There's a book on the topic that I've been meaning to read: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Their-Own-Invented-Hollywood/dp/0385265573/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=empire+of+their+own&qid=1568575461&s=gateway&sr=8-1
The short answer is that the entertainment industry has historically been open to people who are marginalized from other career paths. So disproportionate representation of minorities in the performing arts is something that you often see across cultures and throughout history.
Folks might wish to familiarize themselves with Sarah Aaronsohn, the heroine of Nili.
(The Aaronsohn Saga is also well worth reading.)
As for the question: In my opinion the answer is clearly "YES", and Israel's persistent failure to do so is almost inexplicitly shameful.
These double-standards and the taboo about discussing them creates resentments that drive people into the arms of white nationalists and the alt-right. It is a threat to racial tolerance and integration. I find it rather concerning for the future of this country. I highly recommend Carol Swain's 2002 book The New White Nationalism for a detailed discussion of this. It covers this very issue.
While the racism of black people may not be as bad practically speaking (although it does harm race relations), morally, it is the same, and deserves to be condemned whether it is against Jews or whites in general.
I’m reading “Here All Along” by Sarah Hurwitz. It’s available on amazon.
I am taking an Intro to Judaism course right now to brush up. It’s online now due to COVID but you may also find one near you through a synagogue or JCC. We are using the American Jewish University’s “On One Foot” curriculum. You can order the book on their website.
I honestly wouldn't have been able to tell you more than that it was ani ma'amin and that I thought it might be from MBC, but you lucked out. I tried googling it and I hit this page from jroot radio. I was going to skim through it to see if I might find it, but it ended up being the first one they played. It's from the album Kol Yisroel track 5 which was released in 1980 and makes this song even older than I am buy a few years.
Pretty sure the entire point of Uncyclopedia is to be offensive. To everyone. From their article on China:
> Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng Yīdǎng Zhuānzhèng Rénmín Bùkě Dāngjiā Zuòzhǔ Gònghéguó, often abbreviated as Ching Chang Chong Land
For anyone interested there is a book about her by the Brazilian journalist, Fernando Morais.
She was seven months pregnant when she was sent back to be murdered by the Nazis! So sad.
It’s an old book, but To Be a Jew is a great reference that goes pretty deep into the cultural and religious practices. Tablet is a good resource for modern day culture amongst secular and reform/conservative Jews. But definitely seek out more on anti-semitism and the stories of the Jewish experience in America and how much of a part we played in the civil rights movement.
To Be A Jew: A Guide To Jewish Observance In Contemporary Life https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465086322/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EljlFbAEGYMT3
I would read Telushkin and if you are still interested I would look into the hate crimes against Jews (it’s more than all other religions combined). If you are still considering conversion then start really looking into what that means.
In the EU, I hear the rise of antisemitism has coincided with importing large amounts of Muslims. Link. Which makes sense since Jews aren't exactly highly thought of in Islamic nations/culture/religion.
In the US there has been a massive increase in fake-hate crimes (Jessie Smollett) Example so that might have something to do with the perceived uptick.
Vocab learning is all about repetition IMO. Flashcards are a good idea, and Anki is a good app for flashcards. Another useful exercise is forcing yourself to write down definitions for those words in hebrew, and using them in sentences.
What you don't want Comic Sans Hebrew?
I'd appreciate that! Or a suggestion to copy off of from Google Fonts or Da Fonts but I don't think they have a search. I have some calligraphy pens and brush pens too if easier with those.
I took an Intro to Judaism course in college for an easy A (lol) and this book was assigned: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Jewish-Spiritual-Cultural-Practice/dp/1416536027. I felt it was pretty good at introducing main customs and beliefs in layman's terms!
I got it in Amazon about two or three years ago. It doesn’t look like it’s currently available though.
I'm not a teacher, just a Jewish mom. Last year for Hanukkah I read a kids book (there are tons of good one, I just happened to have this one) about the holiday to my child's preschool class, and then taught them how to play dreidel.
These double-standards and the taboos about discussing it create resentments that drive people into the arms of white nationalists and the alt-right. It is a threat to racial tolerance and integration. I highly recommend Carol Swain's book The New White Nationalism for a detailed discussion of this. It covers the things you mentioned, and I can sense the frustration in your post.
