NEW! Women and Judaism

I’m delighted to announce that the new book I’ve edited about Women and Judaism has just come out. It’s expensive, yes, but it contains remarkable and unusual articles that give a picture of what it is to be a Jewish woman today. Please let anyone interested in Judaism and women’s studies know about it!
Many thanks.

"Women and Judaism," carries an intention to do more than bring the reader new ideas to ponder. For Jewish women, it's a charge to claim and re-claim their rightful place in their tradition. For non-Jewish sisters, we hope that it encourages you to bring change in your traditions as you learn of our effort to be counted as full members of an ancient spiritual community. – Malka Drucker

You can read the entire introduction to the book on my website at by clicking here. http://www.malkadrucker.com/womenandjudaism.html

"Women and Judaism"
Edited by Malka Drucker
Hardcover: 300 pages
Publisher: Praeger (April 30, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0275991547
ISBN-13: 978-0275991548
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
$65.00

The book is available on line at
amazon.com
and
barnes and noble

Heroes at the Inauguration

When I was sixteen years old, I began singing We Shall Overcome to destroy de facto segregation in Los Angeles. For all of us who sat in the halls of the Board of Education, tomorrow, January 20, is the great day that we have been waiting for, and the day we cannot believe has actually come.

We live in a time where no one in the world may be better known than Barack Obama. Being well known and being African-American isn't enough. We need a hero now, a person who has the courage to face unprecedented crises, the faith to believe in himself, the country, and the world. He needs to set an example, as he already has, of such faith and calm in these times. Finally, everyone who wants to become President has a lot of ego. That's just fine, as long as we are part of Obama's vision. I believe he can do all these things, and I'm so grateful to be here for tomorrow.

The new President is not the only hero we need. For all the millions that have gone to the effort of showing up at the Inauguration, let this not be the end of their service. We all have opportunity to be heroes--we have little choice!--in keeping the faith and working for a world that we are not ashamed to leave to the next generation.

Hanukkah

I'm so glad that we have heroes to celebrate, especially during Hanukkah, the darkest time of the year. It is a holiday that celebrates the light within us that gives us the courage to face darkness. The Maccabbees entered the Temple and discovered only one cruse of oil. Only seven days then would be a miracle because the first day had adequate oil. The eight days incorporate the miracle of the first day, which signifies the miracle of human courage to begin to buld within imperfect human situations.

Who is your Jewish-American Hero?

I've just finished writing a book for young people about Jewish American heroes. I can't imagine a better time for such a book. Heroes are in short supply and Jews can use all that they can claim. Children need help in learning the difference between heroism and fame, and between celebrity and greatness.

For 350 years Jews have enjoyed remarkable opportunity in shaping American culture. This country, founded on religious freedom, has offered us social and political freedom as well. American Jews have enriched music, entertainment, art, politics, science, sports, education, and business. Many of them have been passionate about social justice.
Of the twenty I chose to profile, most were not religious but lived lives that reflected the Jewish value of making an unfair world fairer. I looked for individuals who had the courage to speak the truth when it was unwelcome and those who risked ridicule by doing something new to make the world better. They set examples of excellence and they worked not only for themselves but also for others.
Read More about Jewish-American Heroes.

Purchase the book at your local, independent bookstore or:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Abunga.com
Target

Test your knowledge of Jewish-American Heroes by selecting this game link on my website and then come back to let me know "Who is your favorite Jewish-American Hero" in the comment section. I'll be posting the comments and responding as I can. - Malka Drucker