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Best Jewish Sacred Writings

The Books of Enoch: The Angels, The Watchers and The Nephilim: (With Extensive Commentary on the Three Books of Enoch, the Fallen Angels, the Calendar of Enoch, and Daniel's Prophecy)
The history of the Fallen Angels is sewn tightly together using such books as Enoch, Jasher, Jubilees, The Book of Giants, The War Scrolls, and many others. - - - This volume, containing The First Book of Enoch (The Ethiopic Book of Enoch), The Second Book of Enoch (The Slavonic Secrets of Enoch), The Third Book of Enoch (The Hebrew Book of Enoch), and The Book of Fallen Angels, The Watchers, and the Origins of Evil. Look for other books by Joseph Lumpkin such as the Book of Jasher, The Book of Jubilees, Lost Books of the Bible, Banned from the Bible, and the Encyclopedia of Lost and Rejected Scriptures. Dr. Lumpkin has appeared on Radio, Television, and Internet shows as a guest speaker on subjects of Fallen Angels, Church History, Religion, Theology, The Sacred Feminine, and the Axial Age.
Reviews
"My mother use to tell me to read the Book of Enoch all the time but I never listened to her. She was well read, overly intelligent to the point where no one really could talk to her about the BIble or the history except Cardinals which really didn't talk about the Book of Enoch but knew of it."
"The book of Enoch will not take you away from the bible but actually confirms it I dont know why they ever took it out of the bible it explains alot of questions people might have on Giants and the nephilim angels and stuff."
"Have enjoyed reading this book, very interesting and helpful."
"Answers a lot of questions."
"Interesting books!!!"
"I am very pleased with my purchase."
"For resources, better understanding."
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The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition
The Jewish Study Bible, Second Edition, is an essential resource for anyone interested in the Hebrew Bible. Using the Jewish Publication Society translation, the books of the Jewish canon are presented in their traditional order: Torah (the five books of Moses); Nevi'im (the major and minor prophets); and Kethuvim (the other writings).
Reviews
"And the footnotes are a life saver for people unfamiliar with scripture or for people who want to have a little bit more background on what their reading."
"Received in two days."
"Get it for your library, it has Jewish insights to verses that may not be in our regular commentary ."
"Bought it for a class but will continue to use it."
"I am enjoying this Bible very much."
"This was a gift to a family member."
"Expanded from the first edition."
"Will use along with my KJV bible for study."
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A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
With over 2 million copies sold, Phillip Keller?s beloved contemporary classic spans the decades with its uplifting insights on Psalm 23.
Reviews
"Someone gave me this book exact cover and all several years ago but the print was the large print....I like giving it to some older people in church and we need the larger print...but when I ordered it I didn't see anything to mark so you would know...I just thought it would come like the one I have...I Thank You and maybe I'll see one for larger print the next time."
"This clearly written and helpful guide to a deeper understanding of the 23rd Psalm is truly a gift for those desiring a strengthened understanding of our Shepherd and His caring for us."
"Mr. Keller has an understanding of the 23rd Psalm and uses the knowledge he has gained from being a shepherd to explain the meaning behind David's writing which is meaningful for us today."
"I have known about this book for a long time but never bought it."
"It is a great guide to show what the heart of God is like and how much He, the Good shepherd, really cares for his people the sheep."
"I am the devotional leader for a small men's group and have been using this book as the template for our devotions for the past few months. I recommend the book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" to anyone seeking the heart of our Father and our precious Shepherd."
"Phillip Keller does a remarkable job analyzing Psalm 23 and the importance of learning how to be content in life."
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Best Hebrew Bible

