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Jewish American writing is an exciting and controversial genre within post-war literature. Jewish American Literature since 1945 offers a student guide to the major writers, their key works, and their cultural and philosophical backgrounds. The theoretical underpinnings of the literature--including the postmodern, the masternarrative and metafiction--are also introduced in an accessible form. The themes, issues and philosophies of key writers such as Saul Bellow, Erica Jong, Arthur Miller, Cynthia Ozick, Philip Roth, and Isaac Bashevis Singer are inter-related, and wider literary and historical topics are explained. ... Read more

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"An original and brilliant thesis, exposing a long misunderstood figure. A great book." -- Bernard Avishai

"Excellent... a highly revealing portrait that demolishes Herzl-the-icon." -- Michael Marrus

"Other biographers... have illuminated aspects of [Herzl's] life, but none has been able to produce the kind of intellectual biography that we have here. Jacques Kornberg has done an admirable job of plumbing the depths of Herzl's mind to try to come to an understanding of just why he became a Zionist and why he was literally consumed with promoting Zionist goals." -- Cithara

"With compassion and critical balance, placing his subject well within his Austrian milieu, Kornberg analyzes Herzl's rhetoric, tergiversations, and profound ambivalence over his politics and identity."  -- Choice

"... a masterful display of the sources... " -- American Historical Review

"... stimulating, provocative and agreeably iconoclastic... powerful and compelling." -- German History

A novel and provocative explanation of Theodor Herzl's founding of Zionism as a way of resolving his personal crisis over his Jewish identity.

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From the crisis of the Babylonian exile to the rise of rabbinic Judaism--a span of over six hundred years--the Jewish people produced a wealth of literature that lies outside the Hebrew Bible. Today it goes under names such as apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, Josephus and Philo, apocalyptic literature and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Mishnah and targums. But line by line, scroll by scroll, it represents the history and theology, the hopes and prayers of a living and diverse Judaism. It is an engrossing subject in and of itself, but for students of the New Testament it offers an invaluable context for understanding the words and actions of Jesus as well as the conversion and thinking of Paul. Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period is an introduction to this literature and places it within its historical context. Riding the explosive growth of knowledge of this period, Larry R. Helyer guides students to the heart of the matter. What were the pressures and realities, the questions and dreams that nurtured and provoked these written expressions? And how does this literature throw light on the text of the New Testament and origins of Christianity? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A survey, but a secondary one. Far too much Helyer, for too little original source material
I went into this book fairly hopeful; I'm interested in the literature written in the intertestamental period, and have never had much occasion to really dig into reading works like the apocryphal and pseudopigraphical writings of the Jews. Unfortunately, Helyer's book disappoints for a student desirous of anything other than Helyer's own summaries and outlines.

In the early sections, Helyer at least implies that he's going to generously excerpt the works to which his titling and mammoth book refer. Further, with the book clocking in at over 500 pages, it seems only natural to expect large portions of at least the major works of these times to be quoted. This is not the case, though. For every paragraph of quoted text, there are at least 5 or 10 pages of Helyer's own thoughts, commentary, introduction, and notes. You get a much greater sense of Helyer's style than the style of the works cited; you get a much better sense of Helyer's opinions than an ability to form your own.

The most useful portion of this work for me was a good reference as to which collections of the early Jewish works might be worth buying. Unfortunately, I'll have to make those purchases and then read these works myself. Very disappointing.

Excellent Survey !!
Here is an absolutely excellent one volume survey of the second temple period Jewish literature: apocrypha, pseudepigrapha, Josephus, Philo, apocalyptic, dead sea scrolls, mishnah and targums. Helyer gives a historical and thematic intro with a fair amount of detail for a survey, into the Jewish literature between the "old testament" and on up to new testament times.He also shows the literary and thematic connections between the different literary collections and Christian origins.A superb book !!

An excellent place to start
Larry Helyer does an excellent job of introducing most of the relevent literature of the Second Temple period and its general influence on the writers of the New Testament and the Early Church. Excellent review or introduction depending on your background. I think this should be mandatory reading for every pastor and bible student. Well written with many chapter breaks to keep the organization of this large volume. This is the context of the New Testament that most Christians are not even aware exists. I have already recommended this texts to many people. ... Read more

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Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Representative works
An anthology of representative works from the vast fields of the post-biblical literature of Jews contains selections from the Talmud, the Midrash, the Kabbalah and the Ana. ... Read more

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Challenging the public's negative perception of the Jewish religion's views on love, Naftali Rothenberg shows his readers the fundamental ways in which love forms the foundation of Scriptural meditations on wisdom and achieving nearness with God. Rather than seeking to repress love as a significant part of human interaction, Rothenberg examines how Scripture celebrates love -- particularly love between men and women -- and uses this celebration to deepen our understanding of the love of people for their fellow man and God's love for his people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

OK though kind of for beginners
This book is a set of essays discussing Jewish literature (mostly from the Middle Ages)on a variety of ethical and theological issues.Most of the book was well written but told me little I had not read elsewhere.

