Subjects:  1. Jainism    2. Jewish - General    3. Judaism - History    4. Reference    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Jewish studies    8. Judaism    9. Reference works   

Reviews (3)

Zealotry With A Cause
David Mamet here displays the pugnaciousness of a Norman Mailer without the self-embellishing promotionalism.Speaking for myself, I do not need the names and behaviors of those Jews who fit the ideal type self-abnegator constructed by Mamet.They are to be found everywhere, including parts of my extended family and even in my own house.But, unlike Mamet, I don't think Jewish self-hatred is only repulsive.The true victims of Jewish ambivalence are the descendents of those Jews who internalize the self-mocking, Woody Allenesque gibes of their "wicked son" parents.They have squandered their own birthright and are too ignorant about its content and value to understand what they've lost. If anything, though he pulls no punches, Mamet does not make the case strongly enough.But for a solid opening salvo, I'd recommend this book to any disaffected Jew who doesn't at present understand the benefit of "showing up" to lead an obligated Judaic life and helping to make community.

did I agree with it all?No, but it forced me to think....
As a gay Jew of Color, I often think about self-hatred.This society has taught me to not like myself for a number of reasons.Mamet forces me as Jew to look at how I have internalized these messages.Did I agree with his analysis all the time?No but I had to think....

Reactionary ethnocentric nationalism from a "progressive"
Mamet is both a celebrated playwright and one of the most chauvinist and ethnocentric nationalists extant. If a traditional Catholic were to say about the pope and the Church what Mamet says about rabbis and the Synagogue in this book, he would be denounced as a reactionary bigot and hardly taken seriously. Instead, by some sleight of hand he may have picked up from his stage-magician pal Ricky Jay, Mamet's Judaic jingoism is transformed into a progressive appeal. To what? Blind faith in dogma and ideology as a path to salvation? Did anyone ever hear of the Enlightenment? Thank God for Pfefferkorn, Spinoza, Shahak, Chomsky, Kaye, Finkelstein and all the other "apostates" who had the courage and integrity to break free. Read this book as a case study in megalomania and paranoia from one of the grandees directing contemporary culture in America. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antisemitism    2. Discrimination & Racism    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Identity    7. Jewish - General    8. Jewish Sociology    9. Jewish Studies    10. Jews    11. Judaism - History    12. Self-hate (Psychology)    13. History / Jewish   

Reviews (5)

"Starting with Moses & all the prophets......
I own four JPS Torah commentaries; Genesis, exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Whilst written by Jewish scholars, they are a huge help to the Christian preacher and Bible study scholar. In depth knowledge of the language, and traditions offer fascinating, whilst sad insights to the Jewish interpretation of the Torah. I would recommend these books very highly to anyone with a strong faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They, even unknowingly clearly point to him as the Saviour of the world.
Be Advised, Speciality is Key
Because of the degree of specialty of each of the writers (each are specialists on the Law), a decent (at least some) amount of Hebrew knowledge is key, to allow the reader to evaluate decisions made by the authors.It is also key to remember that these commentaries (following after the aims of JPS) are thoroughly Jewish and track the development of understanding for the passages discussed, though not necessarily to the detriment of the series.A great work, worth the shelf space of any Rabbi, Preacher, or Scholar.rq ladonai kvd

Thorough and thought provoking
Of the five commentaries in the JPS series on the first five books of the Bible, Milgrom's is the best. Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Judaism - History    3. Judaism - Sacred Writings    4. Religion    5. Religion - Judaism    6. Biblical concordances & commentaries    7. Books of the Old Testament    8. Judaism   

Reviews (43)

Koestler Reveals Mistaken Heritage of Displaced Khazars
If some Chinese leaders decide to be Religious and
Khazar
The book delivered the information I was looking for.There were times that I got lost trying to follow the nomadic patterns of the tribe.Overall, the book is a good read, and I recommend it to others.