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
With over 2 million copies sold, Phillip Keller?s beloved contemporary classic spans the decades with its uplifting insights on Psalm 23.
Reviews
"Someone gave me this book exact cover and all several years ago but the print was the large print....I like giving it to some older people in church and we need the larger print...but when I ordered it I didn't see anything to mark so you would know...I just thought it would come like the one I have...I Thank You and maybe I'll see one for larger print the next time."
"This clearly written and helpful guide to a deeper understanding of the 23rd Psalm is truly a gift for those desiring a strengthened understanding of our Shepherd and His caring for us."
"Mr. Keller has an understanding of the 23rd Psalm and uses the knowledge he has gained from being a shepherd to explain the meaning behind David's writing which is meaningful for us today."
"I have known about this book for a long time but never bought it."
"It is a great guide to show what the heart of God is like and how much He, the Good shepherd, really cares for his people the sheep."
"I am the devotional leader for a small men's group and have been using this book as the template for our devotions for the past few months. I recommend the book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" to anyone seeking the heart of our Father and our precious Shepherd."
"Phillip Keller does a remarkable job analyzing Psalm 23 and the importance of learning how to be content in life."
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Best Talmud

The Book of Legends/Sefer Ha-Aggadah: Legends from the Talmud and Midrash
The Hebrew poet Hayim Nahman Bialik and the renowned editor Yehoshua Hana Ravnitzky, the architects of this masterful compendium, selected hundreds of texts from the Talmud and midrashic literature and arranged them thematically, in order to provide their contemporaries with easy access to the national literary heritage of the Jewish people -- the texts of Rabbinic Judaism that remain at the heart of Jewish literacy today. The arrangement of this compendium reflects the theological concerns of the Rabbinic sages: the role of Israel and the nations; God, good and evil; human relations; the world of nature; and the art of healing. To have Book of Legends/Sefer Ha-Aggadah available in English is to open to the entire English-reading world -- Jew, non-Jew, religionist, secularist -- one of the very great creations of humankind: a rich and intricately woven tapestry of tales, homilies, legends and dreams that come to us from the very roots of the imagination. "Bialik and Ravnitzky's great compendium of Rabbinic legend and homily has been an indispensable resource ever since its publication in Hebrew eight decades ago....English readers are very fortunate to be able at last to avail themselves of this extraordinary compilation."
Reviews
"Both serve as wonderful inspirations to build a solid, intense and rewarding prayer life."
"As a reference resource The Book of Legends adds to the stories found in the early Biblical accounts of the Jewish peoples."
"Scripture is coming alive, as a result of having this rich resource !"
"very good book,i was impressed by. the range of subjects covered ."
"Prompt efficient service."
"I gave this a top rating but maybe it should have been less than perfect because the printing is very small, If there is a next edition maybe it should be two volumes."
"A wonderful book in every way."
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Best Torah

The Chumash: The Stone Edition, Full Size (ArtScroll) (English and Hebrew Edition) The Torah: Haftaros and Five Megillos with a Commentary Anthologized from the Rabbinic Writings
A Classic in its own time The entire Chumash, newly reset, in one beautiful volume with a new, contemporary English translation of the Torah, faithful to Rashi and the classic Rabbinic commentators, and an anthologized commentary by a team of scholars, under the editorship of Rabbi Nosson Scherman. The Five Megillos with translation and commentary.
Reviews
"Love it."
"For study, easy to read English and Hebrew, commentaries at the bottom written in both languages, TORA scheduled year reading for festivals and other special occasions, very useful tool, I do recommended ."
"This is an absolutely gorgeous edition, and will probably become a family heirloom."
"Excellent reading, along with educational."
"Exactly what I was looking for!"
"It's beautifully constructed and a great addition to your Jewish library."
"This book is read from right to left because that is the way Hebrew is written."
"This is truly a blessing."
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Best Zohar