If whites start to see themselves as an identity group, I don't know how we can back down from that level of racial tension.
I feel like the call outs of 'you're not really Jewish' are ...A LOT. And while I understand engaging in debate about Torah and interpretation, I don't understand why it seems to pass debate and go straight to vitriol. There's a book, Flexigitity, I think everyone could use. It's by Gidi Grinstein. He is the Founder and President of the Reut Institute, Israel s leading not-for-profit strategy and action group specializing in societal innovation including in national security, economic development and technology. In Flexigidity, Gidi Grinstein offers a bird’s eye systemic view of Jewish society, exploring the secret of Jewish survival, resilience, security, prosperity and leadership during past millennia. Gidi argues that this secret stems from a unique societal hybrid between old and new, tradition and innovation, rigidity and flexibility – Flexigidity. He shows how this hybrid exists in many areas of Jewish society including mission, community, law and membership.
This is what Avraham Infeld had to say about it: Flexigidity is not an easy read and it demands heavy contemplation, but it is a must-read for contemporary Jewish lay and professional leaders and for all those who seek to understand Judaism, the Jewish People and the State of Israel. It cuts across denominational lines and stands to benefit readers of all walks of life and all levels of learning and observance." --Avraham Infeld, President Emeritus, Hillel: Foundation for Jewish Life on Campus
https://www.amazon.com/Flexigidity-Secret-Adaptability-Challenge-Opportunity/dp/0991306902
Did you read the whole comment or did you just see “Bernie” and then write that reply?
I am willing to be convinced if you can prove anything I said to be incorrect. But if you are not willing to confront these issues, then you are part of the problem. You asked how you can be an ally to us - you can start by looking into these things for yourself (you don’t have to take my word for it).
An even easier starting place - I would recommend reading “The Anatomy of Fascism” by Robert O. Paxton. You can get a free kindle version of the important part here: Robert Paxton, “What Is Fascism?: from The Anatomy of Fascism (A Vintage Short)”. You can also listen to the audiobook for free on YouTube
While this one challenges the narrative but explores how Jewish financial genius was used as a pro-Jewish myth later on https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Medieval-Jewish-Moneylender-Intellectual/dp/1137397764/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=dcad6f3a-05eb-43e7-a27d-72478b4eb571
A friend of mine wrote this book a few years ago that you'll find interesting: https://www.amazon.com/Oy-Gevalt-Jews-Punk/dp/1440832196?ref=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=299c1a09-ed1b-47bd-9296-1e155f481b94
I get that too. You should check out David Baddiel’s book Jews Don’t Count, it’s fantastic and he articulates what I’ve felt but couldn’t put exactly in to words for a while now
I would recommend Life is With People: The Culture of the Shtetl (1995), by Mark Zborowski, Elizabeth Herzog, Margaret Mead (Introduction). It's a day to day description of Ashkenazic Jewish life as it was in the shtetl prior to the Holocaust. https://www.amazon.com/Life-People-Culture-Mark-Zborowski/dp/0805210547
Where in the US are you located?
I live and work in the Deep South. My students are all Black, my administration is Black, and the staff is also majority Black. In the last year and a half, I have experienced more antisemitism from my co-workers than I have ever experienced from anyone else in my entire life. I have been openly mocked for being Jewish. Our holidays have been turned into punch lines. I have had to listen to age-old antisemitic tropes be spouted as fact. I've had antisemitic tropes directed at and assigned to me. I've been deliberately excluded from events. I have dealt with co-workers intentionally contaminating my food. I was heckled by my support staff when I read The Rabbi and The Reverend to my class. I've been "othered" in ways I never thought possible.
Black evangelicals in the Deep South CAN BE some of the most antisemitic, xenophobic, bigoted people you will ever meet.
It is incredibly disappointing (I'd even say it's heartbreaking) to see what's happening in the community I work in. I've worked here for years and it wasn't like this before. Something is happening and it is terrifying.
Hey, I actually live in Shanghai now! The old Ohel Moishe Synagogue building which was the center of that community is still standing and they've turned it into a museum of the whole Shanghai Jewish refugee experience during WWII. They recently expanded it and I went a while back. It's a nice change actually seeing an uplifting story about the Jews during WWII. I was thinking about posting some pics here on this sub, maybe now I will.
