The Art of Amazement

Book Description

A step-by-step guide to discovering the untapped wisdom of Judaism.

Have you ever stopped to look at a breathtaking sunset and felt tremendous joy, calmness, or even timelessness? Has your entire body ever responded to something with awe? The Art of Amazement helps us to identify the source of that wonder, and to cultivate it and experience it daily-even hourly and minute by minute.

Rabbi Seinfeld's powerful book outlines the ancient Jewish spiritual arts in clear terms for any spiritual seeker. The art of amazement is practical and accessible to anyone, and does not demand a radical lifestyle change. Each chapter in the book offers a lesson paired with exercises to help make small changes in routine to ultimately achieve a larger shift in perspective.

Judaism is a profound and complex spirituality. Now The Art of Amazement brings this wisdom within reach of us all, and we can learn how to take joy and pleasure in even the smallest of everyday occurrences.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for Ju-Bus looking for a little more "Ju".......2006-05-08

In the interest of full disclosure, I should start this review by saying that Rabbi Seinfeld sent me a copy of the book to review on Amazon.

Pros: Rabbi Seinfeld's writing style is engaging and colorful; it's a nicely written book. Also, the ideas presented therein, particularly after the first few chapters, of being mindful of and grateful for the sublime in our lives in specific ways is touching and important both to Judaism and to modern life. He also ends each chapter with specific exercises - both meditational and Jewish - that can help increase mindfulness and Jewish observance.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'm the ideal person to read - or review - the book. I have never been one to connect strongly with Eastern philosophy, for example, so the first few chapters - intended to draw in those who are perhaps so-called "JuBus" - were not appropriate for me but may be great for you.

I'd recommend the book strongly for anyone Jewish who has been interested in the mindfulness aspects of Buddhism and who feels he or she is lacking that feeling about Judaism, whether or not you're already observant. The mindfulness is there; we just weren't taught about it.

Excellent starter for serious meditation.......2006-04-07

Contrary to the apparent Judaic framework in which the author tries to fit this book, the content goes far beyond any particular culture or religion. The whole thread of the book is about introspection and starting to get into serious "meditation". Meditation is this process of going inside our beliefs, and questioning and reconsidering all choices we make in our life. This is the path of "mysticism", which is nothing else than going back to our human sources, those we knew while being kids, and which we covered with all sorts of social and cultural learning that makes us forget who we are.

Amazement is being able to see the beauty of Life in all its aspects, which is the achievement of any mystic path. If you seriously try to grasp fully the content of this book, you might be able to change your perspective on life for good.

Refreshing and interesting.......2006-01-21

A sparkling work that I find myself returning to for inspiration and insights. A nice balance of conceptual analysis and practical excercises that I have rarely found in books on the subject. I highly recommend it!

Judaism a little dry? Pick up this book.......2005-10-28

Imagine a cake. Now take away the eggs, sugar, water, milk, icing sugar, chocolate...and what's left? A bowl of flour. Now cup your hand, grab a big scoop of flour, and put it in your mouth. And that's what Judaism tastes like for most Yids. We call it chocolate cake, but most shuls taste like a bowl of four.

The Art of Amazement provides numerous theories/practices/ideas to instill profound meaning into the day to day activities of our lives. Rabbi Seinfeld's book provides tools that could, if read, absorbed, practiced, shared and taught (at both the individual and organizational levels) revolutionize the way we live our lives as Jews. If nothing else, you'll think twice about the roots of meditation.

Best Spirituality Book, Jewish or not, that I've Read.......2005-09-29

I'm not exaggerating - there's something about this book that speaks to me more than others in the genre. I've read a lot of books on "spirituality", "meditation", "Jewish meditation", "Kabbalah", and so on, and this is the first one that really inspired me to become a better person. The reason may be Rabbi Seinfeld's philosophical clarity - the way he explains the philosophical way to understand "God" (which he calls "The Infinite"), really works for me. He then brilliantly spplies this framework to a number of basic Jewish customs. For the first time, I feel like I understand what the rabbi was always trying to do in Temple, but I think even he didn't understand. It's like the fog has lifted and I see not only Judaism but my whole life dfferently now.

