New book offers contemporary Jewish perspectives on artificial intelligence, reproductive technology, animal rights, and more—and their ethical and spiritual significance.

Each day, new technological innovations spark fierce debates between promise and peril. Striving to Be Human offers Jewish wisdom to help navigate these existential divides. In his clarion call for ethical behavior, Rabbi Hillel tell us, “In a place where there is no humanity, strive to be human.” But what exactly does it mean to be human in this age of rapid transformation? Striving to Be Human confronts the age-old, ever-evolving question of humanity with boldness, hope, and a foundation in Jewish texts.

Striving to Be Human begins with “Challenges from Within Us,” addressing topics including moral justice, belonging, queer theology, and good and evil. In part two, “Challenges from Beyond Us,” the authors delve into artificial intelligence, robotics, reproductive technologies, and the animal-human relationship. The result is a profound conversation about Jewish values and human dignity in our evolving landscape.

Hava Tirosh-Samuelson, PhD, Irving and Miriam Lowe Professor of Modern Judaism, Arizona State University, and coeditor of Perfecting Human Futures: Transhuman Visions and Technological Imaginations, said, “This timely collection of thoughtful reflections by Reform rabbis invites readers to examine the meaning of being human when the future of humanity is challenged by the prevalence of humanmade technology, and when the future of democracy is threatened by the refusal to honor intrinsic human dignity and diversity. Rabbis, educators, and congregants will find this anthology a source of inspiration and an invitation for further reflections.”

“One of the most fundamental inquiries in Jewish philosophy is what makes humans different from animals, on the one hand, and from angels, on the other,” said Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, President and Dean of Valley Beit Midrash and author of Pirkei Avot: A Social Justice Commentary. “In our era of rapid change, Striving to Be Human masterfully helps us return to such questions to not only reclaim our basic humanity but to consider how to actualize the potential of flourishing humanity! This book will guide us toward moral and spiritual insights that can challenge and support our theological and ethical journeys ahead.”

Jonathan D. Sarna, PhD, Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University, and author of American Judaism: A History, said, “At a time of unprecedented challenges to humanity, this volume offers Jewish wisdom on the core question: What does it mean to be human? A thoughtful, readable, and well-produced guide to conundrums as ancient as Adam and Eve and as recent as the development of artificial intelligence.”

Rabbi Leah Cohen Tenenbaum, DMin, BCC-PCHAC, is a Board-Certified Chaplain with Advanced Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital where she also serves on the Ethics Committee, teaches medical providers, and presents at national conferences on spirituality, serious illness, and medical ethics.

Rabbi Douglas Kohn has led historic Temple Beth Jacob in Newburgh, New York, since 2019, having previously served synagogues in Buffalo, Baltimore, Chicago, and Southern California. Deeply committed to social justice and Israel, Rabbi Kohn served for eight years on the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism and the National Board of ARZA.

Striving to Be Human: Jewish Perspectives on Twenty-First-Century Challenges is available at strivingtobehuman.ccarpress.org.

To request review copies, interview opportunities, or to book author events, please contact: Raquel Fairweather-Gallie, Marketing and Sales Manager, CCAR Press: rfairweather@ccarnet.org.

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Published in honor of Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl’s twenty years at Central Synagogue, this striking new Passover Haggadah provides various pathways for people of all backgrounds to connect to the ancient story of liberation, along with colorful art by Siona Benjamin.

The Passover story of the Jewish journey from oppression to liberation is told throughout the world, with each seder table bringing its own customs based on countries of origin, family traditions, and contemporary additions. As Rabbi Buchdahl notes in the Haggadah’s preface, “this multiplicity is not a modern invention— it has been with us since the Exodus itself. The Torah tells us that when we fled Egypt, we did so as an erev rav, a “mixed multitude”—a diverse assembly of Israelites and fellow travelers, all swept up in a shared yearning for freedom. From our very beginning, we were not a monolith but a mosaic.” This new Haggadah elevates and celebrates the mosaic that is Judaism today.

Mixing lyrical translations of the Haggadah text by Rabbi Janet Marder and Rabbi Sheldon Marder, vibrant artwork by Indian Jewish artist Siona Benjamin, and original commentary by the clergy of New York City’s Central Synagogue, Haggadah Shel Erev Rav centers the myriad ways Jews engage with this ancient story. Four different choices for the Magid (“Telling”) section allow participants to decide how to engage with the Passover story—through the lens of young people, liberation, feminism, or Divine action. A special section provides suggestions for using the book with children, and a thorough introduction explains the beauty and nuance of the original art.

The theme of the Haggadah is the holiness of the erev rav, the “mixed multitude.” As Rabbi Buchdahl—one of the world’s most prominent rabbinic voices—notes, “this theme is not just embedded in our ancient story; it is a reflection of how we strive to live as a community.” Indeed, this new Haggadah—with its connection to history, its commitment to inclusion, and its vibrancy and aliveness—is itself a beautiful reflection of Jewish community of the past, present, and future.

Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl is the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi or cantor in North America. She joined Central Synagogue in 2006 and has served as Senior Rabbi since 2014. Her 2025 memoir Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging was an instant New York Times Bestseller.

Rabbi Sarah Berman is Director of Jewish Culture and Programming at Central Synagogue. Prior to her ordination, she worked for more than a decade at the Seattle Art Museum in curatorial and research roles. Both Rabbi Buchdahl and Rabbi Berman are members of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

Siona Benjamin is a Bene Israel Jewish artist who was raised in Mumbai and now lives in the United States. She holds MFAs in painting and theatrical set design, and was awarded Fulbrights to India and Israel. Her work has been exhibited in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and she has been praised by the New York Times, Boston Globe, Financial Times, and Times of India.

Haggadah Shel Erev Rav: The Mixed Multitude Haggadah is available at erevrav.ccarpress.org.

To request review copies, interview opportunities, or to book author events, please contact: Raquel Fairweather-Gallie, Marketing and Sales Manager, CCAR Press: rfairweather@ccarnet.org.

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With customary warmth, humor, and insight, Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin invites pray-ers and learners of all ages to engage more deeply in the liturgy of Jewish Shabbat worship.

Inviting God In is an engaging and insightful commentary on the Shabbat evening and morning service by the acclaimed author of Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Designed for students and learners of all ages, from bet mitzvah to adulthood, the book’s relatable tone and discussion questions meaningfully invite readers to a deeper understanding of the worship service they are leading or attending. Rabbi Salkin breaks down each prayer and ritual, helping learners connect to the service with fresh insight and knowledge. Inviting God In opens a window on:

• Why the pews are empty in so many synagogues—and how they can be fuller.
• Why American Jews are prayer-phobic—and how that can change.
• How individual Jews can create a Jewish identity.
• Why Reform Jewish worship is different—and why that is great.

Ideal for congregations, this book is a ready-made curriculum for bet mitzvah students. It can be put in pews for congregants to peruse to deepen their understanding of worship. Clergy can use its contents for inspiring teachings. Adults can read Inviting God In for a study group or a book club. With a blend of humor and depth, Inviting God In shows how the ancient words of prayer still speak to the challenges and joys of contemporary life.

Rabbi Elyse D. Frishman, Rabbi Emerita of Barnert Temple and editor of Mishkan T’filah: A Reform Siddur, said that “God stands near us just waiting to be let in. Wary? Rabbi Jeff Salkin will move you to race to the door with newfound awareness and joy.”

“By way of warmth, wit, and wisdom, the riches of Judaism—its prayers and rituals—have been opened up for a new generation,” said Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, PhD, Senior Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue and author of For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today. “Whether you are a b’nei mitzvah student or family, a lifelong Jewish learner, or a searching soul, this beautifully written volume will open up the tradition and your heart.”

Rabbi Dalia Marx, PhD, a professor at Hebrew Union College and author of From Time to Time: Journeys in the Jewish Calendar, wrote in the book’s foreword that “Rabbi Salkin—a thoughtful Jewish leader, an experienced writer, a prominent speaker for liberal and progressive Judaism, a columnist and podcaster, and perhaps more than anything else an efficacious and dedicated educator—has created a meaningful tool for creating Shabbat prayers…I am sure that everyone who dedicates time to this precious gem, no matter their knowledge and experience, will be tremendously enriched by it.”

“Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin has spent his rabbinic life seeing things deeply and differently, and then communicating in a way that makes readers sit up and take notice,” said Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD, professor emeritus at Hebrew Union College and editor of the My People’s Prayer Book series. “He is best in this exceptional introduction to liturgy and prayer—an old topic that comes newly to life with thoughtful metaphors, compelling anecdotes, and the author’s deep and abiding love for Judaism.”

Rabbi Salkin is one of American Judaism’s most prolific and most quoted rabbis. He was ordained from Hebrew Union College and served as a congregational rabbi in Reform synagogues for more than forty years. In addition, he has served in various leadership roles within the Reform Movement. He is the author of twelve books and writes the column “Martini Judaism: For Those Who Want to Be Shaken and Stirred,” published by the Religion News Service. His essays have appeared in The Washington Post, Commentary, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Tablet, Mosaic, Forward, and JTA, and has appeared as a guest on CNN and the BBC. He is available to visit communities to teach on his new book both online and in person.

Inviting God In is available at invitinggodin.ccarpress.org. 

To request review copies, interview opportunities, or to book author events, please contact: Raquel Fairweather-Gallie, Marketing and Sales Manager, CCAR Press: rfairweather@ccarnet.org.