Yes, Japanese antisemitism manifested itself a bit differently. Instead of straight up harassment, Japanese actually wanted to bring the European Jews over to East Asia because they thought they could benefit from them economically, even though they still believed in the whole worldwide Jew conspiracy. The man in charge of the whole plan, Captain Koreshige Inuzuka, was actually one of the ones in charge of the occupying Japanese unit in Shanghai during that time.
The Last Kings of Shanghai is a great book on the city's Jewish history, including the refugee period. Jews had a huge hand in the development of the city including many of its iconic architectural landmarks.
Could you rest a siddur (large or small) on the back of the bench and use a magnifying dome? That one is small, 2 inches, but 8x magnification, but Amazon has them at 10x and even 40x magnification if the 8x does not make the text large enough for you.
The smaller item would be easier to carry, but many shuls have little storage cubes for people to leave their tallis and teffilin bags, and you could probably leave the magnifying dome in your cube (if you have one).
The Hebrew Bible, called the Tanakh, consists of 24 books and is equivalent more or less to the Christian "Old Testament". However, you really need a Jewish translation with light commentary to understand the Jewish approach to the content. I suggest the Jewish Study Bible from JPS.
Judaism does not believe in the validity of the New Testament so there will be no such thing.
The Book of Enoch is part of the Apocrypha, a collection of extra-biblical books that are not considered part of the canon.
Hey there! I have a couple resource suggestions:
1. I’ll always shill for Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s “Jewish Literacy” as a pretty comprehensive overview of Jewish texts, history, and culture. It can be a bit intimidating to sit and read through, but its a great reference when you have initial questions.
2. When you Google questions, MyJewishLearning and Chabad are both reliable sites. Messianic stuff creeps in like the top 5 results sometimes, so I’d caution you to watch out for unreliable sources.
3. I like Jewish tiktok personally, you don’t get a lot of in-depth knowledge, but tik toks can trigger questions that turn into good research opportunities. I can recommend some accounts if you want.
Apart from that, I’d recommend just taking it slow and learning what you can from a variety of sources. There’s no pressure to convert on a timeline, and learning and growing in your religious identity is a lifelong process. Good luck!
Not me, but my BIL is the least Jewish practicing person I know... but he doesn't do any pork. Like practices exactly zero but that's a hard line for him. I always thought it was interesting.
I do not keep Kosher or even kosher-style if you will. So I don't have a funny personal one to share. But I'm the woman with a book for everything lol. So if you're genuinely interested in an interesting Jewish culinary thing in this vein check out Matzoh Ball Gumbo. https://www.amazon.com/Matzoh-Ball-Gumbo-Culinary-Jewish/dp/0807871230
Great book on this called The Chosen Wars: How Judaism Became an American Religion. Not American in the sense of only found in America but rather it takes you through the American ideals that were woven into the Reform movement (though Reform started in Germany) and then in reaction, other Jewish strains had to then term / label themselves when they hadn't needed to previously because everyone basically practiced in the same way. https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Wars-Judaism-American-Religion-ebook/dp/B078MBTMYK/ref=sr\_1\_1?keywords=the+chosen+wars&qid=1661966326&sr=8-1
I really like The Book of Jewish Food by Claudia Rosen. She did a huge amount of research and the book is half cookbook, half history textbook. Beautifully written too.
There's some really good books on this, especially this one:
The Book of Jewish Food: An Odyssey from Samarkand and Vilna to the Present Day
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00358VHU6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
You might really like this book:
Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel
(The audiobook version is great too)
He explores the exact topic you’re talking about. It’s an excellent and quick read, I highly recommend it.
Just like anything else, theories are tools — and tools are only as useful as the way that they’re used. Unfortunately many, many people misuse the theory to justify / dismiss antisemitism under its guise.
I really think you would be interested in this book, Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel, it touches on a lot of the resistance you got in that other thread and calls out how hypocritical that push back is. (The audiobook is great too)
I think everyone in this sub should read it, it’s excellent
But you see it’s ok for them to say that because Jews dont’t count
(Excellent book btw, a quick a short read. The audiobook is great too, definitely recommended)
This is a highly regarded book.