Complete Books of Enoch: 1 Enoch (First Book of Enoch), 2 Enoch (Secrets of Enoch), 3 Enoch (Hebrew Book of Enoch)
Many of the Book of Enoch books available are in fact public domain (the R. H. Charles version of 1917) which means they can be given away to anyone for free, by anyone. This (all 3 Books of Enoch) is a NEW (2010) and easy-to-read translation by ancient languages scholar Dr. A. Nyland and is NOT the 1917 R.H. Charles Public Domain translation of The Book of Enoch. This new translation by Dr. A. Nyland contains all 3 Books of Enoch: 1) 1 Book of Enoch (Also called The Ethiopic Book of Enoch) 2) 2 Book of Enoch (Also called The Slavonic Book of Enoch, The Secrets of Enoch). 3) 3 Book of Enoch (Also called The Hebrew Book of Enoch) The Books of Enoch are of interest to a wide audience: theosophy, mysticism. In 2 Book of Enoch, two angels take Enoch through the 7 heavens. This is harder and harder in this day and age with misinformation spreading like wildfire on the net, driven by all the books by authors who know no ancient languages, and get their information from English translations rather than the original texts.
Reviews
"An interesting book, does not seem Biblical, but interesting."
"The 1 and 2 Enoch were easy to read and understand, the number 3 Enoch was just a review of the first two, using different names, it's worth the time to read!"
"good reading for less money."
"This is excellent,however,it takes some time to read."
"Brand new book exactly as described, shipped fast, well packaged."
"Very Interesting and easy to read."
"But as I studied the book more and more I realized it related back to some of my question in the book of Genesis and other books in the bible."
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Best Mysticism Christian Theology

The Naked Now: Learning To See As the Mystics See
For Christians seeking a way of thinking outside of strict dualities, this guide explores methods for letting go of division and living in the present. Franciscan priest and spirituality author Rohr ( Everything Belongs ) again brings his energy to the reclamation of the Christian mystical tradition. The somewhat theoretical re-reading of Catholic Christian tradition is brought down to earth by a series of appendixes that contain practices for those who want to know what to do; attaining insight is not self-evident nor is it easy.
Reviews
"As an aside, our obsession on the first half of life is growing stronger -- we care about courtship, career choice, finding a mate, establishing ourselves, and this is the subject that too many 60 year old people worry at, fantasize over, concentrate on, well past the day that they should let this half of their lives go... and think about the second half. This author outlines how this half of life can be about joy, about falling upward in a spiritual sense, about the second half of life being about opening yourself."
"Such a shame to see so many people, who could actually make a positive impact on our deeply divided society, are just so angry and unhappy with things and simply unable to show the least bit of comapssion and understanding toward others."
"A life changing message, my awareness of which influenced me to "retire" last week and be open to a more personal work."
"Loved the book."
"Got off to an interesting theological start, but over the course of the book the author, who writes extremely well, seems to loose the initial train of thought and thus much of the book seems not to be what it attempts to be."
"Oh wow, I can't even begin how much my heart and head hurt and ache as I move through this work."
"We are never there and as life unfolds we need to be even more willing to let go, become more "empty" so we can find more of God."
"If you are in or aproaching second half of life Father Rohr will get you thinking."
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Best Jewish Sermons

1: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth: 365 Meditations of the Rebbe
Even after his passing, he is known worldwide as simply "The Rebbe"- a Rebbe for any person in the world. In a moment, any person on the planet can make contact with the depths of the Rebbe's wisdom and apply it in daily life. Readers won't be able to put it down, and when they do, they will have a radically altered view of Judaism, Torah, the Rebbe and most importantly, how it all relates to their life. The Rebbe presents a wisdom and light which helps every reader, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or otherwise to open up to the Divine guiding force within each living being. --Wulfing von Rohr, author of over 50 books on metaphysics in Germany --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Reviews
"This is a remarkable collection of amazing words from the Rebbe. Having it on my Kindle means the words are always with me- to soothe, to prod and provoke, to illuminate. The keys to liberation are clenched tightly. in the fist of our own egos.""
"Excellent book; I refer to it often."
"No matter what faith you belong to this is a book that should comfort and guide you."
"Wonderful!"
"This is a beautiful little book by Tzvi Freeman, a superb expositor, filled with the wisdom of both heart and mind."
"Beautiful book, very inspiring, highly recommended for anyone who wants to live on a plane that transends by the mundane of life & elevates it."
"Some books are amazing, but this one is phenomenal, so phenomenal that it is of biblical proportions."
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Best Jewish Hasidism

Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History
Rebbe explores Schneerson's overarching philosophies against the backdrop of treacherous history, revealing his clandestine operations to rescue and sustain Jews in the Soviet Union, and his critical role in the expansion of the food stamp program throughout the United States. “The subtitle’s claim that Schneerson was the modern world’s most influential Jewish religious leader is proven throughout this highly readable book… Readers are left to draw their own assessment from the wide-ranging portrait… Fascinating.” (Booklist (starred review) ). “A vivid, panoramic view of Rabbi Schneerson-in each of his many roles as dynamic spiritual leader, inspiring teacher, and even motivating life coach and management guru… Telushkin’s Rebbe is a man in constant motion, a non-stop whirlwind of faith-driven energy and action possessed of a spiritual calm.” ( The Jewish Week ).
Reviews
"An amazing book for every Jewish (& non Jewish) home."
"This book does not solve the mystery of how that was done, but it does lay out the chronology, so those who are startled by the success of tiny Chabad startup communities may theorize for themselves about why those people are so successful at what they do."
"It’s not often that you read a book and as you’re going through it, you say to yourself, “I should write about this topic, too.” Apart of the excellent and inspirational writing style (which is a given with author Joseph Telushkin), the “Rebbe” book shared so many outstanding characteristics of one of the world’s greatest leaders, that I started taking notes so that I could write some articles on leadership. The Rebbe’s hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of admirers will benefit from stories such as when the Rebbe stopped being able to see visitors for one-on-one meetings, he refused to see anyone on the grounds that he did not want to insult anyone's feelings."
"Lucid, interesting and meaningful read."
"A giant of our times, the Rebbe, was able to start a movement to bring light to Jews all over the world with love and acceptance."
"I have been familiar with Rabbi Schneerosn for some 30 plus years, but I never really understood him or knew the scope of his reach or even his philosophy. I heard that he was intellectually gifted, that he was what religious Jews call 'tzadik,' and that he gave dollars. While I don't see this book as the Rebbe's 'book of teachings' I do think it gives the reader a very important glimpse into the life of the Rebbe."
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Best Jewish Law

Gender Equality and Prayer in Jewish Law
The authors not only explore this specific issue in depth, but they also model how we can mine the Jewish legal tradition for its underlying values, enabling its complex sources to serve as effective guides for contemporary communal decision-making. "There are political, sociological and other ways to analyze why, in many of the world’s religions, women are excluded from leadership roles and participation in certain rituals. It shows that the tradition already contains significant elements of gender equality which lie unrecognised and carry potential for change that might surprise many readers of the JC."
Reviews
"Refreshingly honest and clearly presented, Gender Equality and Prayer in Jewish Law addresses the core claims of arguments against gender equality and affirms the need, where necessary, to take a "gender blind" approach to laws surrounding the prayer service."
"Furthermore, there is no indication in the Torah that women are excluded from biblical mandated activities. One commentator, Luzzatto, for example, contends that women are biblically required to observe all biblical laws, just as men, but in a later age women were allowed to refrain from observing certain positive laws because it interfered with the many other more necessary activities they were engaged in, such as raising and educating children. We also learn about the origin of the idea that some prayers need ten males before they are recited, a concept that is also not biblical although some biblical language is used to support the practice, and why women are not included in the ten."
"The timing of this book could not be more perfect as recently the Israeli government has gone back on its decision to allow for women and men to pray together at the Wailing Wall in Israel, igniting a firestorm among liberal and conservative Jews who have adopted egalitarianism as a mainstay principle of their current Jewish faith. Clearly, those who just want to keep women out of leadership roles and even participation in key aspects of Jewish groups in life and prayer who say "this is not the way it is done" will not (or should not) have a respected place in the future intellectual debates on this topic."
"A highly sensitive and robust analysis of the legal sources on Gender and Prayer in Jewish Law."
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Best Jewish Life

