Reviews (9)

The Jewish Gangs of New York
Nick Tosches is a great writer. KING OF THE JEWS is well researched, informative, and uncompromisingly gutsy. Like Paul Sann's equally brilliant KILL THE DUTCHMAN, Tosches gives us a wild, wicked, topsy turvy lesson on the Jewish gangster from ancient times up through and into the American Experience. It's revists heartily HERBERT ASBURY'S THE GANGS OF NEW YORK; but as seen through the prism of the Jewish-American Experience in early N.Y.C.The Jewish Gangs of New York would be a more appropriate title.The original court transcripts following Mr. A.R.'s killing, the autopsy report, the clothes he wore, his family tree, his associates who were questioned in court, and the police reports are reprinted here, plus more than you could ever ask for in a gangster novel.Remember: this is a GANGSTER NOVEL. It's not necessarily all truth. In fact, the author gleefully invites the reader to join him along in speculating the apocrypha of myth, legends and lore all the way back to Bible times, and into the American Experience with the enigma of Arnold Rothstein as it's central figure.I was amused and delighted the author finally wrote a book for nuts like me. I have been to the Holy Land, so the experience of reading this book re-enforced my interest in the subject. I wish the book had been longer.

anti semetic book anti Islam anti Christ
the author is using frredom of the press to smash Judiasm, Islam and Chrisitnaity, especially the former.poorly written it's hard to believe that Johnny Depp, Library Journal,Entertainment Weekly or Times (London) really read this as they have been printed on the cover page. someone should inquire especially Johnny Depps agent.there is little plot and the information seems to come from nowhere and has little or no relevance. i'll not detail some critical lapses as other reviews have already done so. it's a waste of money and I feel gipped... Harper Collins Publishers should be ashamed of themselves..oh, by the way forget any pictures....not even 1...

Tosches Trashes History
This is the worst book I have tried to read in many years.It's a disorganized mishmash of shaky biblical scholarship, soft core porn, snarky comments on current events, and very little about Arnold Rothstein.I can cut writers a lot of slack. But Tosches' editors at Harper Collins should be held accountable for this dog's dinner of a book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Case studies    4. Criminology    5. Gambling    6. Gambling (Social Aspects)    7. Gambling and crime    8. Judaism - History    9. Murder    10. Murder - General    11. New York    12. New York (State)    13. Religious    14. Social Science    15. Sociology    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Bible - General    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bibles    4. Hebrew poetry, Biblical    5. History and criticism    6. Judaism - History    7. Religion    8. Religion - Biblical Studies    9. Rhetoric in the Bible    10. Stanzas    11. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    12. Books of the Old Testament    13. Hebrew    14. Poetry & poets: classical, early & medieval   

Reviews (54)

Biased work masquerading as an objective analysis.
As can be judged by the positive reviews given to this book, Shahak had played into the hands of anti-Semites and pseudo-scholars alike - if it wasn't his intent for writing this book in the first place.
Ranges from distortion to outright falsehood
Shahak was a chemistry professor better known for his racist, anti-Jewish diatribes. His allegations range from the outright distorted to the flat out fictional. One example is the often used slander that the Talmud allows relations with minors. Actually, it is a sin and a crime under Jewish law. It is rape. There IS a discussion that does NOT ask whether it is allowed but whether the victim of this rape is considered a "non-virgin" when they grow up and seek to marry. In a culture where virginity is considered important for marriage, the victim may become a double victim, victimized by the rapist and again by society, being labelled a "non-virgin." The final answer is that they are considered a virgin when it comes time to get married. However, this discussion that "it is as nothing" is taken out of context as if it allowed rape. Shahak also makes many bizarre and patently false allegations such as his claim that Jews and Israelis dont' use "+" signs in addition because they are "little crosses" and that observant Jewish ritual involves desecrating Christian graves. If many readers who don't know much about Judaism find it an "eye opener," there is good reason. Shahak is making this stuff up. If you want to know what Judaism REALLY says or Jewish Law, the Talmud really says, find out for yourself. Go to your local orthodox synagogue and ask for lessons or go to a free class. Heck, pretend you're Jewish and see what we "really" think and say. And you can also check out: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Cyprus/8815/
A good read
Shahak apparently has a critical eye, sharp arguments and well-rounded knowledge of Judaism. Yet, his book should not be taken to denounce all the dominions of the Jewish faith. Like in all other religions, many groups skew some teachings to make them fit their agendas. This should not denounce the whole religion.
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Subjects:  1. History & Theory - General    2. History - General History    3. Jewish - General    4. Judaism - History    5. Middle East - Israel    6. Religion    7. Israel    8. Jewish studies    9. Judaism    10. Middle East    11. Peace studies    12. Religion / Judaism / History    13. World history   