Not sure if it has what you're looking for?
The Witches of Escazú (and Other Jewish Fairytales) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09JVFR7R2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_K4BESCVS84BWD6FCHX5C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/dybbuk_gershon-winkler/788455/ The Golem of Prague: A New Adaptation of the Documented Stories of the Golem of Prague https://www.amazon.com/dp/0910818258/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_M3HZ2TAX10FZVMMWQYR8 I have these books, great read about two jewish types of folk lore.
I actually asked this years ago... the mold is a convoluted way to say "Shalom" in English letters.
Here's a slightly clearer image: https://www.amazon.com/CK-Products-Jewish-Symbols-Chocolate/dp/B003QP3IX2
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/six-tips-for-hosting-a-solo-seder/amp/ I found this article that might help you. But if your family is supportive of your conversion why don’t you either try and do a Seder with them? I can suggest the perfect Haggadah for you this is the one I use when hosting a Seder for my friends and include curious non Jewish friends We Tell It to Our Children: The Story of Passover: A Haggadah for Seders With Young Children https://www.amazon.com/dp/0961988088/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_51A9054NPFS00KXVVFYF everyone loves it except for little kids this one is almost all in script form almost all in English has songs that are all old (mostly American) folk songs with the words changed and everything is nicely explained. For any Jews reading this comment it becomes a LONGER Seder than most traditional ones but since everyone at the table is given a role no one is complaining about length because Pharoah is having too much fun being mean and pompous, the sheep is having fun randomly making “baaaa” noises, and everyone else is having fun being heroes. So it’s a really good Seder for actors, larpers, etc, who like role playing. So it’s long but fun and educational and I haven’t had anyone except Jews who want more Hebrew complain about that Haggadah- and those who complain also had fun and concede it was the right choice for the crowd and quite possibly they’ve complained because someone has to or it’s not a proper Seder.
So sorry, but this is the first book that comes to mind. Written by a Jewish woman about a Jewish woman. But it's humorous fantasy romance, hence the apology 😂
I suggest you accompany your reading with the commentaries in Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’s Covenant and Conversation series. Rabbi Sacks quotes from multiple Jewish sources (including Talmud) that will introduce you to a distinctively Jewish reading of the Hebrew Bible.
This is the whole series; you can also buy volumes separately:
So this fantasy book literally has a Jewish MC who works in a tattoo shop: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P7BNJPP
The mom loses her mind. It's quite funny. It releases in a week or two I think.
This isn't so relevant to the Tanakh, but if you're looking for a pretty good digest on various Jewish approaches to understanding (or coping with a lack of understanding) the divine, then I can recommend Finding God. It's a series of short essays outlining how Jewish perceptions of the divine have changed from the Classical period to the modern era.
It won't give you a complete picture of Jewish cultural history, but it should be helpful in terms of contextualising some elements of it if/when you do dive in.
I wear my kippah every day and I am bald. I use double stick fashion tape. It works really well. Link below for the brand that I use.
Hollywood Fashion Secrets Medical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AR4BLWA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It's an alternative name for the Israelites, but doesn't have a definition aside from that (just like the word "French" doesn't really mean anything aside from referring to people from France).
The word's etymology isn't certain, but one version is here. The wikipedia entry for Hebrews presents some alternative theories.
That's cool. I've tried Jdate and pretty much all of the other Jewish dating sites, but no luck. I even tried non-Jewish ones like Match.com, but I didn't like the profiles I was seeing.
You should read his book on the subject - "Who Wrote the Bible?"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M7S79BT
By the way, I'm not necessarily saying I agree with either perspective (who wrote the Bible or the Exodus) - but these are very interesting takes on the subjects.
I can recomand you this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Durable-Peace-Israel-Place-Nations/dp/0446523062
It explains everything you need to know about the conflict.
Downloading the ebook from the torrent thingy is of course illegal....
