Product Description
In the first century of the Common Era, tens of thousands of Jewish people followed Yeshua (Jesus), believing him to be the promised Messiah of Israel. They didn't renounce their heritage, their cust ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Messianic Jewish Manifesto: A "Social Darwinist" Deception!
In the mid-90's David Stern's revolutionary book , "The Messianic Jewish Manifesto" started turning belief towards strict Torah Observance. I believe that Stern's intent was that of dismantling the "Pauline" teachings of Grace, to revert back to the Law. He and other supportive Messianic Jews resented the teachings of Grace having supremacy over Torah. He therefore intentionally rebelled against New Covenant doctrine believing that Jews would not accept any Gospel except one that was totally Torah observant. In doing this, he and other supportive teachers adopted a dangerously heretical course. Strict Torah observance has now become the standard in much of the Messianic Jewish movement. Stern's book adopts a "Social Darwinist" form of deception by promoting an erroneous historical portrait of Paul to conform to his religious and social agenda. Social Darwinists justify promoting the "big lie" if it serves to promote the continuity of their social cause. It may have been a 'Freudian slip" when Stern used the term "manifesto" in his revolutionary book.Stern's use of Marx missed the Biblical mark!

Read more at [...]

Messianic Judaism
I'm still reading the book.I've been slow because I'm underlining a lot of text.The book is deep; well-researched.I'm getting a lot from it.I have David Stern's "Complete Jewish Bible." His translation is the way it should have been done from the beginning.Since the church has been grafted into the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we are intrinsicly related to Israel and brothers and sisters in the Messiah.I recommend this book for Messianic Gentiles (Christians) and seeking Jews.

Problems with the book
Mr. Stern asserts that when the Apostle Peter (Shmon Kefa) wrote in 1 Peter 4:16, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" he was claiming that for a Jewish person to be called a Christian is an insult that causes suffering. He does not believe Peter would admit to being a Christian per se.

Needless to say, this is absurd and immediately registered with my spirit that this author is clearly off the mark.

It is the completed work of the cross, the shed blood of God's Lamb outside Jerusalem, that makes us able to stand before Elohim. It is the resurrection from the dead, and the ascension to the Father, and the pouring out of the Spirit. Peter would not be ashamed of the Gospel of Messiah/Christ "for it is the power of God to salvation for all who believe."

Secular Jerusalem is "spiritually called Sodom and Egypt" in the book of Revelation, because like any secular city it needs to repent and come to the KING'S CROSS for salvation and cleansing. A true believer in Yeshua/Jesus has citizenship in the New Jerusalem, not the secular one.

I support bringing the Gospel to Jewish people embracing Jewish culture and roots. However, I do not support the denial that there is a New Covenant replacing the Old Covenant, nor do I support the idea that Christian and Messianic were different terms in the first century Greek. They mean "Anointed", and certainly Peter would not be ashamed of being an "Anointed One" when his shadow healed the sick by God's Holy Spirit.

Most Jew's think this is a Book of Conversion
If you are a Practicing Jew then you might feel like this Book trying to Convert you to Messianic Judaism however it is just an informitive Book about the Messianic Christian Practice of the Old and New Testament So to say that this Book is trying to convert someone is totally wrong please leave your opinion to the Reader.... Sincerly Joe Berry

Better than expected.
This book is wonderful for anyone who is either new to Messianic Judaism or anyone who is curious about what it really is.David Stern gives thorough explanations and historical verifiable information.I also have the Complete Jewish Bible by Stern and this book really complements the Bible and helps me understand everything with much more depth. ... Read more

Product Description
Raised in Queens, New York by formerly Orthodox Jewish parents whose faith had been undermined by the Holocaust, Arnold Bernstein went on his own personal quest for spiritual meaning. He was ready to accept God in whatever form He chose to reveal Himself and that form turned out to be Christ. But Bernstein soon perceived discrepancies in the various forms of Protestant belief that surrounded him, and so his quest continued -- this time for the true Church. Surprised by Christ combines an engrossing memoir of one man s life in historic times and situations from the Six-Day War to the Civil Rights Movement to the Jesus Movement in Berkeley with an examination of the distinctives of Orthodox theology that make the Orthodox Church the true home not only for Christian Jews, but for all who seek to know God as fully as He may be known. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

great introduction to Orthodoxy
Surprised by Christ is more than an autobiography. It is a great introduction into the Orthodox Church. In fact I would wager that more of the book is doctrinal than biographical. However the doctrine is described anecdotally which I found to be an excellent aid in understanding. What I mean by anecdotal is that Fr. Bernstein introduces concepts as they related to his journey from Judaism to Christianity. So the book does not suffer from the dryness that a proper Orthodox introduction might. Also, the book does a good job in comparing Salvation doctrines of different Christian churches. Also, the fullfilment Old Testament prophecy is described succintly.

Another plus, is that Fr. Bernstein is not overly critical and hostile of Protestants and Catholics. In fact he admits that some non-Orthodox friends of his are spiritually and morally ahead of him. He does however compare doctrines and makes a Biblical and historical case for the Orthodox viewpoint. In this sense, I think this is a good first book for non-Orthodox Christians to read.

Overall, a good read. Also, the writing style is very simple, clear, and succint. The reading is easy and therefore fast.

This wonderful Testimonial Biography is Enlightening and Inspiring.