I note two exceptions to this.On the positive side, the chapter on charity skillfully pointed out some of the differences between Jewish and Christian ethics: the Christian ethic of charity is more ambitious but has not always institutionalized support for the disadvantaged as consistently as has Jewish law.On the negative side, the book's discussion of medieval Jewish medical writings doesn't seem particularly relevant to ethics or useful to modern readers, since even the most advanced medieval medicine is fairly questionable by modern standards.

Ethics according to the masters
In this day of egocentricity, it's especially nice to find a modern volume warning against it, and quoting ancient and medieval texts to do so. I'm especially taken with the teaching of Moses Hayyim Luzzatto (from Mesilat Yesharim --- the Path of the Upright): "Pride is literally a form of blindness which prevents even one who is wise from seeing his own shortcomings."

Similarly, pride is "stupidity of which it possessor is unable to divest himself," advises The Choice of Pearls. "The arrogant person is one who closes himself or herself off not only from honest self-awareness, but from authentic relationships with others." Therefore arrogance is considered a dangerous moral vice, "replete with destructive potentialities."

Though not observant of all 613 Jewish mitzvot (good deeds), I take humility seriously, and given its rarity in our age, always appreciate commendation of its virtues.

The book also has many other good chapters within its three sections---on reverence for and communication with God, caring for oneself mentally and physically, and relating to and relating with others.

A very fine addition to Jewish libraries, and a great introduction for all non-Jews interested in learning more about Jewish ethics. ... Read more

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Includes new and updated material, as well as a readers' guide with questions for writing and discussion groups.

The revised edition of this beloved classic features a readers' and writers' guide to facilitate book group conversations and informal adult education, and also offers prompts for personal journaling exploration. Merle Feld's emotionally powerful prose and highly accessible poetry open the hearts of readers of all ages and religious persuasions who are traveling through the cycle of life and sharing in the search for meaning. ... Read more

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A cornucopia of riches celebrating the Jewish holidays, this easy-to-use introduction to each of the Jewish holidays gathers together a rare blend of stories, poems, recipes, songs, crafts, puzzles, cartoons, and more! ... Read more

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terrific sourcebook for jewish children
This book is written with a traditional viewpoint for Jewish children. It includes all of the holidays, including Rabbinic fast days and modern holidays. Best for ages 6+ ... Read more

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A unique memoir that interweaves poetry, narrative, meditation, and social history, A Spiritual Life explores the complex facets of a Jewish woman's spiritual coming-of-age, capturing the emotional and spiritual reality of contemporary Jews as well as religious seekers of all types. From the experiences of early childhood, to the spiritual awakening of a secular adolescent encountering Jewish tradition, to the alternately funny and searing tales of new-found independence, early married life, young motherhood, and midlife, Feld comments with remarkable honesty and clarity on the many stages of spiritual and artistic exploration and growth. Overarching all these accounts is the picture of how the cycle of the Jewish calendar year comes to provide an ever-renewing source of sustenance for the author's deepening spiritual expression. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A Spiritual Life
This book written by Merle Feld was extremely good. I couldn't put it down. Merle takes us on a journey through her early days as a child with lovely poems to enhance our reading and onto her married years where she explores the many areas of women in Judiasm. It is a true story of her journey which I truley enjoyed.

Read Spiritual Life, A Jewish Feminist Journey- A must read!
An amazing story of self-discovery, " A Spiritual Life, A Jewish Feminist Journey" by Merle Feld, fills her book with beautiful prose and poetry.I identified with this book immensely as the author echoed my inner thoughts that I never took the time to write. Ms. Feld voices the struggle to grow and develop into a special person, concerns about doubts how woman relate to others, professional growth and motherhood. She discovers a gift with words and poetry and along the way - confidence.Her book, a triumph of realization and actualization, expresses her developing passion, hones social action and true friendships.Read this book from cover to cover or open the book and select a poem at random.Each poem allows an opportunity to remember who we are, engage in a dialogue with self and friends, to encourage where we need to be in our lives.Several favorite passages discuss marriage, Israel, re- interpretation of some biblical stories, Shabbat and agonies about menstruation. This book will make you a new friend. Excellent!

