The Book of Jewish Values

by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin

In the hit HBO series, "Game of Thrones," the Stark family of the north repeatedly says, "Winter is coming!"

When Elul rolls around, we Jews say, "Yom Kippur is coming!"

Every year I reach the end of the High Holy Days inspired to do more -- study more, come to more services, observe more rituals more often -- and be more -- kinder, more charitable, more aware and more grateful.

Yet when Elul comes round again, I'm disappointed in myself. Overwhelmed by the possibilities for improvement, I realize I've defaulted to business as usual on the path of least resistance.

This year, however, I've discovered a book to guide me: Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's The Book of Jewish Values; A Day-by-Day Guide to Ethical Living. The book offers short, readable essays on Jewish values for every day of the year except Shabbats, when Rabbi Telushkin recommends reviewing the previous six days' essays.

Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar

by Alan Morinis

Mussar is the spiritual discipline of becoming a mensch.

Alan Morinis’ book, Everyday Holiness: the Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, brings this 1,000-year-old tradition to life for modern audiences.

Mussar practice – a blend of study, meditation, introspection and action – was originally passed from student to teacher. The practice virtually died out with the Holocaust.

Morinis himself discovered Mussar at one of the lowest points of his life. Working as a filmmaker, writer and producer, he was riding a comet of success – until a film failed. He was forced to confront the fact that the man he had become was far, far from the man he had planned to become.