"The story of Fr James' journey is fascinating. It reminds us again of the sovereignty of God, and his desire to reach every one of his beloved children, no matter where they are." Frederica Mathewes-Green



Mashiach & Messianic Hope:
Where does the Jewish concept of Messiah come from? Messiah is an English rendering of the Hebrew word "Mashiach", which means the anointed one. The title refers to a person initiated into God's service by being anointed with oil. Since every King and High Priest was anointed with oil, each may be referred to as a Mashiach or Messiah, a descendant of King David who will rule Israel during a utopic age. A central themes in Biblical prophecy is a promise of a future age of universal peace and devotion to God. The concept of the Messiah became rooted in Jewish inspiration, between the testaments. The first Christians were mostly Jewish, especially in the great Patriarchate of Antioch and Alexandria. They slowly moved from post Templar Rabbinic Judaism, without sacrifice, nor priesthood, to Messianic Judaism, which developed into Judeo-Christianity after worship separation which started in Antioch.
"Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of the hand? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is the person's name? And what is the name of His son? Surely you know!"Proverbs 30:3-5

Book Themes:
Surprised by Christ comprises memoirs of one man's life in times and historic events, that ransince the Six-Day War from the Civil Rights Movement, to the Berkeley Jesus Movement. Such rich events, deeply felt, promoted the examination of the autonomy of Orthodox faith and tradition with Biblical that reveiled the Orthodox Church as the authentic home for Christian Jews within all who sincerely seek to experience the all loving Lord as fully as He may be humanly known. Surprised by Christ is a genuine story of searching for truth, refusing to rest until it appears. Raised in Queens, New York by Orthodox Jewish parents whose faith had been tested by the Holocaust, Arnold Bernstein went on his own personal quest for the Lord he earnestly sought, instinctively feeling He was really there. Ready to accept the Holy Lord without precondition, He chose to reveal Himself in His icon that turned out to be the Christ.
Encountering discrepancies in the various theological doctrines of Protestant belief that he encountered, his quest was to continue for the true Church. sticking with his Jewish heritage as a rock foundation, he searched the Bible, and eventually came to the conclusion that the faith of his forefathers was fully honored and brought to completion only in the belief of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church.

Book Reviews:
"In sharing his 'surprise' with us, Fr. James Bernstein shows that he is a Hebrew prophet in the definition of prophecy provided by that other 'Hebrew born of Hebrews' who knew the same 'surprise.'..., Fr James 'speaks to people for their edification and encouragement and comfort.' (1 Cor 14.3)" Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus, St. Vladimir OTS

Fr. James Bernstein:
The Rev. James Bernstein who helped founding the Jews for Jesus ministry in San Francisco, was a staff member of the Christian World Liberation Front in Berkeley. A chapter president of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship at Queens College. Father James is the author of the booklets Orthodoxy: Jewish and Christian, 1990; Which Came First: The Church or the New Testament, 1994; and Communion: A Family Affair, 1999. He was a contributor to the Orthodox Study Bible: New Testament and Psalms, 1993.

Couldn't put it down...
I read this in one weekend and it's 300 and something pages. Hearing stories of people's spiritual journeys has always fascinated me.

I loved the way he approaches drawing near to God. He puts that first and let's God take him where He may. Unlike most religion where people blindly follow what they're told and basque in the glow of their pride.

I like the part where he goes to a Pentecostal church and gets told that unless he speaks in tongues he's not a full on Christian.

Also when he goes to Israel for his Christian deprogramming and ends up visiting right when the 6 day war starts.

He made the Orthodox church sound so good that I must confess I went to visit one on Sunday. I had no idea that the Orthodox Christian church didn't teach burning in hell forever. That was news to me and I wanted to hear more.

God's love really pours out through this book.

There's something different about Jewish Christians and the way they approach God.

Very inspiring and thought provoking book.

wonderful introduction to Orthodoxy
I won't write a long review, as others have already done so.I just wanted to emphasize what a wonderful introduction to Orthodoxy this book is, especially for those of us coming from Protestant backgrounds.Many of our particularly Protestant questions about liturgy and Church history and tradition are answered very thoroughly and with great sensitivity and understanding.
I have read many good and some not-so-good books about Orthodoxy in the last couple of years, but this one is outstanding.

A Memorable Theological Autobiography from the Heart
"Surprised By Christ," by Fr. James Bernstein, is best described as a theological autobiography. It is the long-awaited companion volume to the best-selling "Becoming Orthodox: A Journey to the Ancient Christian Faith," by Peter E. Gillquist, which tells the story of approximately 2,000 Evangelicals who, in the 1970s and 80s, went on a search for the New Testament Church and found themselves being received into the Orthodox Christian Church 1987.

While most of that group was led by former staff members of Campus Crusade for Christ, Fr. James, then known as Arnold, joined forces with them after being raised as a devout Jew in Queens, and becoming a Christian while secretly reading a Jehovah's Witness translation of the New Testament under his bedcovers at night. He became active in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in New York before being selected by Moishe Rosen to help start Jews for Jesus in San Francisco.

While in the Bay area, Arnold (now Fr. James) became involved with the Christian World Liberation Front in Berkeley, which was led by Jack Sparks, a former Crusade staffer, and he became part of their quest for the New Testament Church while participating in evangelistic street theater.

I like to say that "Surprised by Christ" was written in three speeds, or rhythms. The autobiographical portions of this book, his childhood in Queens, his days in college, his year in Israel during the time of the "Six Day War," and in street ministry, are all a fascinating quick read, and are memorable reflections of those turbulent times.

Then Fr. James slows this journey down to reflect on his theological struggles, and the insights he gains as he compares his Jewish upbringing with his exposure to Evangelical Christianity, and his eventual discovery of more ancient Orthodox Christian teachings.

These alternating sections are written in Fr. James' own voice, and he is meticulous in spelling out the theological issues that brought him along the journey.

The third "speed" is even slower, because Fr. James supports his theological understandings with numerous, and sometimes lengthy, quotes from the Ancient Church Fathers, as well as the Scriptures. Some of these are in a very different language from Fr. James' own voice, but they are essential in supporting points he wishes to make.

I read this book over the course of about six weeks, because I needed to put it down and think about it many times. But I'm quite certain I'll pick it up and read it again very soon, because there is something refreshing in the way Fr. James approaches the Orthodox faith.

Most convert books are written by former Protestants and are very heady. This one, even though it is theological, comes from the heart. I know this to be true, because Fr. James is the one who brought me into the Orthodox Christian faith, after a two-and-a-half year inquiry, and he's been my priest for most of the past decade (I spent a few years in another parish).