Historically Interesting, Conclusion Value Poor
From circa 700 ce to 1100 ce, there was a Khazar Empire that existed north of the Caucasus Mts between the Black and Caspian Seas, that controlled the Volga-Don River portage.They were a bullwark against tribes moving east to the Ukraine and the European plains; against the moslems moving north from Persia; and the Viking-Rus moving south from Muscovy/Kiev.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Judaism - History    4. Khazars    5. Medieval    6. Eastern Europe    7. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    8. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Jews    2. Judaism - History    3. Judaism - Theology    4. Religion    5. Religion - Judaism    6. Restoration    7. Resurrection (Jewish theology)    8. Judaism    9. Religion / Judaism / History    10. Sacred texts   

Reviews (24)

Personal attacks are not science
Chapters 4 and 5 in this book are very interesting, a good survey of archaeology in Israel. The preceeding 100 pages amount to little more than scathing personal attacks on other researchers coupled with some brief and basic arcaological theory. Though it is tempting to get into the post-modernism bash, the personal attacks exhibited on those researchers are in poor taste. And I'm not downplaying this, he lists their names and then gives several paragraphs explaning why their biases prevent them from being good scholars. I sincerely hope this isn't reflective of archaeological scholarship in general. From other books I've read (Finkelstein, Mazar, Stern, and Cline), I've noticed that Dever is the only one to resort to personal attacks.
Highly recommended.
While the polemic against the minimalists gets a little excessive at times, I have to say that it is necessary, as they are very vocal these days.There is no need to debate fundamentalists because they've made up their mind already (as Michael Freeman's review shows).
A prize-winner!
Dever deserves a blue ribbon for the most cumbersome title in many years.He should also garner an award for his blistering assessment of "postmodern" historians.While he has contested "minimalist" academics elsewhere, this book is an excellent compendium of the issues and evidence regarding the historical validity of the Hebrew Bible.Although the arena of biblical history is small, the issues dealt with are important.His conclusions will have lasting impact not only in biblical history, but archaeology and other disciplines.Although a serious subject, Dever's piercing wit keeps this book a lively and captivating read.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Antiquities & Archaeology    3. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    4. Bible - Study - General    5. Judaism - History    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Archaeology    9. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    10. History of religion    11. Judaism    12. Old Testament   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (77)

A Delightful Journey
The reader will travel with the author throughout the Middle East, following the steps of the patriarchs through the beginnings of the conquest by Joshua, in source of a connection with history and ultimately a divine spark. This author is very easy to read and provides colorful descriptions of his surroundings that allow the reader to be there. Throughout the book is an undercurrent of "Why can't we just all get along!"
A Wonderful Guide to the Lands of the Bible for People of all Faiths
I've been a fan of Bruce Feiler's writing after watching him on C-Span's Book TV talk about his first book about Abraham. This must have been about four or five years ago now. I went out to purchase ABRAHAM and discovered a treasure. Feiler brings many gifts and talents to writing, particularly religious writing. First of all he writes about issues regarding faith from the point of view of one who practices his faith. Like many of his readers, his journey to faith has not been a straight path which seems to give him a good perspective on the questions people are asking. He also has a fluid writing style and is able to weave personal memoir, always interesting and at times moving stories, geography, history, and theology together to create a great read.
Succeeds despite itself...
Walking the Bible is not among the better travel writing I've read primarily because it focuses more on the author than the locations he visited.Feiler did get around:from Turkey to Egypt, from the Negev to the Sinai, from Jerusalem to Jordan, but he minimizes the narrative elements one typically associates with good travel writing for a seemingly endless array of personal epiphanies. Despite it's subtitle, Walking the Bible is more a journey by catharsis through Bruce Feiler's mind than a journey by land through the five books of Moses.Thus, beyond his ubiquitous food metaphors, a descriptive presence is often found wanting.
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Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Bible    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Description and travel    6. Feiler, Bruce S    7. Feiler, Bruce S.    8. Geography    9. Middle East    10. Middle East - General    11. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    12. O.T.    13. Pentateuch    14. Religion    15. Travel    16. Travel - General    17. Journeys    18. Religion / Antiquities & Archaeology    19. Essays & Travelogues    20. Judaism - History   

