Judaism Books - Page 8

The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English (Penguin Classics)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Like reading King James Version of the Bible 3 out of 5 stars.
14 of 18 people found this review helpful.

This is an outstanding translation. But you should know that it's written in the language of the King James Version with Thou's, Thee's and Thy's. That make it a little less meaningful for me personally.

Excellent Way to Find Out About Jewish Culture/Practices of That Time 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I do not usually write reviews, but going through this book answered a lot of questions for me and I thought it might be helpful for other strictly lay people like me to know how much I have liked reading through different sections of it.

Though I had a complete, rather progressive, Jewish education as a child, what is in the Dead Sea Scrolls was not really covered. As it is fragments of different scrolls, I do not know if it can be called a history - but it is historical - and I enjoyed reading about the civilization and their rules/practices of living - both religious and secular.

Especially with many of the religious discussions heard these days of the Messiah -- the Messianic statements - i.e. The Messianic Rule, The War Scroll, The War Scroll from Cave 4, The Book of War, A Messianic Apocalypse -- are very useful in bringing into focus a real Jewish perspective of that time of what was expected for the coming of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God -- and the Covenant with God.

I really enjoyed the introductions and explanations by Geza Vermes.

Editorial Review:

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Judean desert between 1947 and 1956 was one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. Hidden in the caves at Qumran by the Essenes, a Jewish sect in existence before and during the time of Jesus, the Scrolls have transformed our understanding of the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, and the origins of Christianity. This fully revised edition of the classic English translation by Geza Vermes, the world’s leading scholar on the subject, offers an astonishing look into the organization, customs, and beliefs of the community at Qumran. Enhanced by much previously unpublished material and a new preface, this will remain the authoritative translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls for years to come.

Jewish Meditation: A Practical Guide

Aryeh Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Definitive Book on Jewish Meditation 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Aryeh Kaplan was a rare individual. A Jewish scholar taken from us too early. If you get the chance take a look at his biography. This is one of his better books and the best book on Jewish meditation. Nothing comes close. Oddly enough, it is also a book that I think would have great appeal to anyone who is not Jewish or perhaps not even that relegious. This book has a lot of pleasant surprises. Enjoy and learn.

Not just for Jewish practitioners 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Even though this book focuses on Jewish meditation and the Quabalah, the book can be read and used by anyone, either practically by following the exercises or simply to enrich their knowledge of meditation intellectually.

Some readers may avoid the book thinking that it would only be worthwhile to a follower of a Jewish tradition, a pity, since the book has much to offer everyone interested in meditating.

For those interested in a more in-depth treatment of Jewish Meditation and the Quabalah Aryeh Kaplan's other book 'Meditation and Kabbalah' goes into further detail.

Editorial Review:

Kaplan shows that meditation is consistent with traditional Jewish thought and practice. The book presents a variety of meditative techniques to help make the reader a better person, and develop a closer relationship to God.

JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh: Pocket Edition

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Beautiful little book 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is a lovely book... beuatifully put together, a pleasure to hold and read, and with a limpid English translation. I had never seen a Jewish version of the scriptures before and this is a revelation.
Also, coming from Europe and buying this while on vacation in the US, I found the price amazingly low

JPS Tanakh 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

All I suggest is this: If you have a difficult time reading very small text, DO NOT BUY THIS.
Also, I was a bit put off by the bar-code printed in the inner cover.
Other than that, this is a fine translation, the book is well made.

Pocket tanaka 2 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Type much too small for mature eyes. If you are price conscious and have good eyes--great deal

Editorial Review:

Now, for the first time, a pocket version of The Hebrew-English "Tanakh" is available, with the exact same text and number of pages as our standard edition. The type, though small, is clearly readable, and the letters, Hebrew vowels, and cantillation marks are crisp and clear. The sturdy, coated paperback cover embossed in black with gold lettering is made to endure heavy, constant use.

Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (P.S.)

Bruce Feiler

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 85 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

WHAT A HORRIBLE DISAPPOINTMENT. 2 out of 5 stars.
6 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Oh my, did I mess up when I check this one out. I have seldom been as disappointed in a work as I was this one. I like facts. I enjoy knowing bits of this and bits of that. I very much enjoy historical biographies. I enjoy travel books. I enjoy books of individual spiritual searches. I enjoy books written my competent archeologists and historians. I enjoy speculative fiction and non fiction. Sadly to say, this one, for me, missed the mark on just about ever one of these counts.

