Best Jewish Hasidism
The instant New York Times bestselling memoir of a young Jewish woman’s escape from a religious sect, in the tradition of Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Infidel and Carolyn Jessop’s Escape , featuring a new epilogue by the author. Deborah Feldman was raised in the Satmar Hasidic community in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In her controversial memoir, Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of my Hasidic Roots (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2012), she casts light upon the secretive and mystical world of Orthodox Judaism. Hasidic Jews live in the midst of our contemporary world in a way that strictly observes the religious rituals of their eighteenth-century Polish orthodox roots. Hasidic Judaism, which in the Hebrew language means “piety” or “loving-kindness”, originated in the Pale of Settlement region of eighteenth-century Poland, part of a large area in Eastern Europe set up by Catherine the Great of Russia in 1791 for Jewish habitation. It embraced the medieval tradition of Kabbalah and encouraged the religious study of the Torah by every Jewish male, an education that begins at the age of three and continues throughout their lives. In the documentary entitled A Life Apart, PBS.org depicts the patriarchal microcosm of Hasidic Judaism: “Orthodox women in particular are charged with a religious obligation to raise children and are "exempt" from all commandments that are considered "time-bound," i.e., those that must be performed at a certain time. (http://www.pbs.org/alifeapart/intro_2.html). Most members of Hasidic communities value deeply their traditional way of life and feel it is their duty to preserve it even in the midst of an increasingly egalitarian contemporary society. But Deborah’s awakening feminist consciousness and her growing reluctance to embrace the world of Hasidic Judaism, combined with her husband’s strict observance of the traditional ways of his family, makes for a very unhappy marriage. Once she takes a poetry course at Sarah Lawrence College, she discovers her talent for writing and starts flourishing in a modern environment so different from the traditional society she was raised in."
"The author had to hide any books she managed to bring home and sneak off to the library as it wasn't allowed. I loved both books as well and, in fact, found Unorthodox to fit in beautifully with those two."
"It brought to mind the fictional work of Toni Morrison and other great black female writers, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston. And at the end of her book Ms. Feldman touches on the fact that even in a non "minority" status, women are still oppressed in modern, more inclusive society."
"That said, if women are really perceived and treated as this book describes, then I'm even more thankful that I am goy, for I found the treatment of women as described in this book absolutely disgusting and in some cases abusive."
"She speaks about her time in Brooklyn as a child wanting to read books of her choice, Monsey after marriage and eventually Kiryas Joel."
"This was a very moving, first person account of a very sheltered young girl moving away- first emotionally, them physically, from a restrictive religious environment into the mainstream."
Named one of "forty-three books to read before you die" by the Independent (UK). 2015 National Jewish Book Award Winner. 2016 Winner of the GLCA New Writers Award in Nonfiction. One of Star Magazine's "Fab 5 Can't-Miss Entertainment Picks". A moving and revealing exploration of Hasidic life, and one man's struggles with faith, family, and community. “With this book Deen has laid to rest the idea that a Hasid from New Square could never become a great writer in English, or an articulate chronicler of his own experiences.” ― The New Republic. “In this moving book, Deen lays bare his difficult, muddled wrestling with his faith, the challenges it posed to everything he thought he knew about himself, and the hard-won redemption he eventually found.” ― Library Journal. “I understand that even if I did visit New Square I would have no greater access to Hasidic life than my occasional walk through Williamsburg, where I can see but can't penetrate its appeal, or its secrets. It is the book's ticket to mass appeal as well as the seat of his disquiet in its writing.Though he writes because he has a story to tell, Deen's work, especially in his memoir, is clearly crafted to benefit others dealing with a wavering faith.” ― Tablet Magazine. All Who Go Do Not Return gives us not only an insider's glimpse into a shrouded world few outsiders get to see, but also a movingly told narrative of one man's struggle toward intellectual integrity. The setting may be the world of Hasidic Judaism, but the drama and the insights are universal.” ―Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction. “ All Who Go Do Not Return is a deeply honest and moving story about a man's decision to do something both so simple and so radical - to live in accordance with his own beliefs.