Editorial Review

"Jewish history is often told not as a narrative of real people with human problems and interests but as an idealized national myth," writes Raymond Scheinlin, in the introduction to his excellent Read more

Reviews (7)

Good choice for lay people or undergraduates
I teach a survey of Jewish history course at the freshman/sophomore level, and this is a great text for a course of this sort.It is easily understandable, concise and has all the important information.The index is helpful.I would also recommend it for the non-student looking for a quick introduction to the basics of Jewish history.Scheindlin is particularly good with material from Jews in theMiddle East. For my course I supplement it with primary texts.

Concise, Readable, Essential
In taking a "Survey of Jewish History" course this fall, which is a broad subject, a broad and sweeping primary textbook was needed.In the short space of 263 pages, Scheindlin covers equitably the history of world Jewry, balancing coverage of religious and sociopolitical elements.
Superb, Stylish summary of Jewish History
Although one can quibble over specific statements and interpretations (e.g. he writes that Yiddish is a dialect of modern German, when actually it derives from Middle German and is as much a dialect as English is, which also evolved from Middle German) or his inclusion or exclusion of certain figures, facts, etc.-- overall Scheindlin has created a superb work. It is concise, well written, and nicely complemented with clear historical timelines, maps, and small topical essays.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History Of Jews    3. History: World    4. Jewish - General    5. Jews    6. Judaism - History    7. Religion - Judaism    8. History / Jewish    9. History, World | Middle Eastern   

Reviews (5)

Understanding the Old Testament
This is an invaluable guide to assist in understanding the Old Testament.The author provides important historical background to help the reader understand what the original authors/compilers were trying to say.I am currently using this text for my 1st year Education for Ministry class.

Excellent Read!
I have had a copy of the 3rd edition, which I have found truly helpful in understanding the OT in the context of the faith of the people.The material added in this edition makes the text even more useful.I highly recommend this to any serious student of the Bible.

Fleshes out the Bible
No question the Old Testament is a great read, but face it, the original audience for this work is long dead and buried.Anderson's standard text on the world of the Old Testament is excellent in bringing the ancient world and the context for the collection that is the Old Testament to light.Reading the Bible without Anderson you get a story about some guy named Abram who took a walk one day and had some trouble with his new neighors.Reading it with Anderson, you get a deeper understanding of where Abraham came from, where he was headed, and how the belief of early Judahism developed through and in conflict with those of the neighboring Canaanites.The agrarian focused religion of the Canaanites get's it's own hearing as a people's attempt to make sense of the life around them."Understanding the Old Testament" then provides this level of insight and background for all the other books of the Old Testament.How and why we now have the expression of the Jewish people's understanding of God gains more texuture and depth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - General    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Bible - Topical Studies    6. Bible.    7. History    8. History Of Judaism    9. History of Biblical events    10. Jews    11. O.T    12. O.T.    13. Old Testament Commentary    14. Religion    15. Religion - Biblical Studies    16. To 70 A.D    17. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    18. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    19. Judaism    20. Religion / General   

Reviews (7)

Bill
Excellent coverage of the Hebrew Feasts from both perspectives: Jewish and Gentile emphasizing the dual meanings: first in the context of Judaism, then in their ultimate fulfilment in Christ.

