MSI Press Blog

  To honor the rare astronomical and spiritual alignment of Purim, Ramadan, and Lent coinciding today, we present our authors who have written books in each of these spiritual traditions. This remarkable convergence of sacred calendars happens only a few times per century, as each tradition follows different systems—the Jewish lunar calendar for Purim, the Islamic lunar calendar for Ramadan, and the Christian calendar (tied to the spring equinox) for Lent. When these observances overlap, they create a unique opportunity for interfaith dialogue and deeper understanding of how different faiths mark periods of reflection, sacrifice, and celebration. And then yesterday (the start of Puri) is also National Thai Elephant Day, a cultural holiday where Buddhist ceremonies are held to bless elephants and their owners. Our publishing house is proud to showcase writers who illuminate these rich traditions through their work. Steven Greenebaum writes about interfaith. Arthur Yavelberg and Am...

  Dr. Betty Lou Leaver, Managing Editor of MSI Press, is in Indonesian, helping university lecturers begin their publishing careers. It is just one of the wide variety of activities that one can find MSI Press staff and authors doing. A side benefit for Leaver? Welcoming in Ramadan in Bandung -- standing here beside Jatinangour Hotel's lovely Ramadan display. Ramadan kareem! (Sweet Ramadan) To all who celebrate it, MSI Press wishes you Ramadan mubarak wa kareem. Kul am wa intum behair. For more posts about MSI Press staff in the news, click HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . Planning on self-publishing and don't know where to start? Our  author au pair  services will mentor you through the process. Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book  in ...

Wishing all our Islamic friends, fans, and readers Ramadan mubarak wa kareem.  Here are some books that can take your attention away from long days of fasting: Damascus amid the War Poems and stories from before the war in Syria and during the war by a Damascene experiencing the war first-hand. The pre-war poetry reflects the rich and joyful life that existed then, and the poems and stories written later reflect the starkness and fearfulness of life that now surrounds Damascus and its inhabitants. Introductory Lectures on Religious Philosophy This series of lectures is an overview of five ancient philosophical traditions, focusing on the following questions: More than a series of lectures, this collection of dialogues addresses the following questions: What is the relationship between religion and philosophy? What social and psychological functions do religions serve? What does it mean to be educated? Professor Sabzevary's intellectual nuance is matched only by his clarity, not onl...

  From the chapter, "Ramadan," in  Road to Damascus  -  My first weeks in Damascus, I found any and every excuse to sit on the balcony adjoining our bedroom, writing letters, reading, watching the street action below or, best of all, just looking at the city. I knew this sight was one thing I would miss when we moved downstairs because there, the house across the street blocked most of the view. The balconies on our building were enclosed by a stone wall about three feet high and were, in typical fashion, surmounted by another foot or more of wrought iron, artfully twisted and bent into arabesque patterns. Some balconies were generously built and could seat a large family and visiting friends. However, even smaller balconies, like ours, were crowded with potted flowers - geraniums, rose bushes, jasmine, climbing vines and one or two caged songbirds Balcony floors were tiled and had a drain at one end. Mornings I would find Kawsar and other industrious housewives slui...

  \ Excerpt from Damascus amid the War Ramadan Ramadan this year passes With no colorful lanterns Lighting up the holy nights in Cairo, No ziker 7 breaking the silence of The sacred Damascene nights. Baghdad stores are closed, Streets of Tripoli are empty, Gaza is under attack, Iraq is in flames. The World takes a nap While the Arabs Argue over who should have won The World Cup matches.                                                             7.20.2014 ***   No water, no electricity, no coffee!   So I decide to wander around the city.   As I pass our neighbor’s door, I hear the wind whistle through the key hole.   The door rattles as i...