The audio CD was also useful - it was the same content as parts of the book, but good to hear it while driving.

The Art of Amazement, Part 2: Transcendental Love

Average customer rating:

Part 1 was terrific

The Art of Amazement, Part 2: Transcendental Love
Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld
Manufacturer: Daas Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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The Art of Amazement

ASIN: 0971722927
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Book Description

Part 2 of Rabbi Seinfeld's critically-acclaimed audio series on Jewish spirituality.

In this studio recording, the author presents the classical Jewish definition of love that can improve any relationship. He then demonstrates how the familiar "Shema Yisroel" is in fact an ancient meditation that opens the doors of perception to the Ultimate, Infinite Love.

The CD would be helpful to anyone who has read the book, The Art of Amazement, but also stands alone.

The book and audio series is a step-by-step manual on how to nurture a sense of amazement every day, in every area of life. Readers begin to see Judaism as a masterful ancient spiritual system for unleashing the power of amazement.

Whether you merely wish to take a look or you want to step inside, The Art of Amazement is a unique doorway to the depths of Jewish tradition.

Includes a short summary of CD #1.

Customer Reviews:

Part 1 was terrific.......2006-02-21

Actually I've only listened to Part 1 so far -- I keep listening to it in the car and feel very inspired. Looking forward to Part 2 very much!

Art of Amazement: Discover Judaism's Forgotten Spirituality

Average customer rating:

paradigm shift
An original, tremendous book and CD
An Interesting Perspective
highest "kick" of all Jewish book I read in past 10 years...
An Illuminating Book

Art of Amazement: Discover Judaism's Forgotten Spirituality
Alexander Seinfeld
Manufacturer: Daas Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Theology | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0971722900

Book Description

At last! The long-awaited new edition of the modern classic on Jewish spirituality, meditation, Kabbalah... The new edition is a larger size and lower price, and does NOT come with the audio CD.

How to rediscover that inner sense of wonder...

How do you feel when watching a breathtaking sunset? Why are such moments so fleeting? This book is a step-by-step manual on how to nurture that sense of amazement every day, in every area of life. After reading this book, you will see Judaism as a masterful ancient spiritual system for unleashing the power of amazement. You will be astonished to discover:

- A challenging philosophical approach to the search for meaning.
- A practical system for cultivating amazement based on ancient sources.
- The happiness that comes from developing an expanded awareness.
- The kind of spirituality associated with Eastern religions.
- The latent transcendental potential everywhere, all the time.

Whether you are a seeker or merely intellectually curious, this book is a unique doorway to the depths of Jewish tradition. The curious will be satisfied merely to look while the seeker will want to step inside.

Customer Reviews:

paradigm shift.......2003-07-28

Alexander Seinfeld's book gave me extremely useful tools and exercizes to help me see my religion as a privalegde and an oportunity to come closer to our Creator. The ideas in the book are easy to apply and effective. Anyone that reads the book will certainly benefit from the ideas and exercises that it teaches.

An original, tremendous book and CD.......2003-07-08

I have read many books and attended many seminars on spirituality and Judaism. Rarely have I found anything that comes close to this precious gem. Really it's two gems - the book and the CD.

Several things make Seinfeld's book unusual or even unique. First of all, it's highly intellectual. At the end of each chapter, I felt a real sense of clarity and ownership of the ideas and practices taught. This may be because I actually did the exercises according to the instructions of each chapter. But for the first time in my reading and searching I feel like I have a healthy intellectual grasp of these terms that I've been trying to understand - God, life, meaning, spirituality, goodness, love -

Second, it's not dogmatic - coming from a secular (raised Reform) background, I have been trying to figure out how to become more connected to my Jewish roots without becoming "religious". This book has done it for me.

Third, the author's secular/Buddhist background has enabled him to write interesting footnotes comparing and contrasting Jewish thought and practice with these. This information is helpful to me as I'd always assumed that every great religion was saying basically the same thing and Seinfeld tactfully points out where that is not true.

Fourth, the book is incredibly thorough, full of nuggets of information that together have shown me a Judaism that is not a hodge-podge of traditions but rather an awesome - amazing - holistic system.

