The Sacred Now

The Sacred Now presents a contemporary Jewish spiritual philosophy that is founded in both the Jewish tradition and a commitment to contemporary culture. It synthesizes the sensibilities of Kabbalah, philosophy, and secular spirituality. While the great timeless questions that humanity has asked itself remain unchanged, humanity's responses to these questions evolve over time. As society changes and our knowledge of the universe changes, our spiritual and religious life naturally must also evolve if we intend to remain engaged in the world around us. The Sacred Now examines the state of Jewish spirituality today, proposing orientations and practices geared toward cultivating consciousness of the Divine. It discusses the relationship of spirituality and religion, examines the functions of both structure and freedom in developing a lifestyle with a strong spiritual focus, while remaining cognizant that it is the practice more than the theory that ultimately matters. ""In this stimulating book, Rabbi Mark Elber shows us how to discover the Divine Presence in the midst of everyday life. Drawing on the profound insights of the Jewish mystical tradition, he creates a contemporary spiritual path accessible to anyone who seeks deeper meaning and tranquility in today's hectic, uncertain world."" --Daniel Matt, author ofThe Essential Kabbalah ""The Sacred Nowexplodes with wisdom and insights so beautiful and powerful that it will literally take your breath away page by after page. Elber's honesty, vulnerability, his profound grasp of Jewish texts and practices, combined with his authentic and genuine spiritual biography makes The Sacred Now crackle with energy and grace. Mark Elber is a renegade in love with his tradition, a sacred wrestler who embraces the twists and turns of the spiritual journey to illuminate life. This book will catalyze your consciousness, enchant your heart, and take you on a revelatory journey. Wow!"" --Irwin Kula, President, The National Center for Learning and Leadership ""The Sacred Nowis a profound, very readable, intellectually stimulating and spiritually uplifting book. It addresses contemporary life and the evolution of centuries-old Jewish values and traditions in a lively and thoughtful way, guaranteed to spark the reader's interest and own imagination. It is a book that will excite the mind and the heart -- and delight the reader."" --Leila Gal Berner, Dean of Students, ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal Ordination Program ""Mark Elber has raided heaven and returned to bring all of our souls a gift. Mark knows the way of the heart and teaches us to enter the sacred center of our lives with great compassion and wisdom. This book is an offering from one heart to another and, as we are taught, that which leaves the heart, enters the heart. Read this book and let it enter your heart."" --David A. Ingber, Founder and Senior Rabbi, Romenu, New York Mark Elber is the Rabbi of Temple Beth El, in Fall River, Massachusetts. He has a BA in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania and did his graduate studies in Jewish mysticism at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the University of Pennsylvania. He received his Rabbinic Ordination through the Alliance for Jewish Renewal and received his MFA in Poetry from Warren Wilson College. He is the author of The Everything Kabbalah Book (2006).