The Feasts of the Lord
This book has been life changing for me. In the most beautifully crafted artwork it explains the Feasts of Isreal as they were celebrated in Bible times. It then explains how present day Jews interpret these marvelous days and lastly it shows so lovingly how our Lord has fulfilled each of the Spring Feasts already and how the Fall Feasts have yet to be fulfilled at His next coming.It is a book to keep forever and to share with anyone who wants to know Jesus better. Mary Baffaro, Edmonds WA

Well thought out
Howard and Rosenthal have made quite a mark for themselves in Jewish-Christian scholarship.Much of their effort is to link the Hebrew Bible festivals to a New Testament observance and belief system.By all regards, they accomplish their goal quite well.However, the book is not written as in-depth as I would have liked to have seen.There is a wealth of information out there as to what the church father thought about the seven festivals, and it would have been nice if there had been an acknowledgement of that fact.Additionally, the binding can be poor at times, particularly if one makes extensive use of it.On the whole, not bad and still well thought out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Topical Studies    2. Fasts and feasts    3. Fasts and feasts in the Bible    4. Holidays - Jewish    5. Jesus Christ    6. Judaism    7. Judaism - History    8. Messiah    9. Prophecies    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Typology    13. Christian rites & ceremonies    14. Messiahship    15. Predictive Prophecy    16. Religion / Spirituality    17. Theology   

Reviews (49)

Conspiracy Theorist
Simply type Hoffman's name into Google and discover that he's an amateur conspiracy theory blowhard. Hoffman recycles middle age Christian Anti-semitic myths about the Talmud here and thinks he's being original. For those who don't know: the Talmud is the Jewish commentary on the Hebrew Bible, it was never meant to replace it, it simply elucidates it. Saying Jews don't keep the Bible is like saying Christians don't either because they have a New Testament. We are, in fact, the only people on earth who are still faithful to the Hebrew Bible (old testament) as being the only revelation of G-d, one that never has been replaced. The Talmud simply tells us what the Bible means and elaborates on its laws. For example, the Bible says only to rest on the Sabbath, and the Talmud says rest is defined by not plowing, reaping, nothing creative etc. The Bible says an eye for an eye, and the Talmud says this is only meant figuratively. Many enlightenment figures like Milton and Locke and even John Adams studied Talmud to better understand the Bible. Hoffman thinks he makes a ground breaking discovery by telling us there are some statements in the 2 thousand year old massive enclyclopedia of the Talmud that aren't in tune with modern values. Hey Mike, think there are any Christian texts from that long ago that say weird things too? (like kill or non-believers, witches ie-women, blacks are inferior etc.) What Jew haters do is take something that's universal (like intolerance in ancient religious texts, or the fact that Israel isn't perfect as no country is) and highlight it as if it's unique to Jews alone, and this gives Jews some special cosmic sort of evil. This all resulted from early Christianity's attempt to seperate themselves from their Jewish roots and portray Judaism as evil, and itself as the replacement. Many Jews responded by viewing Christianity as evil and idolotrous. Nowadays of course, enlightened jews and christians realize they share more in common than people thought in the dark ages. Hoffman still lives in the dark ages. If Hoffman himself is Jewish, as his name seems to imply, he suffers from the age old mental disease known as self hatred. If not, he clearly is someone who's obssesed with Jews and Judaism and I guess I'm flattered but while Hoffman spends his every waking minute obssesing over the power and influence and mytique of the Jews I assure you none of us has ever payed more than one laughing minute being concerned over him or anyone like him. Long after he's dead and gone and his books collecting dust Jews will continue to study the Bible and the Talmud. Orthodox Jews are, in fact, the most direct line of tradition still maintaining the ancient Biblical tradition with all its laws from before Christianity came and said the laws of sabath and rituals don't apply anymore etc. If Jesus were alive today, he'd probably feel most at home in an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, because that most represents the kind of Judaism he grew up with (many scholars say this).