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"[SPOILER ALERT: I found it difficult to write this review without discussing some of the major aspects and events of the book. Moreover, it has intrinsic interest because it opens the door to the inner sanctum of the insular, Skverer Chassidic community located in New Square, New York. (For those who are not in the know, this moniker cuts a large swath, describing anyone from the most liberal Jewish Orthodoxy--just to the right of Conservative--to a graduate of Yeshiva University's rabbinical school. For most of us that live in the United States, we tend to think of communities like New Square as quaint, anachronistic, recreations of the Eastern European shtetl. Hasidim who live in places like New Square, the Amish, the Hutterites, and other similar types of communities have their joys but also have their strife. As we see with Deen's account, however, there is little wiggle room and those who do not fit in are destined suffer a life of repression or need to leave. In desperation, he resorts to moonlighting as an elementary school teacher and a tutor, jobs where it is expected to falsify documents so that he will get a paycheck cut by the government. He buys a car for a job and finds himself enjoying the forbidden radio and driving outside of New Square, exploring a vast new world. He has had glimpses of the outside world, but has lived within the Hasidic community and is unacquainted with modern American social conventions and culture. Deen's wife, Gitty, makes a valiant attempt to stay loyal to her husband but she is too moored in the Skverer community to embrace a larger world. The account of his wedding night, where as a student he was learned in the Jewish laws of intimacy but completely ignorant of the actual physics of the act, is a perfect example of this. Nevertheless, even though Deen takes great pains to describe his experience in a distanced, journalistic way, he is unable to completely do so. This is, perhaps, the greatest strength of the book and the thing that makes it stand out from the crowd in what appears to be a new genre of non-fiction describing an authors 'escape' from ultra-orthodoxy. Some have questioned the truth of some of the claims in Feldman's book and Vincent actually came from a far less insular brand of Orthodoxy than Deen. Those who have a drum to beat on these issues will use the book as a way to reinforce their negative stereotypes of Hasidism and by extension Orthodox Judaism. For example, he is repeatedly dismissive of what he considers the triviality of Talmud study--for example having in depth knowledge of just exactly how to write a legally binding contract in 5th century Babylonia. Another interpretation, closely aligned to this, would be an admonishment against using one of the secret names of God to elevate one's soul to a higher level than one is able to tolerate. It makes sense that a more modern interpretation might be used as leverage to deter people from secular culture or philosophy, but that seems far flung from the original meaning of the story. Of course, given that Deen felt forced to adhere to Jewish law and tradition, he did lead a perfunctory existence that lacked any real soul. He mentions the portrayals of Hasidim by Martin Buber, Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Elie Wiesel and 'wincing' at how these authors 'romanticized' Hassidic life. It is ironic that such a problem exists within Hasidus today: that specific branch of Judaism was started in the late 1700s by Rabbi Yisroel ben Eliezer (known as the Baal Shem Tov or 'Good Master of the Name') specifically as a spiritualist backlash against the rationalist brand of Judaism practiced in Eastern Europe at the time. There are those in the Orthodox Jewish community who will want to censure Deen and will decry his book, but I think that this would be a grave mistake."
"I am a modern orthodox jew, which I wanted to share for two reasons - perhaps for some reading this who are not as familiar with Jewish terms, although the author explains them somewhat, it might be confusing."
"I had to leave my own 5 children behind because rabbinical & secular court (following rabbinical advice) defined me as a "rebellious" wife for wanting to attend college & become the breadwinner as we also lived on all the govt."
"The rabbi who feels that handing out candies to students as positive reinforcement, I experienced in my elementary Yeshiva, Be'er Shmiel in Boropark."
In this insightful and completely updated tome, esteemed rabbi and bestselling author Joseph Telushkin helps answer the question of what it means to be a Jew, in the largest sense. Joseph Telushkin is a rabbi, scholar, and bestselling author of eighteen books, among them A Code of Jewish Ethics and Words That Hurt, Words That Heal .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Rabbi Telushkin is a Modern Orthodox rabbi, who did a great job explaining in easy straightforward short text of important historical, theological, philosophical and cultural changes throughout Jewish history that makes Jewish people what they are."
"The author has s knack for easily explaining very complex material (without getting into the extremely complex "reasons" behind it all)."
"Biblical Literacy is a great book to when studying the 'old testament'."
"Full of wonderful insights and things that as a Jew, I had no idea of."
"It is very comprehensive and is broken into very small, two, more or less pages on each subject."
"A book contains major Jewish ideas from past to present."
"This is an excellent read for anyone who doesn't have a working knowledge about Jewish history or culture."
"Very impressive explanation about Judaism."
Best Jewish Sermons
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
Find Best Price at Amazon"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."
Best Jewish Conservative Movements
Clever marketing has led us to believe in chasing happiness down a path that doesn't lead anywhere. No matter where you are in life, finding purpose is easier than you think. Rabbi Evan Moffic knows the power of prayer . You will discover those words in this book and the ten life-changing practices it reveals. Rabbi Moffic also appears regularly on cable news stations as a commentator on Israel and political and social events in America.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have read many self-help books, religious books, and so forth that largely were written for one real reason, to make the author a lot of money, while providing very little in the way of real help to the reader. I have literally spent most of the past 2 decades struggling to overcome a lot of issues, and this small book has done more to help me than most of the other things I have tried combined."