It's as if I'd been staring at the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle for a few years and suddenly somone showed me a picture of what they're supposed to look like when completed. Now I can start to put them together on my own.

The CD, which Amazon sent with the book for no extra cost, is Rabbi Seinfeld teaching the concepts in the book. It's high-quality - sounds like he's right in the room with you! It is a very effective tool, because after listening to the CD the book made sense and was easy to read (otherwise, I might have struggled with some sections that are quite deep in the philosophy/mysticism).

I also like the fact that the appendix includes email addresses to contact the author and others. I have found these resources very responsive to my questions.

In summary, the book is like a handbook. I carry it around with me and find myself re-reading some sections while waiting in line at the bank, etc - especially the chapter on love.

An Interesting Perspective.......2003-06-20

Rabbi Seinfeld gives some good insight on Jewish Spirituality in comparison to spirituality of other faiths. One gets a pretty good feel as to the roots of the such texts as the Zohar and even Kabbalah. Good insight into prayer and the hebrew language.

In some spots, the text is a little bit too deep for a layperson to understand right away. However, there are other moments which may enable you to reread such sections. It definitely has potential as a reference tool.

highest "kick" of all Jewish book I read in past 10 years..........2003-04-16

Wow! For Jews who have looked elsewhere for meditation (like I did) this is a welcome surprise: we didn't have to leave OMMMM after all...

And for Frum Jews whose brachas sometime become a little unemotional (like me), Rabbi Seinfeld's "mind manual" will put a lot more KICK into them! You'll even surprise yourself with your kavanah...

An Illuminating Book.......2003-04-10

I am reading and slowly working on absorbing and making my own this illuminating book. There is so much to learn and I am going at it slowly as the author suggests. I am thankful for this wonderful gift and I will indulge myself in the CD soon.

Asombro e indignación.(Pablo Sandoval Ramírez, diputado; México)(TT: Amazement and indignation.)(TA: Pablo Sandoval Ramírez, legislator; Mexico)(Entrevista): An article from: Siempre!

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Asombro e indignación.(Pablo Sandoval Ramírez, diputado; México)(TT: Amazement and indignation.)(TA: Pablo Sandoval Ramírez, legislator; Mexico)(Entrevista): An article from: Siempre!
Nora Rodríguez Aceves
Manufacturer: Edicional Siempre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008GVTB0
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on January 13, 2000. The length of the article is 1084 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Asombro e indignación.(Pablo Sandoval Ramírez, diputado; México)(TT: Amazement and indignation.)(TA: Pablo Sandoval Ramírez, legislator; Mexico)(Entrevista)
Author: Nora Rodríguez Aceves
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: January 13, 2000
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: 46 Issue: 2430 Page: 25

Article Type: Entrevista

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Asombro y estética del movimiento corporal.(Maritza López, fotógrafa, exhibición, México)(TT: Amazement and esthetics of the movements of the body.)(TA: ... Mexico): An article from: Siempre!

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Asombro y estética del movimiento corporal.(Maritza López, fotógrafa, exhibición, México)(TT: Amazement and esthetics of the movements of the body.)(TA: ... Mexico): An article from: Siempre!
Gabriel Careaga
Manufacturer: Edicional Siempre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00099MZ2S
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on July 15, 1999. The length of the article is 857 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Asombro y estética del movimiento corporal.(Maritza López, fotógrafa, exhibición, México)(TT: Amazement and esthetics of the movements of the body.)(TA: Maritza Lopez, photographer, exhibition, Mexico)
Author: Gabriel Careaga
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: July 15, 1999
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: 46 Issue: 2404 Page: 36

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Música: Desilusión y estupor, lado a lado.(TT: Music: disappointment and amazement, side by side.)(Reseña): An article from: Proceso

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Música: Desilusión y estupor, lado a lado.(TT: Music: disappointment and amazement, side by side.)(Reseña): An article from: Proceso
José Antonio Alcaraz
Manufacturer: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008J4900
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on October 29, 2000. The length of the article is 927 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Música: Desilusión y estupor, lado a lado.(TT: Music: disappointment and amazement, side by side.)(Reseña)
Author: José Antonio Alcaraz
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 29, 2000
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Page: 77