Very Good, though short and concise. Easy to digest for anybody new to subject matter (I am not new to it however)
I sent Mr. Hoffman, a fine Revisionist from Idaho
A complete Fraud
Having now read the words of this writer, it is truly shocking that even one person on this planet could possibly find some truth in what he has said. Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Religion / Judaism / Beliefs, Practices, Rituals    3. Religion / Judaism / History    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - Beliefs, Practices, Rituals    6. Judaism - History   

Reviews (27)

An entertaining romp through 5000 years of Western Civilization
Jews, God and History is a sobering but very entertaining romp through 5000 years of Western Civilization, which as Dimont so carefully points out, is in many essential respects, the invention of Jews. Simply great
It's hard to believe this was Dimont's first book.As a fan of historical nonfiction,this is one of the best I've read. Its breadth is not limited to the Jewish people but also includes the many cultures into which their story has been incorporated throughout the past- this is one of the most engaging and easily readable works I have come across.It does indeed read more like a detective novel than a historical chronicle,yet it always maintains it's balance and factual integrity.It is about as objective as one can hope to get when it comes to so sweeping and potentially volatile a subject as Jewish history.
Good overview of Jewish history for the general reader
This is an outstanding overview of Jewish history for the general reader. It is tremendously rich in information and written with an underlying warmth and sympathy that move the reader greatly. It is a good introduction but should not be the only book the reader reads on the subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. Jewish - General    4. Judaism - History    5. Religion    6. Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (3)

An essential set of insights.
Students of ancient or Jewish history will find MAIMONIDES an important biographical study, telling of a rabbi, physician and philosopher whose works blended science with spirituality, and who has served as a model for Jewish doctors since the 12th century. Chapters provide a focus on Maimonides' works and perspective with an eye to drawing connections to the modern world, and make for an essential set of insights.
Dr. Maimonides
Dr. Nuland "biography" of Maimonides focusses mostly on the sage as a physician, with much of the rest of his life sketchy at best. In fact, the first chapter virtually ignores the subject and instead describes the author's views on why so many Jews became physicians over the centuries.That being said, Dr. Nuland's book is well written, gives historical insights into medicine in the 12th century period, and is easy to read.I have not read any of the other biographies of Maimonides, several of which are cited by Dr. Nuland, and therefore cannot judge whether the paucity of details of Maimonides life presented other than medical is a intentional or the result of the actual absence of data.

A Hero for Our Time
The great philosopher, physician and leader is brought vividly to life by Sherwin Nuland, himself a writer-physician.Although this is a relatively brief book, it touches on all the points of Maimonides's life with authority and clarity.Nuland positions his subject's writings within the issues of his time and ours.With a well-annotated bibliography this is a fine entry into a fascinating life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1135-1204    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Egypt    7. Jewish Theology    8. Jewish philosophers    9. Jewish scholars    10. Judaism - General    11. Judaism - History    12. Maimonides, Moses,    13. Medical - General    14. Philosophy Of Judaism    15. Rabbis    16. Religious    17. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    18. Jewish studies    19. Judaism   

Subjects:  1. Apocalyptic literature    2. Christianity    3. Dead Sea scrolls    4. History and criticism    5. Judaism And Christianity    6. Origin    7. Rabbinical literature    8. Relation to the New Testament    9. Religion    10. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (13)

Excelent
I really like this book and i think the translator is really skilled but the thing that kinda bothers me is that...i think i would probably understand the book better if it was in its orginal language. But for what it is, its excellent!

Great Surprise
The book was received promptly and in the best and newest condition one could expect. Price was most convenient. I will continue shopping for historical books at Amazon; you are amazing!!! Thank you for the great and secure service.

It is not about Josephus..
but about the edition itself.I found it a little bit difficult to read due to the size and style of the fonts.but otherwise Josephus is Josephus - you cannot beat that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. History    3. History Of Jews    4. Jews    5. Judaism - History    6. Rebellion, 66-73    7. Reference    8. Religion    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    10. To 70 A.D    11. Jewish studies    12. Other prose: classical, early & medieval   

Editorial Review

So often, day books are vaguely fancy calendars that seem afraid to commit to any one particular year, the sort of well-meaning gift one never really cracks open. Of course, Abrams' Read more

Reviews (1)