"This is a warm, engaging, and at times beautiful book, in which author Rabbi EvanMoffic acquaints us with the Hebrew prayer, "El Devarim," which means "These are the Words," written down 2000 years ago and still so meaningful today. I found his words about marriage, learning, and celebration to be very moving, but above all, I was deeply touched by his words about death, grief, recovery from devastating loss, and the ways we can support , uplift, and strengthen each other at the most difficult times. Rabbi Moffit decribes the Eilu Devarim as "not only a happiness prayer, but a checklist for a meaningful life.""
"He says , It is a prayer for healing, The words are simple: May the source of strength , Who blessed the ones before us, help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing. and let us say, Amen. Bless those in need of all healing by picturing thinking of friends, and family who are ill etc."
"From this prayer, known as the “Eilu Devarim”, Moffic takes ten lessons and elucidates on using each to brighten lives. For those old enough to remember Rabbi Harold Kushner (author of the classic “When Bad Things Happen To Good People”), Moffic attempts to walk in those giant footsteps, not as an imitation but more as the voice (to my ears) as a Jewish Everyman. His stories of his interactions with members of his congregation and examples he draws from elsewhere are moving and persuasive, as are the lessons he tries to impart."
Best Jewish Holidays
The coeditor of the enormously popular Jewish Catalog "help[s] readers understand more fully the meaning of our holidays and thereby to observe these festivals . The name Passover is taken from the Exodus story: During the tenth and ultimate plague inflicted on Pharaoh to break his will, God passed over the Israelites and struck down only the Egyptian firstborn. Following the bleakness of winter when everything is covered with the shrouds of snow, spring marks the rebirth of the earth with the bursting forth of green life. Similarly, a people enshackled in oppressive slavery, doomed to a slow process of degradation or even extinction, bursts forth out of Egypt into a new life's journey leading to a land flowing with milk and honey. Thus, the spirit of renewed optimism aroused by the sights and smells of spring are reinforced in a Jewish context by Passover with its trumpeting of the possibilities of liberation. The matzah evokes images of that night when the Israelites ate the sacrificial lamb in fearful and eager anticipation of the future. Matzah as a symbol of liberation is meant to trigger in our minds the whole story, which began in slavery and ended in freedom. It also reminds us of God's role in the Exodus, for it recalls the simple faith of the Israelites, who were willing to leave the home they knew and go off into the desert. Because it is the crucial event that marks the beginning of our sacred history, the Exodus is referred to repeatedly in Jewish liturgy and thought. This commandment, unique to this holiday, leads us not simply to remember the Exodus but to expand upon the tale, to explore its complexities and develop its meaning. As the Torah states: "Remember this day, on which you went free from Egypt, the house of bondage, how the Lord freed you from it with a...
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"An extremely helpful resource."
"Truly enjoy this book."
"And she pointed out, like the review on the back of book said, this book does fill a real need in the Jewish faith today."
"Very good explanations of our holidays, history and traditions."
"Purchases a second copy for a gift."
"This is our standard Bar and Bat Mitzvah gift, which has come in handy this year since one of our children is at the age where there is a simcha every weekend."
Best Jewish Music
From Grammy-winning musical icon and legendary bassist Victor L. Wooten comes The Music Lesson, the story of a struggling young musician who wanted music to be his life, and who wanted his life to be great. "As music lessons go, this one is unique and can be enjoyed by both musicians and general listeners, especially those interested in the arts and creativity."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A couple gems: "Don't loose the groove to find the note", and "The right note is only a half step away"."
"This is the best book on music that I have ever read."
"after I read it, I bought more copies to give to friends, then read it again."
"spiritual journey - Siddhartha."
"Amazing book."
"It opened my mind on how to look at music and to take a much more holistic approach to not only learning, but performing as well."
Best Jewish Life
Judaism, he argues, is a religion of time: it finds meaning not in space and the materials things that fill it but in time and the eternity that imbues it, so that 'the Sabbaths are our greatcatherdrals.'. Elegant, passionate, and filled with the love of God?s creation, Abraham Hoshua Heschel?s The Sabbath has been hailed as a classic of Jewish spirituality ever since its original publication in 1951?and has been read by thousands of people of many faiths seeking meaning in modern life. Judaism, he argues, is the religion of time: it finds meaning not in space and the material things that fill it but in time and the eternity that imbues it, so that ?the Sabbaths are our great cathedrals.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The book is great, everyone should read it, yes yes yes."