I read this book several months ago, suitable for beginners, but more on the progressive side:
Jonathan Sacks has a series of Torah commentaries I love called Covenant and Conversation. Here’s the first one: https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Conversation-Genesis-Book-Beginnings/dp/1592640206/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PB6T8FZC3BLK&keywords=sacks+genesis&qid=1639154679&sprefix=Sacks+genesis%2Caps%2C264&sr=8-1
Since your family has been in the US for a while, you might find a lot of records that could give you some more clues. I’m saying ancestral DNA tests are pricey, so I recommend taking advantage of other features of it. A small percentage of any ancestry suggested by your DNA could be unreliable, but comparing trees to DNA matches and looking through records may be more reliable. After MyHeritage matched my tree to another’s, I managed to discover heritage back to 18th century Poland. It’s hard for me to find records past 100 years since my family hasn’t been in the US much longer than that, but you don’t have that problem. :)
Here’s a free genealogy record site to start. Hope this helps!
I also recommend waiting for the teats to go on sale.
What staticians believe is that anyone who was alive 2,000-3,000 years ago is either the ancestor of everyone who’s now alive, or no one at all. This is even taking into account things like geography and marriage customs. So it is possible that a famous figure like King David is an ancestor of everyone today, assuming he actually has living descendents. But the amount of DNA people today have inherited from him would be extremely small, and mostly meaningless. Which is why some people's obsession with being descended from ancient or royal people is ultimately pointless.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/we-are-all-princes-paupers-and-part-of-the-human-family
Just so we are clear, you came to a Jewish sub the week there were mass murders of Jews to demand an apology from Jews for killing Jesus?
I never heard of anybody using peanut oil either, but that's an interesting question. From Googling, it appears that in Russia the most commonly used oil since the 18th century is sunflower.
Same, but Zoom was particularly bad. This is apparently a more secure video conferencing platform. I have not looked into it but the people at r/privacy and similar seem to tentatively, cautiously approve-ish.
Yep! Headshion Skull Caps for Men Women, 2-Pack Multifunctional Headwear Bike Hard Hat Helmet Liner Beanie Sleep Caps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P1FXRYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KK9CK4PFQQMQCMJ45WWG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
China. But it's rather easy to find Nazi memorabilia on Amazon. For instance;
https://www.amazon.com/1939-B-Germany-Third-Pfennig-Swastika/dp/B004E4M5KG
Or find online websites selling them
https://ultimateflags.com/collections/nazi-national-socialist-flags/
I own this one from Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/FANCIME-Created-Necklace-Sterling-Extender/dp/B07MN127NB/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=star+of+david+necklace+for+women+blue+op&qid=1630459496&sr=8-12 But I wish I remembered the name of the store my aunt goes to in New Jersey, since she got star of David’s from there.
Cannot recommend this book enough: https://www.amazon.com/Olive-Trees-Honey-Vegetarian-Communities/dp/0764544136
Not only is it a plethora of vegetarian jewish recipes from throughout the world, but it also tells you WHY these dishes were made by jews of this region. Seriously opened by eyes as to what "jewish" food could be.
https://www.amazon.com/Makers-Diet-40-day-experience-forever/dp/0768442397
This above by Jordan Rubin ... I was reading the comments on Amazon and got motivated and maybe a bit hopeful. IBS is bad.
I'd start reading Jewish Pride, published in 2021, by Ben Freeman. I take your questions at good faith, but suspect cultural biases about Jews (that impact us all) may be informing where you are directing your focus about Jewish history and identity. Read Jewish Pride first (it's a comprehensive overview, brief and a page turner) and from there direct your attention to more specific areas of interest.
https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Pride-Rebuilding-Ben-Freeman-ebook/dp/B08V1H3CR2
This summarizes the Torah portions (sections) with commentary. It’s great, a real window on modern Judaism.
The Bedside Torah : Wisdom, Visions, and Dreams https://www.amazon.com/dp/0737305878/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0NXW83F15K2409B8SYD3
How is this a No True Scotsman?
Per your link:
>in which one attempts to protect their universal generalization from a counterexample in an ad hoc fashion by tautologically excluding the counterexample.
As I stated further on, I don't actually disagree with any theological statement she made, so my exclusion of Open Orthodoxy from the group of Orthodoxy has nothing to do with this being a counterexample of anything.
> "No true Orthodox believes what the Open Orthodox believe"
Secondly, it's not ad hoc. The definition of orthodox (per Oxford) is:
>(of a person or their views, especially religious or political ones, or other beliefs or practices) conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; established and approved.