I'm waiting for the sequel
Merle's Feld's poetry is so down to earth and fun to read as to appear simple--and nothing can be further from the truth.Her beautiful and touching poems are little jewels, each reflecting her deep connection toJudaism as well as her own humorous and profound insights into life as aJewish woman.Through her poems and the personal narrative story that sheweaves around them, Merle shares her experiences and journey as a Jewishfeminist, mother, daughter, American in Israel, and wife.

This book willspeak to anyone, regardless of gender or background, who has ever felt thatspirituality is in competition with the overwhelming demands of everydaylife. Without offering formulas or prescriptions, Merle's voice speaks to apart of myself that I struggle to find; it says that holiness can be foundright in the midst of the most mundane tasks and minutae. It is atranscendent experience in itself to realize that we have the power totransform everyday life into something holy.

Reflections on hidden memories
"A Spiritual Life" gave me permission to digest my past. At the end of each vignette I was surprised to find myself face to face with "me"-my own experiences of decades ago. I suddenly slowed downand felt deep parts of my life that I had been too frightened to listen tolong ago.I keep it on my night table and read it again and againreflecting on my own memories.Reading "A Spiritual Life" hasbeen a healing experience for me.

Reflections on hidden memories
"A Spiritual Life" gave me permission to digest my past. At the end of each vignette I was surprised to find myself face to face with "me"-my own experiences of decades ago. I suddenly slowed downand felt deep parts of my life that I had been too frightened to listen tolong ago.I keep it on my night table and read it again and againreflecting on my own memories.Reading "A Spiritual Life" hasbeen a healing experience for me. ... Read more

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The Book of Tahkemoni (The Book of Wisdom or the Heroic) is widely regarded as the crowning jewel of Hebrew maqama literature-rhymed prose interspersed with verse. In its fifty unlinked episodes we repeatedly encounter the somewhat roguish protagonist, Hever the Kenite, often disguised and assuming many and varied roles-teacher, beggar, adventurer, debater, magician, and so on.Whether preaching, spinning history or fantasy, or working a crowd, Hever the Kenite is ever a consummate story-teller and wordsmith enlightening or astounding his listeners. The author, generally considered to be the last major Hebrew poet of Spain, displays great scope, moving from prayers to tales of battlefield carnage, from philosophic reflection to droll satire targeting the pompous, the ignorant, and the mean.The whole is conveyed in a sensuous interweave of rhyme and rhythm, of literal and figurative speech, and copious biblical citations manipulated to serve unusual ends. David Simha Segal's translation captures the drama, wit, and satire of the original in a contemporary English that displays vigour and a sense of fun.Detailed annotations, printed on the same page as the text, identify the numerous allusions.Analyses of each chapter bring the reader more deeply into the text, illuminating plays on words, adroit uses of the frame tale, adaptations of Arabic and Hebrew literary conventions, and other subtleties of the original.A substantial Afterword sums up major features discussed in the analyses, especially the authorial game of hide-and-seek in the characters of the protagonist and the narrator. ... Read more

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Tales of magic and wonder can be found in every phase of Jewish literature, from the sacred to the secular. The fairy tale in particular--set in enchanted lands and populated with a variety of human and supernatural beings, both good and evil--holds a very special place in the Jewish tradition. For in the fairy tale, where good and evil engage in a timeless struggle, we have a clear reflection of the Jewish world view, where faith in God can defeat the evil impulse.

In Elijah's Violin, Howard Schwartz offers a sumptuous collection of thirty-six Jewish fairy tales from virtually every corner of the world. At once otherworldy and earthy, pious and playful, these celebrated tales from Morocco and India, Spain and Eastern Europe, Babylon and Egypt, illustrate not only their Jewish character but also their universality of themes. Invoking the biblical tale of David and Goliath, we read as King David defeats the giant by hovering above its spear in King David and the Giant. In the romantic tale of The Princess in the Tower, a variant of Rapunzel, we watch as the cautious King Solomon recognizes the vanity in trying to prevent Providence from taking place. And we see the religious nature of the quest for Elijah's violin in the title story. The successful completion of the king's quest enables the violin's imprisoned melodies, emblematic of the Jewish spirit, to be set free.