Basically, the author writes of and about Abraham, who, no question, is a central figure in three of our great religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The author attempts to define the differences between these three religions, using Abraham as the central figure. How does this one man, Abraham, hold so much power, and have so much influence over the teachings of each of these religions? This is also something of a spiritual journey for the author, a kind of "lets find my roots" sort of thing. The author dashes here and there, interviewing various church leaders, asking their opinions about this and that. The basic, overlying questions is...Did Abraham exists or did he not exist? I am sorry to tell you that the author has come to the conclusion that it really does not matter; it is sort of the thought that counts. I am sorry, but for me, this conclusion just does not work. If the author was unable to find out one way or the other, and I can see why as there is little physical evidence one way or the other, then that is fine. The author should just say so. As another reviewer put it, "it does not matter, just is not acceptable!" Now don't read into this that I am anti- religious. I am not. I am sure that Abraham, if he did exist, was a pretty good old boy and certainly did the right thing under the circumstances of the time.

I really did not find anything new in this work. There was very little I was not already aware of. I did read the opinions of some high-up religious officials, of whose opinion I could care less about (as if one of them is not going to follow the "party line"). For the most part I found many of the author's "facts" just a bit questionable and most of it completely hearsay and speculation. When all is said and done,there was not much which I have not already heard and read many times before in other works. Also, to say that to understand the conflict in the Middle East at this time, a reader needs look no further than the last portion of this book, is the biggest bunch of bunk I have read for sometime now. Folks, it is much, much more complicated than that.

Now I will give the author credit. He can write, ergo, the two stars. His descriptive prose is quite nice. I might suggest he try travel books or something like that. On the other hand, the author is not a theologian, historian, archeologist or educational expert. This is all too apparent quite quickly after reading a few chapters. I am not real sure what he is, other thana young man in search of something that he probably does not even understand. I feel some might enjoy this sort of thing. I did not, and certainly cannot recommend reading it. I suppose if you feel you must give it a shot, I suggest you check it out at your library before you plunk down the hard cash. Like a previous reviewer, I am not at all sure why in the world I finished this thing.

Editorial Review:

Both immediate and timeless, Abraham tells the powerful story of one man's search for the shared ancestor of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Traveling through war zones, braving violence at religious sites, and seeking out faith leaders, Bruce Feiler uncovers the defining yet divisive role that Abraham plays for half the world's believers. Provocative and uplifting, Abraham offers a thoughtful and inspiring vision of unity that redefines what we think about our neighbors, our future, and ourselves.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

The Prophets

Abraham Joshua Heschel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Standard Reference in the Field 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful, two-volume set that has become a standard reference in the field of the "classical," literary, Hebrew prophets, their prophecies, and their personalities. Amos, Hosea, Isaiah (Isa. 1-39), Micah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Second Isaiah (Isa. 40-66) are analyzed with particular care given to their humanity as they encounter God and men in assuming their respective missions.

Heschel describes his focus in writing: "What I have aimed at is an understanding of what it means to think, feel, respond, and act as a prophet (Introduction). For this Jewish rabbi and seminary professor, "the prophet is a person, not a mircrophone. He is endowed with a mission, with the power of a word not his own that accounts for his greatness--but also with temperament, concern, character, and individuality. As there was no resisting the impact of divine inspiration, so at times there was no resisting the vortex of his own temperament. The word of God reverberated in the voice of man" (Introduction). This examination of the prophets' humanity is most compelling throughout the work with the first chapter, "What Manner of Man is the Prophet?," being worth the price of the set to me.

The second volume addresses at least sixteen different aspects of the prophetic experience, among them: "theology and philosophy of pathos," "meaning and mystery of wrath," "sympathy," "ecstasy," "poetry," and "inspiration." An examination of prophets from other cultural contexts is also included.

Highly recommended to all theologically- and philosophically-minded readers who are interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew prophets from a Jewish perspective.

Editorial Review:

Abraham Heschel is a seminal name in religious studies and the author of Man Is Not Alone and God in Search of Man. When The Prophets was first published in 1962, it was immediately recognized as a masterpiece of biblical scholarship.

The Prophets provides a unique opportunity for readers of the Old Testament, both Christian and Jewish, to gain fresh and deep knowledge of Israel's prophetic movement. The author's profound understanding of the prophets also opens the door to new insight into the philosophy of religion.

