For nearly a century, Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Alter of Ger' s classic Sfas Emes has been the challenging and provocative fare of outstanding scholars. But the concise and complex language and thought process of this classic were daunting to all but a select few. But Rabbi Yosef Stern has distilled these profound; scintillating , pithy, incredibly rich discourses into enlightening and inspiring English essays.

The Gift of Shabbos is a clear and brilliant work. Among the topics it explores are: ■ Melachah (creative work) ■ Menuchah (rest) ■ Shabbos as a Divine gift ■ the three meals ■ Lechem Mishneh (the two loaves of bread) ■ Oneg (delight) Shabbos ■Shabbos as a microcosm of the World to Come ■ a commentary on the Kabbalas Shabbos service.

In addition , it features an introduction to the Sfas Emes' mode of thought, which includes a treatment of the sage' s approach to such concepts as Nekudah Hapenimis and Hashgachah Pratis.