This book is true to the man I've come to know and love. I recommend this book to Orthodox Christians who want to broaden their understanding of their faith, to individuals who are exploring the Orthodox faith, regardless of background, and to Evangelicals and Roman Catholics who would like to compare the differences between their understanding of the Christian faith with someone from a solidly Jewish background who now feels most at home in the Orthodox Christian Church. ... Read more

Product Description
The period of Early Judaism beginning with the return from the Babylonian Exile in 538 B.C.E. to the destruction of the second temple in 70 C.E. is an enigma to many students of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. This era has often been overlooked as unimportant or been the victim of strongly confessional overgeneralizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

2TJ
I really appreciate the zeal for this era brought forth by Dr. Anderson's writing. He really brings a picture of second temple judaism that is as unbiased and pure as he possibly can. His work holds true to many of the (as original as possible) texts of the history of the time. I recommend this book for any Biblical scholars library. It is interesting to read this book along with the inter-testamental writings. History comes to life through this book.

Personal view on the book
This book is very good to an introductory level into the knowledge of Second Temple Judaism. Is basic, easy to follow and gives a complete summarized view of this period in the history of judaism. This must be the first book to read before any other related to Second Temple period. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A classic introduction to Jewish studies from the master
Philip Alexander, Professor of Post-Biblical Jewish Literature at Manchester University and Co-Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies, external examiner for Oxford and Cambridge and consultant to Tel Aviv,is probably the greatest non-Jewish scholar of Jewish history and literature since the time of Wycliffe and other classical christian Hebraists. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the Hebrew Bible, Midrash, Talmud, Targum, Mishna, Kabbalah, later rabbinic commentaries and modern history is truly awe inspiring. Recognised as a supreme scholar by everyone from Roshei Yeshivot to radical contemporaries, Prof. Alexander's innate modesty and kindness have prevented him from enjoying the international recognition he deserves. He has translated some important Dead Sea Scrolls and is about to produce a new edition of one of the most esoteric books of the Bible. Undergraduates on any course intheology and religions can do no better than to read Alexander on Judaism. This book is a classic of how it should be done but seldom is. ... Read more

Product Description
From God's first injunction, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for food." (Gen. 1:29) The Hebrew Bible offers countless examples of how God intends a compassionate and caring attitude toward animals, our health, and the health of the planet. This attitude, as Richard Schwartz shows in his pioneering work now fully revised, has been a constant theme throughout Judaism to the present day.

Indeed, Judaism's particular concern for tikkun olam, a healing of the world, has never been more urgent today—given the current state of world hunger, environmental degradation, and the horror of factory farms. Dr. Schwartz shows not only how Judaism is particularly well suited to solving these problems, but how doing so can revitalize one's Jewish faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A Judeo-Catholic Indebted To Richard Schwartz
As a longstanding and rather hefty vegetarian, I also firmly felt that my aversion to killing animals, birds and fish for food was rooted in reverence for God's creatures. Richard Schwartz bolstered my spirituality with this compelling and irrefutable book. Genesis One clearly asserted that man was created vegetarian before our fall from grace and plunge into strife. Fortunately, the Prophet Isaiah envisions Messianic times to be an idyllic era wherein men and all creatures will live in peaceful coexistence devoid of bloodshed. Schwartz answers his detractors and accentuates the ecological, moral and human rights benefits of a meatless diet. He also salutes vegetarian advocates including Rav Kook, Rabbi David Rosen and Isaac Singer. If you love this book it will be imperative to purchase and read David Sears' brilliant "Vision Of Eden".

A convincing look at the Bible's look on vegetarianism
I wrote a review on this book for the newsletter for the winter 2001 newsletter for the animal rights group, Last Chance for Animals.I am including my review here:

Richard H. Schwartz's Judaism and Vegetarianism is a useful reference for refuting claims that humans and animals do not deserve equal consideration.It effectively explains and elaborates upon the Bible's stance on vegetarianism and explores other moral and societal issues with which non-religious people can identify; Schwartz even includes a section on how vegetarianism can promote awareness and ultimately resolve these issues.The book also contains answers to common questions, nutritional suggestions, discussions of Jewish vegetarian groups and their activities, biographies of famous Jewish vegetarians, an annotated bibliography, ideas for promoting vegetarianism, and a detailed index.In sum, Schwartz has produced a well-documented, well-reasoned, and very convincing work which ends with a query to Jews who plan to continue eating meat: "In view of strong Jewish mandates to be compassionate to animals, preserve our health, help feed the hungry, preserve and protect the environment, conserve resources, and seek and pursue peace, and the very negative effects animal-centered diets have in each of these areas, will you now become a vegetarian, or at least sharply reduce your consumption of animal products?".

A thorough and in-depth work
Schwartz's treatment of vegetarianism and Judaism is remarkabley thorough. He approaches the topic from the multifaceted avenues of Jewish thinking: Torah, halakhah, values... it's all there. This book is a complete compendium on all the issues and argument pertaining to vegetarianism, concerning for animals, the environment, and more. Schwartz's style is highly readable. He is passionate about his topic, but not emotional. I highly recommend the book to everyone, and certainly for Jews who take our traditions seriously.

