives after liberation and the material; emotional; and spiritual problems that they faced. 2 Volume Set.
#2373309 in Books 2012-08-19PDF # 1 #File Name: 938162014832 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A Fresh Interpretation of the GitaBy The Peripatetic ReaderThe Bijar School of Yoga is an interesting mix of Tantra; Hatha Yoga; and conventional Vedic thought. Its publications are an enlightening interpretation of Vedic spiritual and philosophic topics; and this interpretation of the Gita is no exception.Swamiji Niranjananda interprets out the box and declares that the Gita is not a philosophical tract nor a spiritual scripture. Instead; it consists of a series of teachings on the resolution of situation management. Those teachings center on the despair and dilemma faced by Arjuna; confronted with the aspect of killing his relatives and brothers in the major battle of the Mahabhrata War.Arjuna’s choice is central to how one is to view the Gita. The Swamiji’s interpretation does not as Abhinavagpta consider Arjuna’s dilemma as a symbolic battle with evil nor interprets it as SrI Aurobindo as part of the individual’s nature; but goes one step further to interpret Arjuna’s choice as a crisis in dharma. The Swamiji’s interpretation is new and fresh because it discusses the Gita in terms of dharma combined with those teachings which coincide with Kriya practices. The Gita; the Swamiji notes; is a tract about dharma; how to accept; maintain; and sustain one’s dharma. The Swamiji incorporates the yogic techniques contained in the Gita itself and those which are a part of the Kriya yoga practiced in the Bijar School; such as alternate nasal breathing; nose gazing and concentration on the middle of the eyebrows.The book itself consists of two satsangs about the Gita and dharma. Satsangs are the rough equivalent to homilies in the Christian traditions. The book is not long and can be read comfortably in one sitting; but it is packed with information and knowledge.Highly recommended.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Gita for breakfastBy Elizabeth R. WalterThis short book gives a overall analysis of the Bhagavad Gita for modern readers and seekers. Short enough to get through in one or two sittings; it gets right to the heart of the teachings. Highly recommend ANY book from the Bihar School. Swami Niranjan is probably the best teacher/communicator I have ever encountered.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy MagyarLove this little book. Practical information for everyday life. Highly recommend.
