Books published by Gaon Books

Historically the plants of the Bible have been of great interest for botanical studies, for their medicinal qualities, for cooking, for building gardens, for inspiration, and as metaphors for teaching.The Bible often provides both social and symbolic meanings for plants, but sometimes the ambiguity of language means that the species mentioned cannot be specifically identified. The Bible was written in Aramaic and Hebrew, it was first translated into Greek in the second century B.C.E., into Latin in the fourth century C.E., and later into the many languages of the world. As we will see, the story of those translations has affected our understanding of the plants. In this book I include the Hebrew name and the Latin scientific name for each of the plants, as well as the common name in English. Along with the images, I include a biblical reference to the plant with my interpretation of the verse, focusing on the five most mentioned plants: fig, grape vine, olive, date palm and pomegranate. The generic Hebrew term for fruit (peri) is used throughout the Bible. In many cases the reference is to the olive, fig, or grape the three most important fruits to the Israelites after they left Egypt. Isaiah predicts that the descendants of Jacob will blossom and fill the world with fruit, making Israel a gift to the world.In the days to come Jacob's descendants will take root, Israel will sprout and blossom, and they will fill the entire world with fruit.Isaiah 27:6The Hebrew word "seed" (zera) is regularly mentioned in reference to a grain crop, not being clear whether the reference is to wheat, barley, spelt or millet. Since wheat was the most highly esteemed and valuable, it was the most common seed. Wheat is clearly identified in many biblical verses: "They have sown wheat and harvest thorns…" (Jeremiah 12:13) Wheat is also depicted in Egyptian monuments and apparently in the dream of Pharaoh, which Joseph was asked to interpret. In another dream, I saw seven full and ripe clusters of grain growing on a stalk. Coming up behind them were seven other clusters shriveled, thin and damaged by the east wind. Genesis 41:22-23 Seeds like coriander are identified in Exodus 16:31. Israel called it manna. It was like a white coriander seed, and it tasted like a wafer made with honey.For the Israelites it was specifically forbidden to mix seeds of various grains "…you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed…" Leviticus 19:19The Jewish historian Josephus in the first century C.E. described the land of Israel as "a garden of God" because of the beauty and lusciousness of the amazing variety of trees and orchards. This harmony and beauty of plants, the plentiful seeds, fruit trees, herbs and grasses made the land a paradise.

Three paths, One God. Jewish, Christian, Muslim. Scripture, liturgy,and contemporary prayer. Three women, each following her faith, prayingand seeking, marking times of our days, celebrating the unfolding ofour lives, pursuing sacred paths toward God. Thus, this book!Sacred writings, inspired and inspirational, are the foundation ofevery faith tradition. As people of faith, we study our holy texts, reverethem, and try to absorb their wisdom. They are central to our beliefs andpractices. Every religion uses liturgy, fixed prayers composed many yearsago, and often associated with specific times of the year and appropriateto particular situations or forms of worship. As people of faith, we usethese established forms and appreciate the power, beauty, and stabilityof their words.And every faith tradition is alive. As people of faith, we practice ourreligions and honor and embrace the books associated with them. Aspeople of faith, we respond to the sacred texts which are our spiritual inheritance.We pray and write new prayers as expressions of our faith. Ourprayers, in response to holy writings, are our way of keeping our faithrelevant and alive. We pray because it connects us with God. Throughour prayers, we affirm our gratitude and recognition of the power of TheSource of All and seek mercy, guidance, blessings, and answers to ourneeds.As active practitioners of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the authorsrecognize the power of religious belief and practice in our lives. We realizethat prayer, as part of daily life, can enrich our lives, deepen our experiences,and help us cope with some of life's challenges. We want to share some of thatrichness with our readers. Throughout this book, we maintain the uniquenessof our own sacred beliefs and join together as seekers of peace, who believein One God. We pray together to build our relationship with the DivineSource, seeking protection to overcome temptations and help to determinethe Divine Will. We pray together to accomplish God's work by awakeningour spirits and deepening our connection with The One.

Guardians of Hidden Traditions is a historical novel narrating the experiences of generation after generation of crypto-Jews, beginning in Spain in the late 1300''s and ending in New Mexico in the early 1800''s. It tells the stories of mothers, daughters, and their families as they hide from the Inquisition and migrate to new lands seeking freedom and peace.Isabelle Medina-Sandoval draws from stories and research about her own family to create this novel. The story is built around a real core of events, and she includes historically rich details about the lifestyles of the various time periods. "Guardians of Hidden Traditions is a fascinating and moving story of a people that held on to deep traditions and culture through tremendous trials and tribulation. Dr. Medina Sandoval has woven into this work the beautiful story of our ancestors. The work provides a deep sense of belonging for a group that survived in the hearts and minds of individuals with deep faith in something omnipotent. This work is something that we as a people need to pass on to our young people in our educational systems. The culture and traditions portrayed in this work is really part of our Land of Enchantment. The Rosa de Castilla and the many traditions are part of New Mexico and its people."--Dr. John Mondragon, Professor, University of New Mexico

All Breathing Life Adores Your Name is a book of prayers composed as poetry by the founder of the Jewish Renewal movement, Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. This English language book of prayers introduces the reader to Jewish mysticism in contemporary life. Rabbi Lawrence Kushner has said that Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's ideas and stories have "profoundly altered the landscape of American Judaism." And, it is in his tradition of originality and spiritual centeredness that Reb Zalman has opened a door for our souls with these prayer/poems. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, the author of both Jewish Literacy and A Code of Jewish Ethics, says of this book, "It is hard to pray for more than a few sentences in Hebrew if you don't know what you're saying. And it's hard to pray for more than a few sentences in English if the prayers don't touch and teach your heart. Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the master davvener of our age has delivered a vital book, one that enables people to actually davven, not just pray, in English. Many have promised such a book, but this one delivers." Rodger Kamenetz, the author of both Burnt Books and The Jew in the Lotus, says, "One is grateful to Reb Zalman for bringing into English these Jewish prayers that have lived a long life in him. Indeed, his introductory notes show how these prayers have provided him solace, guidance and inspiration at key moments to a unique man of prayer, so that we can begin to understand not only what the words say but how they speak in the heart."

Jews under Moroccan Skies tells the story of Jewish life in Morocco, describing in realistic detail how Jews and Muslims interweaved their lives in peace for centuries. The authors give us the rich history of Berber Jews, the Moroccan tzadikim, and Jewish mysticism in the country. They also describe the cultural differences between the Judeo-Spanish communities of the North, the Francophone urban Jews, and the Judeo-Arabic and Judeo-Berber traditions. "No chapter in the long history of the Jewish people has more power and more relevance to our contemporary world than Moroccan Jewry. And it is the least known, by far! This wonderful book will draw you into its mystery, captivating and capturing your imagination. If you don't want to be tempted to travel, don't read this book. You will never be satisfied until you see it with you own eyes accompanied by the unparalleled teacher and guide, Raphael David Elmaleh! People all over the world have been waiting for Raphy to put his words down on paper. This magnificent book is the result. It is a gem!" -- Peter A. Geffen, Founder and Executive Director KIVUNIM Founder, The Abraham Joshua Heschel School, New York