Reviews (3)

Must read
A fascinating journey through the history of the Jews, separating the facts from myths.A balance investigation of Jewish experience through out many centuries and across many continents.An indepth review of existing research and literature. It is a refreshing historical study and a scholarly achievement that will enlighten the next generation of research. It is a must read!

A layman's observation
Reading the book as a non religious person, I was struck by the wealth of facts presented.Without the usual faith based arguements, I could see the overal picture of the jewish people.For me, the book answers the question of why the Jews have been attacked for thousands of years.The answer has been the separation and segregation has been a tool by the leadership to keep the Jews together as a people.Us vs.Them mentality is a very powerful tool.

An excellent historical read about judaism!
This is the most objective review of jewish history I've ever read. The author has really spent a great deal of time with his research, and I've really learned so much about jewish religion and history by reading this book.I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn about judaism whether your interest is religion, cultural or political.Enjoy it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History: World    4. Judaism - History    5. History / General   

Reviews (4)

Unimpressive
While this book did contain some good ideas, overall I was not impressed.Only the Levitical feasts are covered (no Purim or Hanukkah).This is fine, but I would have expected some explanation of WHY Purim is omitted, at least.The book falls short of being either "free" of Jewish tradition, or of being Jewish: the formal Jewish "flavor" of the celebrations is kept, along with many of the extra-biblical Jewish ceremonies, and yet blessings are changed and other traditions are added.The author does not make it clear which components are altered (or even THAT they're altered - I only know because I'm slightly familiar with the holidays already).
A teaching tool for Biblical truth
In the Old Testament, we find that God ordained special days of feasting and celebrating for the Israelites. These were days for the people to come together for rest and refreshment and to glorify Him.
With respect to diverse other aspects of celebrating
Martha Zimmerman's Celebrating Biblical Feasts: In Your Home Or Church is a unique and highly commended cookbook showcasing recipes appropriate for meal time celebrations of such High Holy Days as The Sabbath; The Passover; The Omer; Shavuoth; Rosh Hashanah; Yom Kippur; and Sukkoth. Information is also provided with respect to diverse other aspects of celebrating these High Holy Days. An informed and informative chapter is devoted to each of these special feasting occasions from a New Testament perspective. These are dishes that would grace the dining table of any family of faith. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Family    4. Fasts and feasts in the Bible    5. Judaism - History    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church Music    8. Religious life    9. Worship programs    10. Christian rites & ceremonies    11. Judaism    12. Religion / Christian Life    13. Religious rites & ceremonies   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Antisemitism    3. General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Jewish - General    8. Judaism - History    9. History / Jewish    10. Jewish studies    11. Racism & racial discrimination    12. World history   

Subjects:  1. Angels    2. Angels (Judaism)    3. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - New Testament    4. Biblical teaching    5. Christianity    6. Christianity - Theology - Angelology    7. Early church, ca. 30-600    8. History of doctrines    9. Interior Design - General    10. Judaism    11. Judaism - History    12. Religion    13. Religion - Theology    14. Theology    15. Early Church    16. History of ideas, intellectual history   

Reviews (1)

Various types of Judaism at the turn of the eras
Gabriele Boccaccini does a splendid job in showing the different types of Judaism at the turn of the eras. In so doing, he managesto demonstrate that what announced by Jesus, and what proclaimed by James, were nothing else than two different sub-varieties of contemporary Judaism.Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History Of Judaism    3. Judaism    4. Judaism - History    5. Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-2    6. Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-210 A.D    7. Religion   

Reviews (2)

Clearly written, and incredibly informative
Recently taking a biblical archaeology course with Dr. Zevit, and referring frequenlty to this book for further understanding, I found this book easy to read, well organized and insightful.I recommend it highly to anyone interested in learning more about ancient Israel.

