David H. Sterne

Rabbi David Sterne has published three books on the subject of meditation, prayer, and Jewish practice, with the goal of making the ancient wisdom of Kabbalah accessible to the modern reader. His books are at once refreshing and insightful, interesting and informative. "Love like Fire and Water," his rendition of the Chabad classic, Kuntres Ha'avoda ("Tractate on Meditation") has become an underground classic. It is engrossing and provocative, and demonstrates an ability to reach new audiences that would elude a less-skilled writer. His most recent book, "Mind over Heart," explores the boundaries between intellect and emotion, and presents sophisticated spiritual concepts in a clear and lucid fashion.

R' Sterne's 2007 book, "Inner Lights from Jerusalem," is a tapestry of interwoven thoughts from a great Chassidic master, R' Shmuel Borenstein (the Shem miShmuel), and R' Sterne's own experiences while studying in the court of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in New York. Listed on several top Jewish sites, it contains expositions on the weekly Torah portion that have been praised by some of the most experienced authors in the Jewish world. His forthcoming book, "Praying like Fire and Water," applies the principles of meditation to the practice of prayer, and continues his ongoing presentation of abstract and sophisticated spiritual concepts, from the realm of kaballah, to the smart and informed layman. This book is aimed at the man or woman who is faced with the difficult choices of the day – how to balance career and family, yet simultaneously commit themselves to spiritual and emotional personal development.

R' Sterne's books have been accepted and lauded among a wide swath of spiritual seekers, both Jewish and non-Jewish. His books are featured in yeshivot and houses of Jewish study, as well as in university and personal libraries. Spiritual mentors of all faiths as well as teachers of meditation and prayer maintain regular contact with R' Sterne in order to teach and explicate the principles of Jewish meditation and prayer that are expounded in his books. Known for his clarity and ability to present complicated kabalistic and Chassidic concepts to the layman, R' Sterne has earned a reputation as one of Judaism's foremost authors in English on the subject of meditation and prayer.