Throughout this richly illustrated collection, one can find the quests and riddles of the traditional fairy tale along with the divine intervention that characterizes the Jewish fairy tale. Skillfully translated, these stories will captivate children and adults alike in which romance and magic become enchantingly entwined with faith, duty, and wisdom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A rare treat
Howard Schwartz's Elijah's Violin will appeal to both those who love fairy tales and those who love Jewish folklore.The stories have elements of more familiar fairy tales - birds that speak, mute princesses, magic mirrors, love, fear, good, and evil.However, Jewish elements make the stories distinctive.King Solomon appears in several of the tales, as does Asmodeus, King of the Demons in Jewish folklore.Schwartz's retellings are deft and lyrical and Heller's art complements the stories beautifully.If you're looking to be transported to a palace made of water or wish to go on a journey with a pirate princess, look no farther than Elijah's Violin.

This is a great book!
I have read Elijah's Violin numerous times and think it is a wonderful ride through fairy tales and fantasy.Children will love this book, I have been reading it since the age of 7, and am still enjoying it to this day. I suppose I have a slight bias since the author is my father, but I stillthink it's a great book! ... Read more

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With little of his fiction available in English translation, David Bergelson is revealed in this book to new readers seeking a more complete picture of worldwide Yiddish literature. The collection includes two short stories and a novella, which offer a taste of Bergelson's elegiac prose style.Amazon.com Review
The stories of David Bergelson are sensitive and movingportrayals of life in the shtetls of Eastern European Jews. His workcaptures the melancholy and quiet tragedy of a people losing theirsense of place and history and whose traditions were slowlyundermined by the forces of modernity. ... Read more

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A different view of the shtetl
This edition of "The Stories of David Bergelson" includes 2 short stories and a novella.Bergelson is a rather unknown Russian Yiddish writer who was killed at the age of 38 victim of Stalin's mass executions. He is considered sucessor to Yiddish writers such as Peretz, Mendele, andSholem Aleichem.He differentiates from them in many aspects:he depictedlife at the shtetl when the community was declining, when its member wereloosing their religious ties and had to adapt to a new way of life. Bergelson writes for an educated audience and not for the poor masses.Interms of style his use of words is precise, to the point.His manycharacters have a complex psychological structure, they represent peoplewho feel lonely, alienated,confussed, and with a loss of values. ... Read more

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Based on a true story, this narrative recounts the year-long love affair between the writer Anzia Yezierska and the "commonsense philosopher", John Dewey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Important to understanding either JD or AY
I really enjoyed this book.It reveals a side of Dewey we haven't seen before, and uncovers the truth about Yezierska's mysterious affair with a powerful American. ... Read more

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With contributions from a dozen American and European scholars, this volume presents an overview of Jewish writing in post-World War II Europe. Striking a balance between close readings of individual texts and general surveys of larger movements and underlying themes, the essays portray Jewish authors across Europe as writers and intellectuals of multiple affiliations and hybrid identities. Aimed at a general readership and guided by the idea of constructing bridges across national cultures, this book maps for English-speaking readers the productivity and diversity of Jewish writers and writing that has marked a revitalization of Jewish culture in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, and Russia. ... Read more

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The stories in this book have become part of the legacy that links both the written tradition (The Torah) and the oral tradition (the Talmud) to the Jewish people.

Each story concludes with a "Now Consider This" section designed to enrich your child's learning experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An inspirational anthology
Compiled and retold by Peninnah Schram, Ten Classic Jewish Children's Stories presents ten classic stories of Jewish and Biblical history. Each tale is presented in a few pages and enhanced with brilliant and powerful color illustrations by Jeffrey Allon. Each individual story is also marked with points to consider, such as "How does this story show us that Miriam gave the Jewish people the strength to go on?" for the tale of Miriam the Wise. An inspirational anthology, deeply respectful of the holy scriptures from which it presents its tales, Ten Classic Jewish Children's Stories is enthusiastically recommended for young readers.

