A new book press called Inner World Press has published its first book this year called The Feminine Paradox: Ezer Kenegdo, Opposition that Births a Luminous World (Amazon).

Inner World Press, in Hebrew, Penimiyus Press, was founded by Dr. Chava Green who has a PhD in Religion from Emory University. She felt there was a need for translations of maamar written from a woman’s point of view with extensive commentary and explanations. The press will be publishing a series of translations of maamarim from Torah Ohr/Likkutei Torah to open up this deep Chassidus for those without extensive learning skills.

Sara Korn, a shlucha in Manhattan, agrees that this fills an important need. Even though she enjoys many English translations of Chassidus, she adds, “Every so often, however, a true gem comes along, one that offers not only translation, but genuine explanation. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Chassidic thought.”  

The first book from the press is a translation of the maamar Lo Tov Heyos HaAdam Levado, It is not Good for Man to be Alone, from Torah Ohr Bereshis. The book explores the idea of the Ezer Kenegdo as the “opposition that adds light” providing the reader with many real life examples of navigating challenges, embodying Torah concepts, and integrating the Alter Rebbe’s teachings into one’s daily choices. The book retails for $12 on Amazon.

Over 250 copies of The Feminine Paradox have sold. Chaya Orenstein, a shlucha in Oregon, ordered 20 copies for the regional kinus she organized. Chaya said of using the book at the event, “It sparked great conversation and was a catalyst to so much!”

Green hopes Inner World Press will eventually expand to publish books by Chabad women who are looking for a mix between a traditional press and self-publishing. Now the press is focusing on the next book in the series, a translation of a maamar from Parasha Va’era that compares Gulus and Geulah to pregnancy and birth. Green chose this as the next topic because she feels the concept will resonate with a female readership.