Zevit's Magnum Opus
Zevit has written his magnum opus. His avowed thesis is to establish the ethnic "particularity"(a new ethnic group in Canaan) of a people. He views the conclusions of some archaeologists such as Broshi, Finklestein and others as being inadequate. The central issue being: are there "ethnic markers" clearly present, as revealed in the work of Syro-palestinian archaeologists, demonstrating the distinctiveness of the tribes of Israel. Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Judaism - General    4. Judaism - History    5. Religion    6. Religion - Biblical Studies    7. Ancient World    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history: BCE to c 500 CE    9. BCE to c 500 CE    10. Interdisciplinary Studies    11. Israel    12. Pre-Christian European & Mediterranean religions   

Reviews (3)

An essential history to any who would understand the roots of Jewish spirituality
Foundations Of Sephardic Spirituality: The Inner Life Of Jews Of The Ottoman Empire provides an essential history to any who would understand the roots of Jewish spirituality. Rabbi Marc Angel's exploration is scholarly, providing a fine survey of the Judeo-Spanish people of the Ottoman Empire and the influences that led them to stay united under duress. Angel's background as a primary interpreter of Sephardic history provides a thorough survey of culture, history and religious foundations, drawing many essential connections between Kabbalah teachings and radical new ideas which were to change how the Jewish community interacted. From issues such as Muslim rights and changing political status to turning points leading to the decline of Ottoman Jewry, Foundations Of Sephardic Spirituality is an essential study for any who would understand the history of Sephardic belief and evolution.
Ottoman Days
I would call this a unique 201 page mini encyclopedia of the Sephardic Jews' life before, duringand after their stay in the Ottoman Empire where they found refuge after their 1492 expulsion from Spain. We learn how and why their culture evolved, became embedded as an integral part of their character which distinguished them from non-Sephardic Jews. Along with religious life their secular life is described.Sayings, stories, myths songs are presented in a way that gives readers understanding of family, personal ways of life. No long drawn out chapters or heavy prose burden the reader who no matter personal inclinations as a Jew or non-Jew will find this a pefect guide to what makes a Sephardic Jew what he is. Easy to read.

Very interesting and inspiring work
I began reading this book thinking that I was going to read only a few chapters.Yet, I found that I could not put the book down.Rabbi Angel does a wonderful job at describing the environment of Turkish, Spanish, and Roman Jewish interaction and the effects on their spiritual life.This work goes into many of the cultural nuances that place because of internal and external situations such as the inquisition in Spain and Portugal, the Sabbatai Svi movement, and the decline of the Ottoman Empire.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. Jews    3. Judaism    4. Judaism - History    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Sephardim    8. Turkey   

Subjects:  1. 586 B.C.-70 A.D    2. Apocryphal books (Old Testament)    3. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    4. Criticism, interpretation, etc    5. History    6. History Of Jews    7. Jewish - Ancient    8. Jews    9. Judaism    10. Judaism - History    11. Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-2    12. Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-210A.D    13. Religion    14. Religion - Judaism   

Reviews (5)

.......
I have found this book to be useful to help my son get a better understanding of the old testament.Temples, priest, and sacrifices.When you have a better understanding of this, than you have a better understanding of how this was a shadow to what was to come......Jesus

Certainly not a Jewish perspective on History
I was excited to get this guide because I thought it was going to tell me, or at least show me all about "The Temple".