Excellent retelling of classic tales, reinforcing values
Schram, a master of Jewish storytelling, and leader of the Jewish storytelling movement in the USA, retells ten classic Jewish folktales from the Talmud, Aggadah, and Torah Midrash.Each story is followed by questions which help the readers and listeners to think more deeply aboutthe lessons of the tales and reinforce its Jewish values.For example, inthe Talmudic tale about why the Sun is large, the moon is small, and thestars seem even smaller, we learn about complaining and jealousy, and howyou have to be careful what you wish for. Jeffrey Alon's watercolors helpto capture the essence of the tales.My favorite tale was that of Honi,the Rainmaker, as retold from the Gemara.During a drought, the people ofJerusalem ask Honi to intercede for them and pray for rain.Then theycomplain that it is raining too little, and then too much.Once again, youhave to be careful what you ask for, I guess. ... Read more

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"... a fresh critical model for students of Holocaust literature and historiography... " -- B'nai B'rith Messenger

"This is the first and most sophisticated attempt I have come across to apply modern literary theory to Holocaust material, and the act of mediation which it involves is worthy of praise." -- Naomi Diamant, Prooftexts

"This is an authoritative and comprehensive, critical study covering all aspects of the remembrance of the Holocaust. James E. Young has written an exhaustive work, analyzing the many forms in which the Holocaust has been dealt with... " -- AJL Newsletter

"The first truly critical as well as comprehensive study of Holocaust narratives.... No one has clarified so well the 'texture of memory'." -- Geoffrey Hartman

"... a fascinating study.... thought provoking and elegantly written... " -- Holocaust and Genocide Studies

"A brilliant performance." -- The Book Reader

"... meticulously crafted and documented... far outranks the multitude of new titles on Holocaust topics." -- Choice

Customer Reviews (1)

A reading of the work of a great poet
This is an academic study of the work of the person many regard as the finest Hebrew poet of the past half- century. Amichai is a poet whose deep connection with the life and reality of modern Israel have made him one of its most beloved poets. Abramson analyses some of the major themes techniques and forms of his work. Her chapters are titled: Biography and Autobiography, Allusion and Irony, The Father of God, Alienation and Fragmentation, The Love Poetry, Jerusalem, Not of this Time, Not of this Place- The Short Stories, The Stage Plays.
Among her claims is that Amichai is despite his involvement in writing about the two major events of modern Jewish history, The Shoah and the Birth of Israel is not a political poet. He is a poet within the Hebraic tradition whose examination of the theme of fathers and sons, is done in relation to the problem of orthodoxy and secularism . " His search for faith is not for the revival of a lost or denied metaphysical sentiment , rather it is for the indication of a moral purpose within the existing world and in history. His early work is preoccupied with quarrying for himself some sense in the darkness of war and personal confusion, and learning to live within an ontological context that has rejected the centrality of God and in which traditional imperatives are no longer valid. Together with the romantic nostalgia that characterizes much of the poetry of his generation, this constitutes his worldview."
Abramson provides true insight into Amichai but there is of course no substitute for reading this poet of the landscape of Jerusalem and the Jewish soul , in irony ,contradiction, friendship, comradeship of battle, love, loss stone and silence.
... Read more

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This volume brings together sixteen of Professor Israel M. Ta-Shma's outstanding studies that were originally written in English, four of which are being published here for the first time. Set in Germany, northern France, Italy, Poland, and Spain, these essays focus on leading rabbinic scholars and their writings, as well as important issues of Jewish intellectual history, such as the nature of halakhah and aggadah, kabbalah and spirituality, childhood and popular religion. The richness of these studies is seen not only in their meticulous and innovative textual scholarship but also in the fascinating insights and unanticipated connections that typify all of Professor Ta-Shma's published work.

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Between 1890 and 1924, more than two million Jewish immigrants landed on America's shores. The story of their integration into American society, as they traversed the difficult path between assimilation and retention of a unique cultural identity, is recorded in many works by American Hebrew writers. Red, Black, and Jew illuminates a unique and often overlooked aspect of these literary achievements, charting the ways in which the Native American and African American creative cultures served as a model for works produced within the minority Jewish community.

Exploring the paradox of Hebrew literature in the United States, in which separateness, and engagement and acculturation, are equally strong impulses, Stephen Katz presents voluminous examples of a process that could ultimately be considered Americanization. Key components of this process, Katz argues, were poems and works of prose fiction written in a way that evoked Native American forms or African American folk songs and hymns. Such Hebrew writings presented America as a unified society that could assimilate all foreign cultures. At no other time in the history of Jews in diaspora have Hebrew writers considered the fate of other minorities to such a degree. Katz also explores the impact of the creation of the state of Israel on this process, a transformation that led to ambivalence in American Hebrew literature as writers were given a choice between two worlds.

Reexamining long-neglected writers across a wide spectrum, Red, Black, and Jew celebrates an important chapter in the history of Hebrew belles lettres.