My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging
In My Grandfather's Blessings , Rachel Naomi Remen , a cancer physician and master storyteller, uses her luminous stories to remind us of the power of our kindness and the joy of being alive. When doctor and author Rachel Naomi Remen ( Kitchen Table Wisdom ) was young, she was caught between two different views of life: that of her rabbi grandfather and that of her highly academic, research-oriented parents, who believed religion was the opiate of the masses.
Reviews
"I was very moved by many of the stories as I, like most people, have also been touched by terminal illness and loss in my life."
"The introduction to this book should be required reading for anyone serving in the nonprofit world or the helping professions."
"The condition of the book was excellent & service was wonderful."
"I really love this book."
"It's one I don't want to pass on, because I know I will read it again and again and even mark special pages that will help in challenging times."
"So if you want goosebumps as well as a soul-full book, this is a must read!"
"I am glad I bought the book to read all these stories."
"I read this book a few months ago and enjoyed it."
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Best Jewish Movements

My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging
In My Grandfather's Blessings , Rachel Naomi Remen , a cancer physician and master storyteller, uses her luminous stories to remind us of the power of our kindness and the joy of being alive. When doctor and author Rachel Naomi Remen ( Kitchen Table Wisdom ) was young, she was caught between two different views of life: that of her rabbi grandfather and that of her highly academic, research-oriented parents, who believed religion was the opiate of the masses.
Reviews
"I was very moved by many of the stories as I, like most people, have also been touched by terminal illness and loss in my life."
"The introduction to this book should be required reading for anyone serving in the nonprofit world or the helping professions."
"The condition of the book was excellent & service was wonderful."
"I really love this book."
"It's one I don't want to pass on, because I know I will read it again and again and even mark special pages that will help in challenging times."
"So if you want goosebumps as well as a soul-full book, this is a must read!"
"I am glad I bought the book to read all these stories."
"I read this book a few months ago and enjoyed it."
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Best Jewish Prayerbooks

Siddur Tehillat Hashem: With Annotated English Translation (English and Hebrew Edition)
New clear typeset, easy to follow instructions and a super strong shul binding.
Reviews
"Back of the book shows steps for Tefillin and all other processes."
"Beautiful!"
"The later editions of the Nusach HaAriZa”L siddurim do not have some prayers and meditations that the Nusach Sefard siddurim have."
"This is a wonderfully put together book if you are looking for a Siddur Tehillat."
"It's a very good Siddur, clear and easy to read with all the prayers."
"an excellent addition to my library, i plan to follow up and get more of his works and titles."
"Appropriate for those who follow in the Chabad tradition."
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Best Jewish Holidays

The Feasts of the Lord: God's Prophetic Calendar from Calvary to the Kingdom
The words of the Savior, His messianic claims, and Bible prophecy will all take on a rich, new relevance for you against the exciting backdrop of The Feasts of the Lord .
Reviews
"I feel he was cleAR on what WAS ordered by Jehovah and what and why later Jews added things."
"How he was buried on Passover and in the Grave on unleavened bread and arose on first fruits."
"Very interesting and informative."
"It is so very clear, beautifully illustrated and extremely well organized, besides being written in such an interesting format."
"not through yet but seems well written."
"I bought two books on the same subject and found this much better than the other."
"I really like the presentation in this book."
"This book not only gives you the feasts of the Lord from the Bible and how they operate,it also gives you a callender showing you when these dates occur,It gives tidbits of info related to the feasts like the sabbatical elevator I never knew existed,It gives the traditional (Biblical) traditions and the modern traditions on the same page for meach feast.It connects how some feast,s describe the rapture of the church and since this book is clearly written from the viewpoint of a messianic Jew,ones who do not believe Jesus is Savior will be gravely dissapointed in this book.Bottom line--great book,lotsa info."
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Best Jewish Theology

