Understanding the Haftarot: An Everyperson’s Guide

by Rabbi Charles Simon

Overview

Here’s what critics are saying about Rabbi Simon’s book:

“In Understanding the Haftarot Chuck Simon has made
the Prophets come alive. With his knowledge of Biblical
history and keen sense of drama, Simon gives context
and familiarity to the men and scenes of the Haftarot. I
recommend this book to all who are seeking deeper
understanding and clarity of sequence in the weekly
prophetic readings.”

Cantor Nancy Abramson,
Director, H. L. Miller Cantorial School
Jewish Theological Seminary


“Rabbi Simon has provided a valuable contribution toward
garnering spiritual meaning from our comprehensive
Shabbat liturgy. Rather than viewing the Haftarah cycle as
a random array of sacred texts, he has constructed a useful
and inspiring framework. Combining historical context with
thematic assessments, this volume brings the weekly
Haftarah to life. Side-by-side with the Torah portion, these
prophetic readings are intended both to elevate the soul
and to strengthen our ties to Jewish Peoplehood, past and
future.”

Rabbi Alan Silverstein
Current Chair of the Foundation for Masorti Judaism,
Past President of both the Rabbinical Assembly and of the
World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues

Product Details

BN ID:	2940015580341
Publisher:	Outskirts Press, Inc.
Publication date:	09/28/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	108
File size:	498 KB

About the Author

RABBI CHARLES SIMON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FEDERATION OF JEWISH MEN’S CLUBS

Rabbi Charles Simon has served as the Executive Director of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs since 1981. Under his guidance, FJMC has produced numerous books, guides, films, and programs designed to enhance Jewish life, for men and women and their communities at large.

Rabbi Simon has been responsible for the production of a host of materials designed to make Jewish life more accessible. These accomplishments include the development of the highly acclaimed Art of Jewish Living series, authored by Dr. Ron Wolfson, the writing and production of two educational films, A Guide to the Shabbat Morning Torah Service and The Ties That Bind. He edited and supervised the Hearing Men’s Voices series, a series of five manuals designed to assist Jewish men to address issues facing them today. Rabbi Simon has also written 2 books devoted to teaching people how to lead and participate in community prayer. He has been published in Commentary Magazine, Judaism Magazine and Reform Judaism.


Rabbi Simon was instrumental in the creation of the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism. In addition, he is responsible for starting and nurturing three Masorti congregations in France and two in the United Kingdom. His Mezuzah Housewarming party was translated into Spanish in 2005 as was his film The Ties That Bind. In November 2007 Rabbi Simon received the prestigious Sheirut l’am (Service to our People) award from the World Council of Synagogues and in 2011 the Yuval Award from the Cantors Assembly. He currently serves as the Conservative/Masorti Movement’s representative to Europe.

His most recent endeavors are a weekly haftarah commentary that began in October 2009 and a book titled Developing a Successful Volunteer Culture,
A 1977 graduate of the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Rabbi Simon served as a congregational rabbi before coming to the FJMC. His primary interest is the development of lay leadership and the cultivation of volunteers. He lives in New York with his wife Mary Katzin.