Subjects:  1. Bible - Reference - General    2. History    3. Judaism - History    4. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Tabernacle    8. Temple of Jerusalem (Jerusalem    9. Temple of Jerusalem (Jerusalem)    10. Religion / Judaism / Beliefs, Practices, Rituals   

Reviews (4)

Just the facts, please
Sanders is more of a historian than a theologian.He is concerned to uncover the real, historical Jesus.He explains his methodology in some detail.That is a good place to begin, because it enables the reader to evaluate both Sanders' methodology and his sifting of the historical evidence. Excellent Book of Monumental Importance to Biblical Studies
The arguements of Sanders in this book have marked a decisive point in scholarship after which ignorance concering and derisive stereotyping of 1st century Palestinian Judaism juxtapose to Jesus and primitive Christianity is inexcusable.For this reason, texts written before Sander's work or texts that neglect his study seem to be outdated and obsolete.While some revolts in American scholarship have occurred since this book was written (e.g., Crossan, Borg, and the Jesus Seminar), the foundation of this book have remained firm and unshaken.The primary reason for this is Sander's moderation and erudition.He distinguishes very well between what we can and cannot know about Jesus and is not given to speculation. Quality Biblical Scholarship
This book marks a critical point in the current trend of historical Jesus research.The basic layout uncovers a Jesus who was very much a practicing Jew of his time and within the culture of his people.Part of that cultureincluded the expectation of a messiah who would redeem Israel from itscurrent bondage under the Roman empire.Such an event or historicalturning point is known as eschatology.Sanders argues that Jesus believedan eschatological episode was imminent, and seems to have considered hisown role in the matter rather critical.Some of the more noteworthydiscussions include a vivid definition of "sinners" asfirst-century Jews would have understood it, eschatological concepts behindJesus' selection of twelve disciples, and a very impressive section on thekingdom sayings.He also unveils an interesting eschatological model fromthe so-called "cleansing of the temple" episode.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - New Testament    2. Judaism - History    3. Religion - Biblical Studies    4. Jesus Christ    5. Views on Judaism   

Subjects:  1. Acts    2. Bible    3. Christianity - History    4. Christianity and other religions    5. Church history    6. Early Church (To 476)    7. History    8. Judaism    9. Judaism - History    10. N.T    11. New Testament - Single Book Studies    12. Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-210 A.D    13. Primitive and early church, ca    14. Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600    15. Religion    16. Religion - Church History    17. Early church, ca. 30-600    18. History of doctrines    19. Jesus Christ   

Editorial Review

Judaism is in danger of compromising the core values which have made this religion so resilient and enduring through the millenniums, according to author and NPR commentator Douglas Rushkoff. The strength and longevity of Judaism lies in its original values—iconoclasm, media literacy, its ability to encourage inquiry instead of obedience. But Rushkoff argues that these values have become dangerously compromised to the point where Judaism is now more concerned with adherence to a righteous path and unquestioning assimilation. Unless the Jewish community restores its emphasis on "inquiry over certainty and fluidity over sanctity," he believes it will be impossible to reach the numerous disaffected Jews who are struggling with the intense and sometimes terrifying challenges of modern life. Read more

Reviews (17)

Nasty and Profane
This is a horrible book written from a very nasty point of view. Basically, this is a systematic dismantling of everything sacred about Judaism - to the point where the author actually uses the sacred name of God in the book. Obviously, the author knew that his use of the name of God would deeply insult those devoutly Jewish, and just as obviously, the author did not care if he insults deeply held beliefs.
What was he reading?
Mr. Rushkoff...what were you reading? The view you hold of the Scriptures, of Kadosh texts founded on revelation, and study..The Torah--the Navim - the Writings- seems to be another one than we have had as a people for these thousands of years.
Engaging read, even for the non-theologically inclined.
One of my oldest friends is a practicing Jew, despite being an Atheist.Judaism to him is a set of cultural practices handed downand revered from generation to generation--much like High School football in West Texas.He suggested, very strongly, that I read this book.
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Subjects:  1. Judaism    2. Judaism - General    3. Judaism - History    4. Religion    5. Religion - Judaism    6. Religion / Judaism / General    7. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Holocaust    4. Judaism - History    5. Unassigned Title   

Reviews (14)