The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity (Origins of Catholic Christianity Trilogy)
"Taylor Marshall helps us to be more Catholic by taking our faith to its most profound depths - its ancient roots in the religion of Israel, the Judaism beloved by the Apostles, the religion of the Temple and Synagogue, the Torah and the sacrifice. "Such sparkling insights appear on almost every page, as Taylor Marshall deftly compares various features of Judaism to their Catholic counterparts: the priesthood, vestments, holy days, marriage, and saints, to name but a few. The Crucified Rabbi should be required reading for every student of the Catholic faith." {over 300 Hebrew prophecies of Christ and the Church listed inside this book} Is Catholicism inherently Anti-Semitic? Taylor Marshall was an Episcopal priest in Fort Worth, Texas before being received with his wife into the Catholic Church by Bishop Kevin Vann of Fort Worth in 2006.
Reviews
"I plan on using this book in my Scripture class to help my students see more clearly the connection between the Old Testament and New Testament."
"This would be useful as an apologetic tool, both for those evangelizing Jews but also for those encountering conservative Protestants who believe they have a corner on explaining Christianity from a Jewish perspective."
"This book gave a great deal of information for anyone who is interested in seeking a deeper correlation between the Jewish faith and the Catholic Church."
"I would give the book five stars if he had paid more attention to the point that both Judaism and Catholicism are religions of Covenant."
"However, Taylor Marshall is a great writer who makes the subject easy to understand and interesting to read."
"I would recommend it to cradel Catholics if they want to bridge the gap and intellectualy understand the Apostolic Church from the apostles perspective."
"The author has really done his research well.It is well written and gives a great insight into the connection between Judaism and. Catholic Christianity a subject that I feel sure is not generally known."
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Best Kabbalah & Mysticism

Lost Books of the Bible: The Great Rejected Texts
- Section One: Lost Scriptures of the Old Testament- First Book of Adam and Eve, Second Book of Adam and Eve, First Book of Enoch, Second Book of Enoch (Secrets of Enoch), Jubilees, Jasher, The Story of Ahikar - Section Two: Apocalyptic Writings and the End of Days- Apocalypse of Abraham, Apocalypse of Thomas 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch, War Scroll (Sons of Dark vs. Sons of Light) - Section Three: Lost Scriptures of the New Testament- Gospel of Philip, Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Apocryphon of John, Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Judas, Acts Chapter 29.
Reviews
"It is a great read for anyone wanting to learn about books that were never included in the Bible."
"This book has everything in it that I needed for my research."
"A small glimpse, as God allows His mysteries to reveal a rough draft of "In the Beginning." Too much I gather, in fact I believe it might be ready for a leather edition or even a break down into volumes because it is a very heavy (physically) book. It is interesting, provocative, with more psalms and proverbs to dwell on and sincerely moving and spiritually inspirational."
"Once I started reading it is was hard to put down."
"a very good book worth the read AADeL."
"If your going to get this book get the newer book for the same price with the added chapters."
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Best Women & Judaism