The Power of Kabbalah: Technology for the Soul

Yehuda Berg

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

it was ok 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I liked the book. But I recommend people to read about Mevlana also, they will like it more.

Editorial Review:

Is it possible to turn that rush that comes from closing a business deal or having a brief, passionate affair into an enduring sense of wholeness and peace? Kabbalah, according to its increasingly large group of practitioners, is the path from that fleeting feeling of pleasure that most people settle for to the lasting fulfillment that is their birthright as human beings. In The Power of Kabbalah, renowned teacher Yehuda Berg shows how to view and navigate through life by tapping Kabbalistic truths. He explains the key process of transforming from a reactive to a proactive being that will in turn trigger increased creative energy, greater personal power, and a stronger and more satisfying sense of life. These teachings include embracing rather than avoiding problems and obstacles as true opportunities for spiritual development; making miracles through positive thinking; and accepting responsibility for what happens in one's life.

FIVE BOOKS OF MOSES, THE: The Schocken Bible: Volume I / Deluxe Edition (Schocken Bible)

Everett Dr Fox

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I used to say that it was pointless to try to study the Bible without Hebrew - that it was impossible to "feel" the text, to get the humor, the irony, the poetry. Not anymore. This is a must for any student of the Bible, as it captures the liveliness and strangeness of the original and expose it as the allusive, alliterative, jabberwocky text that it is.

Hebrew is best, but this is, finally, a good second choice. It would be perfect if it had Hebrew written alongside - a great way to learn for students.

Not your grandfather's translation--but essential 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is not the only edition with English translation of the Pentateuch/Chumash that I own, and I don't think it's the only one anyone should own, but it is an essential part of my collection. Fox has combined precision in translation with interpretation and poetry, and the combination makes me run to it very often to see his version, which often makes a challenging and provocative comparison to more traditional translations. The type is large and well-spaced. My only criticism is that the Hebrew is not included; at times I'd like to be able to compare the original words to Fox's renderings, to see how they compare.

Editorial Review:

This monumentally important new translation of the Hebrew Scriptures is a stunning achievement which reveals the full force of the Bible's original rhetoric and poetry--the rhythm, nuances, and stylistic devices that are particular to Hebrew and essential to the Bible's true message and to the spiritual and aesthetic power of its art.

To Be A Jew: A Guide To Jewish Observance In Contemporary Life

Hayim H. Donin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 30 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great resource 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is a great resource for those living a Jewish lifestyle. If you were not raised as a practicing Jew this book is a MUST for you! You will learn about how to live out your Jewish identity throughout the pages of this wonderful book! Nicely written with great Table of Contents. Strongly recommend for anyone new to Judaism or returning to their faith.

Excellent Resource 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

"To Be a Jew" was the first "Jewish" book I bought when I initially became interested in becoming Jewish. Although I originally chose this book due to it and Telushkin's "Jewish Literacy" being the only "Jewish" books available in my rural town's bookstore, "To Be a Jew" has proven to be an excellent resource over the past twenty years. I have since had to buy a new copy to replace the first one as this is a book that we commonly refer to in our home.
I would also highly recommend "To Pray as a Jew" and "To Raise a Jewish Child" once you have completed "To Be a Jew"

Editorial Review:

This indispensable volume has long been acknowledged as the classic guide to the traditional Jewish laws and customs as they apply to daily life in the contemporary world. The unique treasury of practical information and daily inspiration has long been acknowledged as the classic guide to the ageless heritage of Judaism—Jewish attitudes, Jewish philosophy, and Jewish law.

To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking

Harold S. Kushner

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

(Almost) Everything You Wanted to Know About Judaism 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I love love love this book. I am Jewish, but this book really helped explain a lot of things to me that I never knew before or never thought of before. Harold Kushner is so articulate (a quality which I envy!), and he knows how to explain things or present them in a simple to understand way. I recommend this easy to read book to everyone who ever asked me about Judaism, and certainly anyone who is interested in conversion (I meet quite a few people in my line of work who approach me about that). If you want to know more (hence, the ALMOST), visit your local synagogue or look for some websites on the internet (I like aish.com, and I am NOT an orthodox Jew).