Compassion and responsibility
I have read this book thoroughly, and I think it is the most informative, most complete and most readable book about vegetarianism I have ever read. The book is very well structured, the information given is presented clearly and is up to date. Since I am a vegan, I have paid extra attention to what is being said about veganism, and I found the author is objective, accurate and gives sound advice. The B12 issue is dealt with in a responsible manner and I think it is very wise to present the transition to vegetarianism and from there to veganism as a process of growth, where every step counts. The author gives many practical suggestions on how to make changes in your lifestyle without losing touch with family or friends and manages to be firm and friendly at the same time. These things alone make the book a purchase well worth the investment. For me, however, the particular merit of the book lies in the spiritual values that have inspired it. Reading the book from a non-Jewish perspective, what struck me most was that the author has chosen focal points which are relevant to people from all kinds of different backgrounds, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and people who are not religious in the 'traditional' sense. In short, all those who are concerned about the way we relate to our environment from a spiritual point of view. The first focal point is that ethical considerations are more important than habit, convenience, or tradition, and the second is that there will be a price to pay if we chose to ignore the ethical imperative to change our ways. There are many books explaining why it is better for your body to become a vegetarian; there are not many books explaining why it is better for your soul. Richard Schwartz makes the reader see how the themes of inclusion and compassion towards animals are woven all through the Torah. Having read theology at a fairly orthodox Christian college, I have often heard the argument that `since Man was created in the image of God, he was given dominion over all creation' as an excuse for the maltreatment of animals and their reduction to `meat-producing units'. Guided by Richard Schwartz, we are shown that according to the Torah both man and beast are creatures of God, and that our being created in the image of God is not a given, but rather a potential; something to be brought into manifestation by following the pattern God has laid out for us, and that one of the qualities we must manifest is compassion. Instead of feeling very proud of ourselves and thinking that we are like God already, we should realise that we are asked to imitate God in love and concern for all living beings. Instead of 'dominion' we should read 'compassionate stewardship', and that is something else entirely. From the idea of our potential for goodness and compassion, the theme of responsibility is developed. The author shows us how we are responsible, in the sense of being accountable for the wrongs we do not try to stop. By means of the voice of Amos and other prophets he poignantly asks how we can be content and comfortable while others are in great distress, humans or non-humans. I feel that now Europe has recently been plagued by BSE and foot-and-mouth disease, and we have watched the horrors of what is happening every night on television, this question is more pressing than ever. How are we to answer for these things? That is one side of responsibility. The other side is that human beings are called to do justice, to liberate the oppressed, to care for every living being and that it is the way we act in this world, the choices we make and the goals we chose, which form our answer, our response, to God. For me, our human capacity to answer to this call is the basis of faith in a better future for all beings and Richard Schwartz's book has given me every reason not to give up believing. Human beings have the potential to be compassionate and just, and they can learn how to express these qualities. And they will learn more willingly if they are given the facts about oppression and hunger and are shown ways how to change. This is exactly what Richard Schwartz has done. Like the good teacher he is, he shows people what their calling is, where they go wrong, and what they can do to change for the better. This calling is not just for Jews; many people feel that they have a responsibility for the planet and for all that lives there; they just don't know what exactly is going wrong and how to make it better. By enumerating the facts, by showing the consequences of present practices, and by showing the way out, Richard Schwartz makes a very strong case for the vegetarian imperative, no matter what the reader's religion is. I sincerely recommend the book.

Fair-minded and articulate guide
This book is excellent. It is beautifully written, exceptionally complete, and very fair-minded in its tone. The arguments are compelling and clear. I expected a diatribe, but that was not the case at all. Even though I will continue to eat meat, the author raised many pertinent questions andanswered them in a thoughtful, well-reasoned way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must read if you want to learn about Judaism!
I have read numerous books intending to be an "introduction" to Judaism.Some I started then never finished ... or they took months of me reading, highlighting, then re-reading, etc.Not this book --- I thoroughly enjoyed reading it cover to cover.This book, along with "Gateway to Judaism" are at the top of my favorites list. It provides an at-a-glance overview of the holiday calendar, in addition to more detailed descriptions of each.It describes why Shabbat is so special and enjoyable.It is written so simply yet meaningfully, making it an easy quick read. I highly recommend it to anyone, regardless if they are Jewish, interested in converting, or just wanting to understand Judaism.If you read this book thoroughly, you will have a very good understanding, even though there is SO much to learn.

an excellent place to start the journey...
Written in simple, easy-to-read language, the book gives an authentic, comprehensive and accurate overview of the premises and practices which direct Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. And although there are a several places where words or phrases used may be unfamiliar - these can productively serve as guided springboards for further study.

Understanding Judaism
This is supposed to be a Judaism 101 for the basically ignorent Jew.It needs a glossary to translate all of the Hebrew used throughout the book.The authors should not assume that the readers went to Hebrew school.Otherwise it's a great easy to read book. ... Read more

Product Description
A comparative introduction to significant readings found inJudaism, Christianity, and Islam.The book covers a widerange of historical periods up to the present day. The readings explore sixmajor themes from the perspective of each tradition. The six major themesincludes coverage of: Scripture and Tradition; Monotheism; Authority andCommunity; Worship and Ritual; Ethics; and Religion and the Political Order. For anyone interested in Western Religious Traditions in Religionor HIstory Departments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Comparative Religion Text
This book is an excellent text for those interested in a basic survey of Western scripture.It's split up into chapters based on major religous concepts, allowing the reader to compare the concepts through out the three traditions very easily.This book is a great way to start anyone's study of comparative western religion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great detailed information
Rosenthals fairness and balance help explain the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements in a balance and truthful way.

a somewhat dated, but absolutely first-rate survey
Though in some respects dated, Rabbi Gilbert S. Rosenthal's "The Many Faces of Judaism" provides an excellent survey of American Judaism, focusing on the history, ideas, values, and practices of four major movements:Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform.

The book is particularly sympathetic in its treatment of the Conservative and Reconstructionist movements - perhaps displaying a little bias on Rabbi Rosenthal's part.But Rosenthal knows his subject, and his treatment is generally evenhanded in its coverage of all four movements' history and values.In fact, Rosenthal's fairness and balance may help to explain why he was selected to be Executive Director of the National Council of Synagogues, representing the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements together on Jewish relations with other religious traditions.

Sadly missing is any discussion of American Judaism's fifth major movement, the Humanistic Judaism founded by the Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine.

Although the book is obviously written for classroom instruction of Jewish youth (the publisher offers a teacher's guide and student workbook), I find the text a first-rate introduction for non-Jewish adults.It is clear, informative, and engaging.

And the fact that it is dated in some respects may serve to underscore what it says about the relative alacrity with which the Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist movements may adapt to social change - with the Conservatives perhaps lagging a bit behind Reform Jews and Reconstructionists on issues like the ordination of women rabbis.Each of these movements is in any event alive, dynamic, and engaging the modern world.