While it may be debatable which specific views are considered generally or traditionally accepted, I'm speaking to the very definition of orthodoxy when I don't consider Open Orthodoxy part of that umbrella. Judging them as different based on their beliefs is the only reasonable method of making a distinction. I'm not claiming that true Scotsmen don't put sugar in their porridge. I'm claiming that the town this guy purports to be from isn't actually in Scotland, but rather over the line into England. You're welcome to debate where the border actually is, but there's nothing fallacious here.
If you want a more in depth discussion of the topic, I suggest Why Open Orthodoxy Not Orthodox by David Rosenthal.
Martin Gilbert’s Historical Atlas of the Jewish People is a fantastic introduction to the Jewish story through the millennia.
The maps give the book a level of focus that some other books on the topic lack for being so wide ranging!
https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Jewish-History-Martin-Gilbert/dp/0688122647
The Torah: The JPS Audio Version https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003G5W3WE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_RKFZFb1FNNKEM
Here you go!
I commend you wanting to learn the Torah, but consider speaking with a rabbi. In my experience the texts should never be taken at face value, and discussion/questioning is a central part of Judaism.
Just for my curiosity: what made you want to convert? It’s a pretty involved process :o
Also, if you’re partial to using oil instead of candles you can get floating wicks and do the same thing:
Pre-Assembled Round Floating Wicks - 50 Count (Approx.), Cotton Wicks and Cork Disc Holders for Oil Cups https://amazon.com/dp/B0776DBJM4
Depending on the size of the cup just make sure you put in a bunch of water and only like a centimeter or so of oil (or less). Even that amount will burn for a while.
Here is a great book to introduce Hanukkah:
https://smile.amazon.com/Sammy-Spiders-First-Hanukkah-Books/dp/0929371461?sa-no-redirect=1
And I believe it comes with some related activities in the back of the book.
Very cool, awesome! Just start reading and studying.
Here's a great book to begin with: https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Literacy-Important-Religion-History/dp/0688085067
Their main source is the bible, specifically the curses outlined in Deut 28. The BHI claim that the chapter outlined a prophecy of what would be the trans-atlantic slave trade.
Another popular source is a book that came out in the 80s called: From Babylon to Timbuktu
https://www.amazon.com/Babylon-Timbuktu-History-Ancient-Including/dp/0962088110
A different explanation I've heard is that after the Babylonian exile, some of the tribes relocated to West Africa where their descendants became slaves in the New World.
wonderful book
The Story of the Jewish People: Letters to Auntie Fori
It looks like this except the middle part looks like either a candle holder or maybe for tooth picks or maybe to hold spoons
>I hope it's ok to mention this but I just launched my newest cookbook, The Newish Jewish Cookbook!https://www.amazon.com/Newish-Jewish-Cookbook-marcy-goldman/dp/1927936306/ref=sr\_1\_1?keywords=newish+jewish&qid=1551016827&s=gateway&sr=8-1
>
>It's over 140 recipes from holidays to everyday (even Passover and Vegetarian). It's in print and ebook on Amazon and anyone who purchases it gets two months bonus free - of all access to my website.
Thank you!
I learned more about Jewish life in Eastern Europe from this book than anywhere else:
The Golden Age Shtetl: A New History of Jewish Life in East Europe amazon link
Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin is a good starter I think. I'm reading it currently: https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Literacy-Revised-Ed-Important-ebook/dp/B003V1WT22/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
I mean, the main books on Kabbalah are the Tanya, and the Zohar, but one isn't supposed to learn the Zohar until they are 40, and know the entire Torah. Tanya on the other hand is open for Everyone. https://smile.amazon.com/Tanya-Likutei-Amarim-Revised-English/dp/0826604005/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473773017&sr=8-1&keywords=tanya
You know what??? In my experience, the most memorable moments in intimacy is when things are a bit awkward. Allowing yourself and her to be vulnerable is good. We are lucky, our faith is pretty sex positive so enjoy growing together. No pressure to focus on any one act, there is a whole body to explore. Read ShirHaShirim in Ketuvim with her or get this book http://www.amazon.com/Kosher-Sex-Recipe-Passion-Intimacy/dp/0385494661