Down to the point. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I was born to catholic parents, later in my teens became a methodist, about two years now I've been doing a lot of reading about judaism.
During the course of reading this book I learned a lot. Specially the last chapter where he expresses his opinion about both faith.
When I was a catholic I was guided into believing that the jews where not really the good guys. What they did was unforgiving. (read any book about the expulsion of the jews from Spain in 1492 and after, that should give you a very good idea.) Until recently (1962-65) the vatican published the "Nostra Aetate" asking the jewish community for forgiveness for past "mistakes" and for the christian (catholic) community to make peace and be more tolerant with jews.
As a methodist ( and other branches for that matter )that part of history "doesn't" apply. Why? Well protestants started around the 16th c. and much later. That doesn't mean that they are saints either, they have their blemishes too. But what is more troublesome about them (evangelicals) is the insistence of converting you over. No matter what the conversation may be, sooner or later the pitch comes. I know, I've done it.
The only way to get along is like Kushner proposes in his book, is a mutual respect for each others faith. (period) His opinion about the events of the crucifiction (refering to the jews participation) might not coincide with many, after all he is jewish, and indirectly he is expressing two thousand years of pain and suffering, unfortunately some of it is still with us today. So think about it, what would your opinion be if you where in his place.
I highly recommend this book to all non-jews and jews alike.

Editorial Review:

The author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People explores how modern Judaism provides guidance for times of joy and tragedy, describes the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, and advises on living a holy life. Reprint.

Reflections on the Psalms (Harvest Book)

C.S. Lewis

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Lewis' hidden gem 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

In most, if not all, of Lewis' non-fiction works, he, at some point, refers and appeals to "real theologians", perhaps, in an attempt to distinguish the framework of his opinions, thoughts, and understanding from individuals that have been formally educated in theology. While Lewis certainly appeared to dedicate a great deal of his time to theology, he continually reminded readers that he was not a formally educated theologian, nor did he consider himself an expert. In Reflections on the Psalms, however, it can be recognized that his authoritative disclaimer is a little more direct, adamant, and deliberate than that which might be considered typical within his work. Having been written towards the end of his life and career, it almost appears as if Lewis is pleading with the reader to remove any preconceived perception of higher authority on the matter that he might maintain in one's mind. That is, it seems as if Lewis' purpose was genuinely that of sharing thoughts and resulting conclusions that he, as a layperson, had found himself reflecting upon. He goes so far as to compare this work with schoolmates sharing and comparing notes in an effort to better comprehend how a problem is worked out, as opposed to appealing to an instructor who might only offer a solution without ever actually explaining the intricacies of how a particular difficulty is overcome. Lewis claims that this work might be beneficial to the unlearned reader because he, considering himself equally unlearned in comparison to some, had only recently met these particular difficulties and, therefore, could still remember what it was like to not understand, in contrast to the expert that has known the answer for so long that they have forgotten the difficulty altogether. While the authoritative disclaimer might be more persuasive in this work, after reading it throughout, it will likely be difficult for many readers to swallow the reality of their own understanding if Lewis is, as he claims to be, lacking in comparative understanding on the theological spectrum of knowledge.

Reflections on the Psalms, as is the case so often with this author, is an enlightening undertaking for those that have experience similar thoughts and struggles as those outlined within. This work is not the comprehensive study on the Psalms that the title might indicate but rather Lewis' actual reflections on the Psalms. Not attempting to compose a comprehensive study, Lewis has selected topics based on his own interests and approaches them systematically, beginning with those topics which he found most difficult and less pleasant to contemplate and progresses upon those foundations. That which one might find most enjoyable about this particular work is that it is not apologetic and, as such, Lewis replaces what might otherwise be argument with fluid, acute, contemplation. In this fashion, Lewis, almost casually, sheds brilliant light on some of the most difficult issues that might arise in a Christian's mind.

Surprisingly, this, one of Lewis' lesser known works, might be one of his very best. What might be considered more surprising by the unsuspecting reader is the depth of truth and understanding woven into what, if literally judged by its cover, could be interpreted as a comparatively shallow study on the Psalms. Some, like this reviewer, might have had their interest directed after reading the essay published in Christian Reflections that anticipates this work, but very little comparison should be made. Reflections on the Psalms is exactly what it is in content, not necessarily in title. This work should be recommended, at least for consideration's sake, to any Christian.

"A man can't be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it." - C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms

Editorial Review:

Lewis writes here about the difficulties he has met or the joys he has gained in reading the Psalms. He points out that the Psalms are poems, intended to be sung, not doctrinal treatises or sermons. Proceeding with his characteristic grace, he guides readers through both the form and the meaning of these beloved passages in the Bible.