Eric Alan Isaacson

Very outdated
This may have been a good introduction to the differences between movements at one time, but it's now outdated and misleading. For example, it was written before the Conservative movement had female rabbis and counted women in the minyan. ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Judaism - Its core beliefs and its development-pre 1948
Israel Abrahams (b. London, November 26, 1858; d. Cambridge, October 6, 1925) was one of the most distinguished Jewish scholars of his generation.(Wikipedia.)

Mr. Abrahams writes clearly and informatively about Judaism. He cites prominent Rabbis to explain the Jewish traditions and Laws that define Judaism.

Judaism has many laws both written and derived from custom; how is an outsider to
know what it all means?

"Rabbi Simlai (third century), has this remarkable saying: ' Six hundred and thirteen precepts were imparted unto Moses, three hundred and sixty-five negative (in correspondence with the days of the solar year), and two hundred and forty-eight positive ( in correspondence with the number of a man's limbs). David came and established them as eleven ..."

Did you know that Christians celebrated Passover for four centuries. (Why not, if
thier "Boss" was a Jewish carpenter?)

He gives insight into the culture that created "The Bible" revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

He points out that there is no 'one cannon' for Judaism. Rabbis study and debate
the meaning of the bible continously.

"Pharisees and Saducees differed on questions of doctive (such as the belief in immortality held by the former and rejected by the latter),"


He cites Philo's "five most beautiful lessons"

The Karaite Judah Hadassi of Constantinople who "formulates ten dogmas of Judaism".

Maimondides thirteen fundamental principles.

The five principles from the 1896 Central Conference of the Americna Rabbis.

N. S. Joseph's "Essentials of Judaism" : ment as an introduction for children before they begin formal religious training.

Mr. Abrahams posits that Judaism has no " 'Theory' of sin. ... If virtue and righteousness are obedience, then disobedience is both vice and sin. No further theory was requird or possible.Atonement is reversion to obedience."

I'm only half way through, but it has already proved to be well worth reading for students of philosophy and religion.

Mike K
... Read more

Product Description
The Dictionary of Early Judaism is the first reference work devoted exclusively to Second Temple Judaism (fourth century b.c.e. through second century c.e.).

The first section of this substantive and incredible work contains thirteen major essays that attempt to synthesize major aspects of Judaism in the period between Alexander and Hadrian. The second — and significantly longer — section offers 520 entries arranged alphabetically. Many of these entries have cross-references and all have select bibliographies. Equal attention is given to literary and nonliterary (i.e. archaeological and epigraphic) evidence and New Testament writings are included as evidence for Judaism in the first century c.e. Several entries also give pertinent information on the Hebrew Bible.

The Dictionary of Early Judaism is intended to not only meet the needs of scholars and students — at which it succeeds admirably — but also to provide accessible information for the general reader. It is ecumenical and international in character, bringing together nearly 270 authors from as many as twenty countries and including Jews, Christians, and scholars of no religious affiliation. ... Read more

Product Description
David Flusser was an incredibly prolific scholar of ancient Judaism, and his contributions to Dead Sea Scrolls research and apocalyptic literature are inestimable. This English edition makes more of Flusser’s insightful work available to a wider audience than ever before. ... Read more

Product Description
This tightly argued, hugely controversial work convincingly demonstrates how the world's three major monotheistic religions-Christianity, Judaism, and Islam-have attempted to suppress knowledge, science, pleasure, and desire, often condemning nonbelievers to death. If Nietzsche proclaimed the "Death of God," Onfray starts from the premise that not only is God still very much alive, but increasingly controlled by fundamentalists who pose a danger to the human race. Documenting the ravages from religious intolerance over the centuries, the author makes a strong case against the three religions for demanding faith, belief, obedience and submission, and for extolling the "next life" at the expense of the here and now. Not since Nietzsche has a work so groundbreaking and explosive appeared to question the role of the world's dominant religions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Pretentious and overrated--skip this one
I'm an atheist who's read an awful lot of books defending atheism, and this is probably the most disappointing of any of them. One of the back cover blurbs praised it for being "More sophisticated than Dawkins and Hitchens," but I can find no evidence of this between the covers and can only assume the comment was motivated by an urge to take a dig at Anglophone atheists.

Mostly, the book just doesn't say very much. It promises to overthrow remnants of Christian thought among the non-religious, particularly in ethics, but never really explains how this is to be done. The "philosophy" of the book mostly consists of name-drops, like "Bentham and Mill are still worth reading." Here's a tip: if you'd like to read some radical ethical ideas based in those of Bentham and Mill, pick up some Peter Singer books and don't waste your time with Onfray.

Other annoyances include reminders that psychoanalysis is still considered cutting-edge psychology among many French intellectuals, and odd, Dan Brown-esque ideas about how the New Testament came to be. Really, don't waste your time with this book--Dawkins, Harris, as well as Anglophone atheist philosophers like Michael Martin would all be better worth your time.

Rantings, not a manifesto
Over 200 pages of comical rantings; this book is no manifesto, and makes absolutely no positive alternative propositions or solutions to replace religion.

I picked up Onfray's book just to see if he can provide a worthy alternative to religion. He can't; he has not made any positive point stick. All he does is rave and rent and deny religion because of its many abuses by various followers and politicians who abuse religion. I find that hilarious. Onfray has a comical way of ranting.

Onfray sees clearly on the subject of Islam and one can also argue that Islam is not a religion per se, but tribal-political pan-Arab nationalism masked in a form of a simplistic religion.

Onfray's opinions on Christianity is slander. When he denys the historical existence of Jesus, he makes his rantings even more comical like a common Nazi historical revisionist who denies that the Holocaust had ever happened.

