Understanding the Haftarot: An Everyperson's Guide

"In Understanding the Haftarot Chuck Simon has made
the Prophets come alive. With his knowledge of Biblical
history and keen sense of drama, Simon gives context
and familiarity to the men and scenes of the Haftarot. I
recommend this book to all who are seeking deeper
understanding and clarity of sequence in the weekly
prophetic readings."

Cantor Nancy Abramson,
Director, H. L. Miller Cantorial School
Jewish Theological Seminary


"Rabbi Simon has provided a valuable contribution toward
garnering spiritual meaning from our comprehensive
Shabbat liturgy. Rather than viewing the Haftarah cycle as
a random array of sacred texts, he has constructed a useful
and inspiring framework. Combining historical context with
thematic assessments, this volume brings the weekly
Haftarah to life. Side-by-side with the Torah portion, these
prophetic readings are intended both to elevate the soul
and to strengthen our ties to Jewish Peoplehood, past and
future."

Rabbi Alan Silverstein
Current Chair of the Foundation for Masorti Judaism,
Past President of both the Rabbinical Assembly and of the
World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogu

Rabbi Charles Simon has served as the Executive Director of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs since 1981. Under his guidance, FJMC has produced numerous books, guides, films, and programs designed to enhance Jewish life, for men and women and their communities. Rabbi Simon has been responsible for the production of a host of materials designed to make Jewish life more accessible. These accomplishments include the development of the highly acclaimed Art of Jewish Living series, authored by Dr. Ron Wolfson, the writing and production of two educational films, A Guide to the Shabbat Morning Torah Service and The Ties That Bind. He edited and supervised the Hearing Men's Voices series, five manuals designed to assist Jewish men to address issues facing them today. He has also written 2 books devoted to teaching people how to lead and participate in community prayer. He has published in Commentary Magazine, Judaism Magazine and Reform Judaism. Rabbi Simon was instrumental in the creation of the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism and starting and nurturing three Masorti congregations in France and two in the United Kingdom. His Mezuzah Housewarming party was translated into Spanish in 2005. In 2007 Rabbi Simon received the prestigious Sheirut l'am (Service to our People) award from the World Council of Synagogues and in 2011 the Yuval Award from the Cantors Assembly. He serves as the Conservative/Masorti Movement's representative to Europe. Recent endeavors are a weekly haftarah commentary that began in October 2009 and a book titled Developing a Successful Volunteer Culture. His primary interest is the development of lay leadership and the cultivation of volunteers. He lives in New York with his wife Mary Katzin.