Turn It, Turn It is a fresh, daring approach to a text you thought you knew. Every pages (re)introduces us to another face of the Torah: yes, stories and laws, but also fascinating historical document, surprisingly modern religious text, event calendar, and catalyst for relationships and community. More important than all of that, though, is what Meg Alder demonstrates through this very work: Turn It, Turn It is an invitation to creative interpretation. Everyone is invited to take their place in the unfolding of this vibrant tradition.

Recommended for: parents who want another bite at the apple; Hebrew school dropouts; Outside Jews who want a way in; intellectually honest but spiritually open people of all ages

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov told fabulous stories taking place in alternate universes while fully resonating with life in the 21st century. Nestled within an unorthodox tale of a search for lost princess is a many-layered exploration of what it takes to actually care about more than just yourself. With Gavriel Goldfeder’s sharp eye, clear writing and warm style and deep insight, the story comes to life as an opportunity for humans of all ages to consider and discuss their own hopes and challenges. Mat Toni (The Book of Secrets) provides vibrant, humorous, complex illustrations. 

Recommended for: reading groups; elementary schools; senior living communities; bar/bat/b-mitzvah gifts; family Shabbat tables

Jewish Futurisms is Rabbi Joshua Bolton's second full-length collection of poetry. Confessional and probing, the book is a journey through the poet’s textured and contradictory inner and outer landscapes, observing our Jewish moment through its episodes of tragedy and poignancy, moral churnings and spiritual longings. Another must-read for all seekers, tricksters, and students of life. 

Recommended for: Gifts for college grads; older people who need to know what younger Jews are thinking about; CEOs of major Jewish organizations; disaffected adolescents who almost gave up on Jewish thought

Nestled within the Jewish year is a seven-week period of focused reflection and work on relationships. During each day of this period--called the Counting of the Omer--Jewish tradition focused our attention on one particular theme that is likely to show up within all types of human interaction, including marriage and dating, friendship, parenthood and work life. The 50th Gate offers clear descriptions, relatable examples, and useful advice for how to access the unique opportunity presented by each day of the Omer. This completely rewritten third edition includes space for journaling on each page, allowing the reader to track their growth through particular themes over a five-year period. 

Recommended for: people who have never counted the Omer before; people have counted the Omer before and are looking for something new; couples and families looking for a way to grow together

Rabbi Joshua Bolton's One Hundred Suggestions for Seekers and Spiritual Activists is a new type of Jewish roadmap for the millennial generation. Written by a leading innovative educator from the Hillel movement, One Hundred Suggestions is a search for meaning through the landscapes of social media, social justice, and the social pressures of success and self-actualization. Part spiritual diary, part manifesto, part practitioner’s guide, the collection promises to be a challenging and entertaining conversation starter and and source of inspiration for young jews across the spectrum of Jewish background and engagement, as well as a useful guide for educators in the field.

Recommended for: Poets, people who love lists, Jewish Zen practitioners, seekers of the real