References to Onfray's views are hardly found to be coherent, which dilutes this entire book to Onfray's personal opinionated rantings of something he can't and won't accept. A manifesto cannot be just a tome of rejection of something else that you can't accept. Saying that something is wrong doesn't make you right. What does the author propose to replace religion with? He says it in only one single sentence in the last paragraph of his book - he prefers the views of "materialists, hedonists", etc. If he prefers a Hugh Hefner and Larry Flint (ie. materialists and hedonists) to reading Mother Theresa or Popes Leo XIII and John Paul II, and advocates that you and the rest of the world does the same, that alone says a lot about the author's lack of morality, logic and sensibility! The chaotic world today is not governed by religionists; on the contrary it is governed by selfish atheists who hoard wealth and power, accelerate the arms race every year and make this world a more dangerous place to live in.

Onfray is not worthy of emulation as he has proposes absolutely no positive solutions to replace religion with. Onfray worships Onfray. Every man creates his own god, and so does the author. Without holding to any truth (since truth is subjective and relative to the seeker, according to atheists) or be accountable to any God in this life or the next, what hope is there for seeker of enlightenment? At best, religion offers some hope or comfort - minute as it can be. Hedonistic atheism offers nothing positive at all - just desolate oblivion during life and after death. Eat, drink, whore around and die.

You say God and religion are all bad? Then, please come up with positive alternatives to replace them! No atheist author or "philosopher" has accomplished that task; no one has come up a positive solution. If this book is a political party manifesto, I expect it to present viable and positive solutions to replace the current corrupt status quo. Everyone knows how bad things already are; please provide answers to solve things. This book has not accomplished any task apart from displaying Onfray's rants on rejecting religion because of its abuses by religionists.

This is generally how Onfray "reasons" throughout his book:

(1) Some religionists abuse religion.
(2) Therefore, religion is all bad and needs to be rejected.

(1) I cannot understand God or how He works.
(2) Therefore, God cannot exist. He must have been created by religionists.

Isn't circular reasoning what Onfray claims to reject?
Then, why is he using that for his own "reasoning" process?

This book is not a solutions provider. Not worth its cover price.

Good book in this genre
The author clearly meets his primary goal, which is to make the case against Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The text is well-researched, written, and argued. Although this isn't my favorite work in this genre, it is nevertheless an important contribution and worth reading.

One of the things the author argues for is a post-religion secular morality, and there's no doubt that freethinkers agree with this and are hungry for thoughtful viewpoints on this subject. Unfortunately, the author doesn't offer much in the way of details here, although he is certainly correct that even our secular outlook is still based to a large extent on religious ethics. Although this isn't all bad, it clearly has much negative effect, especially on people who don't otherwise recognize it. (My personal view is that Original Sin still has a tremendous negative and insidious effect in the culture despite what people say they believe).

While the author obviously believes that religious superstition should be eliminated (and intellectuals can all agree on that), I think the freethought community is still struggling to put forward a unified ethical platform that will help us eliminate religion once and for all. Humanists have done this to some degree, but we need more thoughtful writings on this subject above and beyond the call to end superstition (though I'm not trying to minimize the importance of this!) Paul Gehrman, Author, Kaleidoscope

very interesting perspective
While somewhat difficult at first the author makes a good case as to why religion is an artificial way of viewing the world, and why as long as religion rules we will be in perpetual slavery.

Joy in the present
Has Michel Onfray, the author of "Atheist Manifesto: The Case Against Christianity, Judaism, and Islam," convinced me to become an atheist?

The answer is no. But then, conversion is not his immediate intent. Michel Onfray is not a preacher, not one of those Bible forwarding evangelists on television. Their approach is not his approach. He is not trying to separate you from your money in order to enrich himself or some closely related tax-free nonprofit organization.

Michel Onfray is a philosopher, and a French philosopher at that. I know that can be scary, bringing to mind interminable arguments about fine points of fuzzy arcana. That's not Michael Onfray. Calm simplicity, clarity, precision, organization, and thoroughness are what he is. He is presented in translation from the French by Jeremy Leggatt. Jeremy Leggatt does not stumble; his English is simply superlative. I could wish for an index. Yet Onfray's table of contents is so clearly detailed and extensive that one should have not much trouble finding or returning to any point.

In this book Onfray leaves the evolution debate to others. He does include evolution and transformation of species once in a list of "scientific truths" that religious believers and hierarchies have at one time or other condemned--"the atomist theory, the materialist option, heliocentric astronomy, geological dating, transformation of species, evolution, psychoanalytic therapy, genetic revolution."

Michel Onfray is quick to point out that becoming known as an atheist has always been dangerous. And still is. But at least today, in the West, one is no longer broken on the rack, hanged, disemboweled, or burned at the stake. Shunning, loss of family and friends, and other ostracisms and prohibitions are evident. And nowadays, how far could any professing atheist go in American politics?

Onfray sees the Three Monotheisms--Judaism, Islam, and Christianity--as fixated on death and afterlife instead of enjoying the here and now. He decries that they consider their religious books--Talmud and Torah, Koran and the Hadith, Bible and New Testament--to be holy and directly obtained from God. He counters that there is only one life, and we have it. He cautions not to waste it on fable and fiction. His listing of contradictions and inconsistencies in the holy writings is exhaustive.

With dates and places, he details the history of each of the monotheisms, how they are filled with subjugation of the people, deference to tyrannical rulers, how they have always fought against intelligence, questioning, and scientific education, and actively engage in genocide, ethnocide, and annihilation, even to this day. Onfray's hope is for the development of a post-religious secular order.

Onfray's book leads me to believe that he would agree with the sign that one group set up next to a nativity scene during the 2008 winter holiday season at the Washington State Capitol:

There are no gods,
no devils, no angels,
no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but myth and superstition
that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.

Getting back to my first point. Has he convinced me to become an atheist? Again, no. Some things we cannot know. Richard Dawkins ("The God Delusion") would convince us that the probability is that there is no God. Another thinker has said that we should not fear death, because as soon as we are dead, we simply will not know it. Such belief pushes one to the primacy of the moment. Something to think about. Have joy.
... Read more

Product Description
Light-hearted, humorous, and poignant, this spiritual autobiography tells the tale of one woman's awakening to religious understanding during middle age, and how her wish to make her faith an essential part of her life affected her, her family, and her lifestyle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

intelligent and honest. silly title belies depth
I've read a lot of memoirs on Jewish identity recently, and this is one of the best.