Article Type: Reseña

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Theatrical wonder, amazement, and the construction of spiritual agency in Paradise Lost.: An article from: Comparative Drama

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Theatrical wonder, amazement, and the construction of spiritual agency in Paradise Lost.: An article from: Comparative Drama
Elizabeth Bradburn
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Poetry | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Comparative Drama, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2006. The length of the article is 8802 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Theatrical wonder, amazement, and the construction of spiritual agency in Paradise Lost.
Author: Elizabeth Bradburn
Publication: Comparative Drama (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Page: 77(22)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Tolkien y el asombro de lo fantástico.(TT: Tolkien and the amazement of the fantastic.)(Reseña): An article from: Siempre!

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Tolkien y el asombro de lo fantástico.(TT: Tolkien and the amazement of the fantastic.)(Reseña): An article from: Siempre!
Tomas Pérez Turrent
Manufacturer: Edicional Siempre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008F3KAY
Release Date: 2005-07-30

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on January 23, 2002. The length of the article is 1043 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Tolkien y el asombro de lo fantástico.(TT: Tolkien and the amazement of the fantastic.)(Reseña)
Author: Tomas Pérez Turrent
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: January 23, 2002
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: 48 Issue: 2536 Page: 54

Article Type: Reseña

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Japanese Amazement/Japanse Verwondering: Shiba Kokan 1747-1818 - Artist under the Spell of the West

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Japanese Amazement/Japanse Verwondering: Shiba Kokan 1747-1818 - Artist under the Spell of the West
Robert Parthesius , and Kris Schiermeier
Manufacturer: Amsterdams Historisch Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000TBBNGA

Product Description

Deluxe book with dozens of fold-out full-color pages, with parallel text in Dutch & English.

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Learning Disability in Focus: The Use of Photography in the Care of People With a Learning Disability
Eve Jackson , and Neil Jackson
Manufacturer: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 185302693X

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Hagar the Horrible, No. 14 : Helga's Revenge
Dik Browne
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HLL98E

Book Description

Codependent. . . What a Bore, and Other Clinical Observations is timely, full of satire, cannot be considered politically correct, and will leave no one who reads it without an opinion.

Issues covered are:

Codependent Disorder (Not only is it a bore but it is not real, never was and never will be)

Battered Women Syndrome (A cop-out for murder)

Perception Deception (Perceive it as you wish)

Multiple Personality Disorder (As if one is not too much)

Cookbook Therapy (Self help?)

Repressed Memories Syndrome (Who could forget this one?)

Treatment for Sexual Molesters of Children (The great con-game)

The Media and Violent Behavior (Is there a connection?)

Common Sense (Much too common)

Treatment for Persons traumatized by Unidentified Flying Objects (Yes they really treat this)

Customer Reviews:

Proofreading: What a Bore..........2004-06-11

Mr. Goodner's tone and voice are strong and enjoyable, and his logic is excellent. The book covers a considerably narrower set of definitions for "co-dependent" than I had hoped. I had wanted to read a refutal or new perspective on co-dependent relationship dynamics as described by Robert Burney and Melanie Beattie; instead, Mr. Goodner uses most of the book to support his case for refusing to accept the term "co-dependent." He points out the illogical origins of the term and emphasizes that mental health workers have a professional duty to stick to the DSM when making their diagnoses. I agree. Just, caveat emptor if you're looking to read about "love versus toxic love" as I was. And caveat emptor anyway for verbosity and shoddiness - Mr. Goodner has probably never read Strunk & White, and he is an inconsistent speller. Co-dependant or co-dependent? Got editor?

P.S. - My favorite thing in the book was an aside in which Mr. Goodner asserted that committing rape is not about being in control, but about using aggression to get what you want (in that case, sex), much as a mugger uses aggression to get money. That got me started thinking about the whole range of methods people use to manipulate others into giving them what they want - aggression, charm, negotiations, lawyers. I suppose if there's a level of mutual agreeability to the outcome of such manipulation, then it's no longer manipulation, just negotiation, or maybe just social interaction. I would imagine there's a mutual agreeability threshold below which the initiator of the interaction qualifies as "antisocial."