If All the Seas Were Ink: A Memoir
**2018 Natan Book Award Finalist**. **Finalist for the 2017 National Jewish Book Award in Women's Studies ** The Wall Street Journal: "There is humor and heartbreak in these pages...Ms. Kurshan immerses herself in the demands of daily Talmud study and allows the words of ancient scholars to transform the patterns of her own life." At the age of 27, alone in Jerusalem in the wake of a painful divorce, Ilana Kurshan joined the world’s largest book club, learning daf yomi, Hebrew for “daily page" of the Talmud, a book of rabbinic teachings spanning about 600 years and the basis for all codes of Jewish law. Both religious and secular readers will find themselves immensely moved by her personal story and the raw courage of the journey she has undertaken.” – Elaine Margolin, The Jerusalem Post. "From the moment I picked up If All the Seas Were Ink , I was not able to put it down...Highly recommended...No background in Talmud is needed to appreciate Kurshan’s intriguing story. "There is humor and heartbreak in these pages...Ms. Kurshan immerses herself in the demands of daily Talmud study and allows the words of ancient scholars to transform the patterns of her own life." … Kurshan’s memoir gives us insightful contemporary readings of talmudic passages while demonstrating how life can accrue added richness when set against the backdrop of the Talmud.” ―Sarah Rindner, Jewish Review of Books. “Clever and witty… Kurshan is a fabulous writer; her clarity and simplicity propel you along almost unaware that you’re reading…So engrossing I hardly could put it down.” ―Neal Gendler, American Jewish World. "Delightful...The most enjoyable feature of the book is the brilliant and creative integration of the daily Talmudic folio Kurshan studies with experiences of her life." ― Kirkus Reviews "The splendidly written book is made all the more compelling by Kurshan’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities. " Kurshan committed herself to the Daf Yomi...she reports on how this daily discipline brought humor and wisdom and insight into her life." ―Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, author of Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won't Go Away. "If All the Seas Were Ink is such a moving memoir. Kurshan's portrait of everyday life in Jerusalem enriches her recounting of connecting to centuries of intellectual curiosity and conversing with bygone generations. ―Susan Isaacs, author of Long Time No See. " In this deeply personal and often hilarious story, Kurshan shows us how the Talmud’s thousands of strange and demanding pages become a conversation about how best to live one's life in an imperfect world. "When a woman as incredibly well-read as Ilana Kurshan commits herself to studying the Talmud daily for seven-and-a-half years, the results are mind-expanding, both for her and for readers of If All the Seas Were Ink. "An intimate and eloquent portrait of a young woman’s passionate loves and fears… Kurshan writes as a woman of (as she puts it) ‘Dickensonian sensibilities:’ clinging to her privacy while exposing her vulnerability, seeking the resonances between her mind, soul and body, and revealing an acutely sensitive intelligence, a wry self-awareness, and an active sense of the absurd. ".
Reviews
"Lovely journey of the soul and heart."
"The author is an ardent bibliophile who lyrically expresses her love of language, appreciates the commentaries of the Jewish sages (even when she disagrees with them), and longs for a meaningful and spiritual existence. In addition, she weighs in on the debates among various scholars concerning such topics as the Holy Days, matrimony, the rituals that took place in the First and Second Temples, property disputes, the Jewish calendar, and prayer. As a coda to this engrossing memoir, Ilana Kurshan might have used Frost's famous lines to describe her odyssey: "I took the [road] less traveled by/ And that has made all the difference.""
"Kurshan mixes her personal story with 1500+ year old talmudic wisdom, without losing either her narrative or context of the Talmud."
"This project takes 7 1/2 years and during those years we follow her life from the beginning low through new joys and surprising twists and turns in her life always accompanied by her learning in the Talmud."
"Ilana Kurshan has written a spellbinding book."
"Ilana has done it and it is compelling reading, intellectual, heart-warming, learned, wise, and even humorous at times."
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Best Haggadahs

The (unofficial) Hogwarts Haggadah
What could a School of Witchcraft and Wizardry possibly have in common with the most published book in Jewish history and the most celebrated holiday of the Jewish calendar? Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg is the spiritual leader of Congregation Etz Chaim of Kew Gardens Hills, New York, and a Judaic Studies educator and JudeoTech Integrator at SAR Academy in Riverdale, New York.
Reviews
"The book contains all the text, in Hebrew and English, that you would expect to find in a haggadah, along with short bits of commentary relating each part of the seder to a concept in Harry Potter."
"I love the concept, and while there are a few stretches in the attempt to make a connection work, it is an excellent addition to my HP and Pesach collections!"
"I was a little leery that it wouldn't be very clever or have much material but it exceeded my expectations."
"This is cute and exactly what I expected."
"Rabbi Rosenberg's unofficial Hogwarts Hagaddah was a fabulous addition to our Seder."
"My boys really enjoyed this Haggadah."
"A creative and interesting perspective, especially for Harry Potter lovers."
"Great Haggadah nice new pieces to share at the Seder."
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