Don't expect an epiphany...
I came to this book eagerly as an on-again-off-again "baalas teshuvah" myself.There are many books on the market about Jews becoming more religious, and many of these offer fascinating new insights.I was really hoping Hendler would have something to say that would resonate for me... but just a short way into the book, I realized I was going to be disappointed.

I'm sure Hendler is a lovely person, but on paper, I found her rather self-absorbed.She seems obsessed with her family's wealth, status and influence in the Jewish community, and while I'm heartened to see the "elite" showing an interest in genuine Jewish life, I couldn't help resenting the touch of sanctimoniousness I detected here.

I am also leery of anyone who claims to have "gotten religion" within the Conservative movement.My own past experience with Conservative Judaism has biased me here, but I think returning to your religious roots demands that you surround yourself with like-minded individuals.Frankly, I doubt there's any Conservative congregation on the continent where Shabbat, Kashrut and Taharat Hamishpacha are practiced in anything like a majority of homes.

I remember all too well walking home from a Conservative shul and having other congregants beep at me from their cars as they drove past.That was just one more symptom of the underlying disdain within the laypeople of that movement for accepting halachic responsibility in their lives.

I'm pleased that Hendler has taken on some of that responsibility, and that she's found joy and fulfillment in the process.However, I doubt that her message will resonate with most Conservative Jews, who are probably quite comfortable with their current lack of observance.What Hendler seems to have discovered is that while philanthropy alone isn't enough to elevate herself above the masses, halachic life might be.

In "getting religion", Hendler has joined a different type of elite, one that exists only within the Conservative movement.In Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, laypeople are often well-educated, services include more English, and there is a greater focus on making religion accessible.In Orthodoxy, the majority of participants are observant, and can lead traditional services and Torah readings in Hebrew.Only in Conservative Judaism is there a rift between the layperson and the "priesthood", the rabbis and chazzanim who drape themselves in robes and silly hats so they can stand above their congregants at the front of the synagogue.

Hendler's "odyssey" (as another reviewer here called it) is really the tale of how she bought her way into that priesthood, acquiring everything but the long black robes through a pampered suburban journey into spiritual life.Though she contends that anyone can incorporate Judaism into his/her life, I doubt that's really what she's after, because then she wouldn't be (as the same reviewer commented), such a "sought-after lay speaker."

She is sought-after because her thesis is that Torah-inspired Judaism isn't such a "dirty" concept after all... even the rich can do it!But I for one resent that kind of help, with its insinuation that there is something improper about religious life, that it needs the "hechsher" (imprimatur) of wealth and a good upbringing to make it palatable.

In true Conservative fashion, Hendler's book ultimately touts Jewish life only as a means to personal fulfillment, rather than as a system of ancient responsibilities which are often as difficult and confounding as they are uplifting.Though she describes the difficulties of observance, her descriptions are often superficial and breezy, much like the title of this book.To me, both epitomize the Conservative obsession with being religious, but not TOO religious, that eventually drove me away from that movement altogether.

Another reviewer commends Hendler for her patience, but at many points in this book, that could be interpreted as restraint and a less-than-wholehearted desire to make the major life changes Judaism demands.

Read this book for its anecdotes and reminiscences, but don't expect any kind of epiphany.There isn't a lot of "take away" wisdom in this self-obsessed work.Hendler does provide a reading list, and the story of her journey might make a good starting point for Conservative Jews who want to stay that way.But there are better autobiographies to read for inspiration if you're interested in embarking on a full, open-minded Jewish journey.

An intimate personal search for Jewish meaning
This book is an intriguing glimpse into the exhilirating, yet difficult journey of the author to lead a more Jewishly-informed life.Ms. Hendler describes her journey in a beautifully written style, with ano-holds-barred view of both the joy and difficulties in such a journey. The joy and meaning derived from her newfound literacy are beautiful toread.The personal difficulties faced in her newfound commitment tofollowing more Jewish halakah are often disturbing.An example is herdescription of the time her family takes her to a crab house for Mother'sDay, shortly after she has announced that she will keep kosher from now on. I highly recommend this well-told personal account and look foward towhere Ms. Hendler next directs her literary talents.

Well written example, but not a "how-to"
While I found The Year Mom Got Religion to be an entertaining read, there are some reservations I would like to register.Meyerhoff Hendler herself suggests, there may be no such thing as an "average Jew," andthus appropriately confines her comments toher own spiritual journey. Her honesty in narrating the false steps, insecurities (initially not beingable to follow the Shabbat service), and failures as well as her successes,joys and evolving relationship with God, is to be commended.Her story ispoignant, humorous, inspiring, and extremely well written.

However, thoselooking for a guide to their own spiritual development might bedisappointed.In chapter 7, Meyerhoff Hendler addresses the issue,"That's Fine for You, But What About the Rest of Us?"Here shetries to prove the point that ANYONE can undertaken the kind of lifealtering steps that she has taken, to acquire more knowledge, deepen theirspiritual committment and increase their religious participation.Sheclaims this is not an exercise reserved for the "rich andpowerful."She reports this from the comfort of a wealthy familyupbringing that encouraged enormous freedoms, a stable, financially-securemarriage (where her husband seems to be the only wage earning spouse), anda family of relatively self-sufficient preteen through youngtwenty-something children. She has the luxury of not only money, but time.Readers struggling to juggle jobs, care for small children and/or agingparents, who can't afford tospend the time meeting with rabbis, attendingextra lectures, buying or reading extra books, establishing a meeting/studygroup, or who are currently unaffiliated with a synagouge that will providesome of these functions, may well be out of luck.As a full-time workingmom of toddlers in rural America (40 miles from the nearest synagogue),Meyerhoff Hendler's encouragement sounded hollow. She "doesn't getit." The "average Jew's" spiritual journey back into Judaismmay not require wealth, but money helps "grease the wheels" tokeep one's momentum going.