P.P.S. - I wish you the best, Mr. Goodner, and thanks for the cute raccoon picture.

Instead of trashing.......2004-03-24

Instead of just trashing someone else's work (that has helped many, many people) does this author actually have anything of use to say? Why write a book tearing down other people's work instead of adding your own original work? Any therapy can be abused to a silly extreme... that doesn't negate the proper use of the therapy itself. And what's with the automatic belittling of "affluent white women"? Is one's affluence (...)and race a buffer to all psychological problems and pain? I think jealousy has reared it's ugly head with this author- not only in envying the success of someone else's work but in the personal vendetta against "affluent white women". I bet you anything this author's mother was an "affluent white woman"!

Wish I could say, "What a bore....".......2004-01-22

What can I say? I agree with Rick that the whole codependency thing is a joke, always was and always will be. I confess too that I give him only four stars as he's part of the profession that has been somewhat responsible for perpetuating the codependency scare.

In reality, codependency is a way of white largely women from relatively affluent backgrounds to make themselves into victims. Then they can go to meetings and "help each other out."

Fortunately, I think the "condition's" heyday is long gone. Like the "men's movement," it's now surviving on it's long term "victims."

Anyway, this is fun. Read it and don't bother with the Beattie screeds.

Wow!.......2003-12-08

I love this book! It's got everything! Humor, Psychology, Co-dependent-bashing, Politics, Wit, Humor, Lore, Wisdom, Humor, Sarcasm, Not-so-common sense, and on and on. What a gem is Rick Goodner and his book, Co-dependent...What a Bore...

Co-dependent...What a Bore and Other Clinical Observations.......2003-08-09

Even if you don't subscribe to Mr. Goodner's doctrine, which is so uncommonly sensitive, this book is a GREAT READ! (You will laugh aloud, even hysterically at one point.)

Full of daring witticism and intellectual perceptions, this book will jar the senses, especially in the professional world, I think.

Thank you for caring, Mr. Goodner. Will you be my personal spiritual guru?

Product Description

A step-by-step, concise, user-friendly guide to learning chords, strumming, and songs. Music is presented in the keys of G, D, E minor and C with a DVD. The book also features sections on types of guitars, frequently asked questions, how to string a guitar, and musical and guitar-related terminology. Ideal for beginners of any age.

Book Description

Shot at Trichome Technologies, home to the world’s largest growing system and highest grades of marijuana, these photo-postcards showcase 14 different strains of the plant. A must for enthusiasts, Greetings from Cannabis Country includes full-color shots of lush specimens set dramatically against dark backgrounds, intense close-ups with fascinating detail, and panoramas of crops ready to harvest.

Customer Reviews:

Really Great Looking Postcards........2003-12-01

30 postcards, each looks fantastic, because they where taken by the High Times photographer, Andre Grossman, who many consider to be the best cannabis photographer at the moment. The postcards are all first-class quality and can be easily removed from the booklet, leaving behind a little stub with an image of the card you just sent. The photographs are all A+ and I am sure your friends would love to get them in the post.

Andre Grossman also took most of the photographs for The Cannabis Grow Bible by Greg Green, both that book and this postcard booklet are from the same publishers.

Beautiful Bud.......2001-12-07

What a great collection, the pictures were just amazing and I certainly won't be taking the postcards out of this book. As well as the great pictures there are also detailed captions, some of which are funny but mostly descriptions of the growing set up or the strains.

Totally Amazing Pictures, Totally Amazing Buds.......2001-10-10

Wow, I couldn't believe how great these cards are, I felt like I should have been able to smell the sweet buds. And the size of the growing facility was mind boggling, Trichome Tech must have more bud than they know what to do with.

Book Description

Violence on Television presents a quantitative analysis of the amount of violence on British television, placing great emphasis on investigating the character of violent portrayals and the contexts in which they occur. The authors explain the research methodology and look at the problems of measuring and quantifying violence on television.

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