A small treasure
I have had the pleasure of visiting the 'Israel Museum' inJerusalem many times. Thus it was a delightful surprise to come across this volume which excellently provides reproductions of its most important holdings. The Museum is very rich in Archaeology of the Holy Land, in Jewish enthnography and culture. The illustrations here are beautifully done. The accompanying texts are informative in regard to describing the artifacts themselves.
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Subjects:  1. Art, Jewish    2. History - General History    3. Jewish - General    4. Jewish art and symbolism    5. Jews    6. Judaism    7. Judaism - History    8. Liturgical objects    9. Middle Eastern    10. Religion    11. Jewish studies    12. Religion / Judaism / History   

Editorial Review

Arnold Eisen is like MichaelLerner with an intellectual twist. Both men seek to help American Jews figure out how to live authentically Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Cultural assimilation    3. Jews    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - General    6. Judaism - History    7. Religion    8. Religion - Judaism    9. United States    10. United States - General    11. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    12. Jewish studies    13. USA   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (233)

Tedious and overstated
The only reason I gave Mr. Carroll's book three stars is his bio on Constantine. This however was too short. His ramblings about his childhood and straying off the path just made the book hard to read. Yes, the Catholic chruch has the blood of innocent multitudes on it's hand, but then again so do all religions. One of the reason crimes have been commited against humanity is that religion isn't concerned about human rights. Mr Carroll misses this point entirely.

This books is a Masterpiece -- there is an large irony with these reviews
It is so interesting to read the reviews of this book.I believe this is one of the most important books on this topic ever written and a monumental achievement -- worthy of Pulitzer or Nobel prize status.Many agree. But those that do not often point out that the book -- a blend of mostly accurate history, much personal autobiographical material, and much analysis -- is not pure "history".They fault Carroll for blending these different aspects in his tome.Moreover, these reviewers display real hostility to Carroll for writing this and dismiss the work as "absurd" or a "disservice".
Too bad the guy can't write
This book was silly and read like a poorly done self-analysis. Some facts and dates might have been useful as opposed to starting with a thought, back tracking to something else, then fast forwarding to something else. Writing about Christ's mother's *passion* without reverence was the last straw. Read this and enter the 'throw this book against the wall club." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Christianity and antisemitism    4. History    5. Judaism    6. Judaism - History    7. Judaism And Christianity    8. Relations    9. Religion    10. Religion - Church History    11. World - General    12. Christian institutions & organizations    13. History / World    14. History of religion   

Reviews (2)

A Must for any serious student of the Bible
This book is FINALLY back in print in the USA and for a very reasonable price! this is part of Eerdman's "Biblical Resource Series". "The purpose of The Biblical Resource Series is to bring back titlesthat the scholarly community regards as ESSENTIAL RESOURCES for thebiblical thinker of today." This is well organzied so even thebeginner can easily find information, and covers Nomadism, FamilyInstitutions, Civil Institutions, Military Institutions, and ReligiousInstitutions. An encyclopedia of sorts!Roland de Vaux (1903-1971) wasesteemed both as a biblical historian and as an archaeologist.If you getthis book, you also need to purchase Archaeology of the Land of the Bibleby Amihai Mazar available here. Both will get you moving in the directionof biblical studies.

Well worth the time to read!
This is a indepth look at Ancient Israel, but not at all dry.The author has a dry wit and great enthusiasm for his subject.Although he uses alot of Hebrew language references, I was still able to understand his explanations.The author's personal faith in the Christian God is evident and refreshing.He is not out to tear apart the Old Testament, but to help other's better understand the life and times in which it was written.For anyone who has had questions after reading the Old Testament, I highly recommend this book. Submitted by Wendy Lang, Orillia, Canada ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Bible - Reference - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. History    5. History Of Jews    6. History Of Judaism    7. Jews    8. Judaism    9. Judaism - General    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Social life and customs    13. To 70 A.D    14. History of religion    15. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    16. Jewish studies    17. Social history