"This is the kind of book that takes you away."
"This is the fourth (maybe fifth) copy of this book that I have purchased."
"Rich, deep, needed insight about the Sabbath gift from God."
"A great book."
"Everyone who believes in the Sabbath needs to read this book, the perspective of the Sabbath observance is inspiring."
"Dipping into the pages of this thin volume is like drinking from a fresh spring in an oasis; it satisfies, but never stops bubbling up from below, refreshing again and again. The Sabbath arrives in the world, scattering a song in the silence of the night: eternity utters a day." At the level of daily existence, this work challenges a common perspective, asserting: "Labor is the means toward an end, and the Sabbath as a day of rest, as a day of abstaining from toil, is not for the purpose of becoming fit for the forthcoming labor. Then, thinking of thingness, it occurred to me that Moses destroyed the tablets upon which the Divine laws were inscribed. I hope other readers of this volume will find it the springboard for meditation that I found it to be."
"Most modern books on Sabbath seem to present a quick lst of tactics and techniques to have a better sabbath experience."
Best Jewish Prayerbooks
Including services for Shabbat, weekdays and festivals, as well as other occasions of public worship, and texts for more than a hundred songs, Mishkan T'filah reflects the full diversity of our Movement.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A beautiful, functional siddur that reflects Reform's relentless move back to traditional worship, but with a thoroughly contemporary approach to interpretation, transliteration, and translation."
"Disappointed that it will only open on my Ipad, Not on my Kindle reader!"
"As described - used but in like new condition."
"So great to have this on my IPad."
"I ordered the Kindle edition of this siddur, however, it doesn't work with a regular Kindle."
"The printed book can be heavy for some, in those cases I think use of a small lectern as some use in orthodox shuls to position the book up closer to the reader."
"Can increase size of letters so those with vision issues can use the prayer book."
"This will work on Windows PCs, but only with the Desktop version of Kindle reader, not with the mobile app."
Best Jewish Sacred Writings
Regarded throughout the English-speaking world as the standard English translation of the Holy Scriptures, the JPS TANAKH has been acclaimed by scholars, rabbis, lay leaders, Jews, and Christians alike. ( Time Magazine ) "Turns Holy Writ into fresh, understandable, contemporary language.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A legend contained in the Letter of Aristeas claimed that Ptolemy Philadelphus commissioned a translation to be made into Greek by six men from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, sent by the high priest in Jerusalem. Scholars generally discount the legend, but the name "Septuagint" -- from the Latin word for seventy (LXX) became the traditional name for this translation. The Dead Sea Scrolls, 20th century’s greatest archaeological find is the rediscovery of 230 texts of biblical books, which have begun to change details in the Scriptures. Eugene Ulrich, professor of Hebrew at the University of Notre Dame and chief editor of the Dead Sea biblical materials suggests that in ancient times, two or more contrasting editions of biblical books existed side by side and were all regarded as Scriptures. Back then the Old Testament was far different and concludes that there were multiple editions for the following books: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Psalms and Song of Solomon. In fact the authors of this book consider the Hebrew meaning of Psalm 32 is uncertain and originated from the writings of Maskil, adherents of a Jewish tribe called the Haskalah movement. However, to understand the Hebrew Bible’s text the scholars also use Greek and Syrian translations, quotations from rabbinic manuscripts, the Samaritan Pentateuch and others such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Numbers play an important role in Judaic ritual practices and are believed to be the means for understanding the divine. The text of Kethuvim (Writings section of Tanakh) frequently presented the translators with extraordinary difficulties for conveying in with the fullness of Hebrew, because of its ambiguities, overtones, and richness. It is the goal of authors of this book to transmit something of directness, and unique Jewish expressions of piety essential to sublimity of the sacred scriptures."
"Again it is an excellent book but I'm not sure which edition to buy if I want a little larger English Print."
"The cover is good and the print readable."
"I find the scriptures are almost exactly the same as our old testement and the christian bible has used some words with the incorrect meaning."
"Font Size is great for reading."
"Gave as a gift."
"I wanted to delve into the Torah and bought this book because it was well priced."
"You need an electron microscope to read this as it is written in 8 font."
Best Jewish Religious Movements
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. Through a series of unpretentious, affecting vignettes, the author of the bestseller Kitchen Table Wisdom encourages readers to recognize and celebrate the unexpected blessings in their own lives. Many of her recollections are linked to her experiences as a medical student and a physician working with cancer patients, but the most memorable ones relate to Remen's deep engagement with her grandfather, who died when she was seven.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"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."