Great book, easy reading....
I liked the book a lot for its content and the way it is written. It basically explains how the Western values were developed throughout the years in a very accessible writing style and full of interesting sources.
The spirit of love
Although modern Western society inherited most of its culture from the Greco-Roman civilization, the same cannot be said about its values, ethics and principles. In this book Spiro explores the Jewish contribution to Western civilization with regard to Respect for human life, Peace and harmony, Justice and equality, Education, Family and Social responsibility. This is done by investigating the four millennia of the economic and political evolution of the West.
Everyone should read this book!
Everyone should read this book, especially non-Jews.I believe that most people do not know about the indispensible contribution of the Jewish religion to Western civilization, including the concepts of monotheism; equal justice under the law; universal education; equal rights for all, including women; respect for the sanctity of life; the concept of charity and social responsibility; the moral foundation of the family structure; abolishment of cruelty to animals; and more.The Jewish scriptures (the Torah), which non-Jews refer to as the Old Testament, contains all the values upon which our legal system is based.In other words, our country is based on our Judaic tradition, not its Judeo-Christian tradition, as many people believe.Read this book, and you'll be surprised by what you find. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civilization    2. Civilization, Classical    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Jewish - General    6. Jewish influences    7. Jews    8. Judaism - General    9. Judaism - History    10. Religion    11. Religion / Judaism / General   

Subjects:  1. Jewish - General    2. Jews    3. Judaism    4. Judaism - General    5. Judaism - History    6. Minority Studies - Ethnic American    7. Religion    8. Religion - Judaism    9. United States    10. USA   

Reviews (2)

The most comprehensive 2nd Temple Period anthology
I have been teaching Jewish Studies at the college and high school level for ten years, and this is the most helpful primary source anthology for the 2nd Temple Period.As a primary text anthology, there is little instruction as to what the texts mean, as that is intended to be covered in Schiffman's companion book.But as a teacher, there is no book I use more to prepare lessons, and this makes a perfect (and affordable) textbook for a college level 2nd Temple Period course.We have extended excerpts from all parts of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles alongside of contemporaneous materials from Josephus, Apocraphya, wisdom literature, and sects.In addition, the excerpts from the Talmud and Mishna are invaluable:included are all of the more famous passages, such as the Hillel-Shammai debates, Achnai's Oven, and the 13 Midrashic principles, as well as more obscure and fascinating material, for example debates over canonization of Song of Songs, or the imperative that it is forbidden to write down Oral Torah (which is nevertheless written down as Mishnah and Gemara).The only drawback of the anthology is that all of the texts are in English, with no bilingual passages.But the translations are very good. Okay
I had prof. Schiffman as my teacher for this text.While it is fairly comprehensive, it seems to have excess and be mostly useful if Schiffman is teaching you.I would not reccomend it unless it is being used in acollege level course. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 586 B.C.-70 A.D.    2. History    3. Jewish Religious Texts    4. Jews    5. Judaism    6. Judaism - General    7. Judaism - History    8. Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-2    9. Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-210 A.D.    10. Religion    11. Sources    12. Talmudic period, 10-425    13. Philosophy of religion   

Reviews (2)

A Novel Parallel: Orthodox Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism
The best description of this very organized, concisely thorough work is :"An ideal textbook...a remarkable achievement in its field." Expository Times
Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism - A Personal Favorite
Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism is one of my well-worn reference books. I purchased it several years ago to obtain a better understanding of first century Judaism. It's a very good introductory book for that purpose. Theauthors are a distinguished group of Jewish and Christian academics whoeach author a chapter in this parallel history. While some of the Christianhistory seems to be from a somewhat liberal view, I continue to benefitfrom the chapters on Rabbinic Judaism and especially appreciate that thebook is laden with archeaological evidence and quotations from 1st through5th century sources. I like this book very much. Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - General    3. Church history    4. Early Church (To 476)    5. History    6. History Of Judaism    7. Judaism    8. Judaism - General    9. Origin    10. Primitive and early church, ca    11. Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600    12. Religion    13. Talmudic period, 10-425