I was happy for Lee Meyerhoff Hendler'sawakening, and felt enriched by sharing her experiences, but the mostpractical knowledge I gained from reading the book was among herrecommendations of other texts found in the appendix.

intelligent, honest, interesting, relevent
the title does not do justice to the depth and intelligence of this book.one of the best on the subject of Jewish identity in America -- and how to develop one -- that I have read. ... Read more

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A translation of the famous 18th-century German treatise with introduction and detailed commentary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Quality of translation
It is a known fact that translations of the 18th-century German philosophers are often lacking, as it is difficult to express some pointedly precise German terms in any other language.
It was a most pleasant surprise to see, how careful the translator (Allan Arkush) has been, often quoting original German terms in brackets, which allows the reader to go into dictionaries and other literature for additional information.
Mendelssohn's opus magnum is not and should not be directed at Jews only. Anybody, who is concerned with the 21st-century problems of terrorism and religious fanaticism (be it Jewish, Catholic, Protestant of Muslim) should read and meditate it. The idea of separation between Church and State is explained better than in many more "modern" treaties.
Read "Jerusalem", think about it and you will never regret it. ... Read more

Product Description
A feminist critique of Judaism as a patriarchal tradition and an exploration of the increasing involvement of women in naming and shaping Jewish tradition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

standing at sinai
It was in a far better condition than I was expecting it doesnt even look like the spine of the book was ruined. It also got in a quick amount of time.

Wake up People!!!
Flee foolishness--Frankly who gives a dang about a feminist perspective, a homosexual perspective....what is God's perspective for man? that is all that is important...scripture is twisted at ones own peril.

a great book
I was glad to get this book! It was in fine condition and came in a timely fastion. I will be glad to buy form this seller again. Angela Miller

This book belongs in the library of every feminist of faith!
Plaskow's work is especially relevant to Jewish feminists, but anyone who is interested in reconciling an ancient path with a modern sense of feminist justice would do well to read this book.Plaskow does not rejecttradition, nor does she make apologies and excuses for injust parts of it(like the demonization of the "niddah"), but rather looks deeplyinto the past and present to find, nurture, and embrace what is right, andremedy what is wrong.An excellent read! ... Read more

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Product Description
The essays in this volume reflect the effort to recognize the alteration in the intellectual and social contexts in which Jews and Christians gather for prayer, and the undermining of the conjunction between memory and ritualization. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Book of Remembrance
Since the publication of Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi's magisterial Zakhor: Jewish History and Jewish Memory in 1982 by the University of Washington Press (reissued in 1989), there have been additional scholarly reflections on remembrance in the scriptures, as well as a vigorous conversation among Jewish intellectuals over the role of memory in maintaining Jewish identity.

And Christian scholars have also taken an interest in remembrance in the Old and New Testaments. Signer's anthology of fifteen essays is an important reminder of the relevance of biblical concepts for faith and also a significant contribution to the conversation among and between Jews and Christians over these issues.

Interestingly enough, it is the Latter-day Saints who seem to have first had access to the "ways of remembrance" as set out in the Old Testament in Yerushalmi's book. They thereby discovered the important role of remembrance as set out in the prophetic teachings in the Book of Mormon, and also in LDS liturgy and ritual, and might wish to give this anthology some attention.

An informative array of very highly recommended essays
Judaism and Christianity are religious communities bound together by rituals of commemoration reaffirming to each its identity in the present through images and words from the past. During the 20th century, both Jews and Christians have engaged in a creative dialogue with historical disciplines and held conversations significantly altering their respective approaches to theological and religious language. Modernity undermined naive conjunctions between memory and ritualization, challenging the validity of memory grounded in the authority of divine revelation. In Memory And History In Christianity And Judaism, Michael Signer has gathered together an informative array of very highly recommended essays and responses by erudite and knowledgeable contributors affirming the difficulty and desirability of lining history and memory with the context of the Jewish and Christian communities. ... Read more

Product Description
The outspoken author of the best-selling Kosher Sex turns his energy and erudition to the core teachings of Judaism itself, presenting the Jewish faith as a source of inspiration and meaning to people of all religions. Amazon.com Review
You think Jews don't evangelize? Think again. In Judaism for Everyone Shmuley Boteach imagines a future in which his religionprovides "a locus of spirituality for men and women of all faiths." This sounds like a pretty good future. "In some religions the purpose of life is to perfect oneself," Shmuley begins. "For Judaism the purpose of life is the healing of the world." So, in the same way that Buddhist and Hindu traditions have spawned global interest in Eastern meditation and yoga, Judaism's broad concern for the holiness of this world may catch on with gentiles. Particular traditions of observance such as the Sabbath, for instance, may help gentiles to heal the alienation and lower the noise level of modern life. Throughout this book, Shmuley describes Judaism in terms that are both startlingly fresh and strangely commonsensical, a balanced perspective that will appeal to many readers, not least those who enjoyed his bestselling Kosher Sex. --Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Oh-So-Readable!
I find this book wonderful! Rabbi Boteach writes in a very clear voice, and explains himself in ways that I'm sure nearly everyone can understand. Even though I am not Jewish I found that so much in this book made sense... Rabbi Boteach is an Orthodox Rabbi, which can sound scary to a lot of non-Jews, but honestly there were only a couple things that I found surprisingly strict (and anyway, who says you have to agree with everything in the book to enjoy it?). The book touches on a broad array of subjects, and all of them were interesting! I am interested in some of his other books now!

Great..
Rabbi Boteach's view of Judaism is such an inspiration to me. He reminds us of all the beautiful aspects of being a Jew. I read this book with joy and share parts with friends and even bought a copy for another friend. I love that he is open-minded and wants to share lessons from our beautiful religion with everyone. Highly recommended!

Superb concise & totally a pleasure to Read
I love this book & will keep it for revisiting. A pleasure to read.The writer gives the depth of someone who understands Judaism while at the same time demonstrates a love & grasp of Torah.Uplifting to everyone both Jew & Non-Jew.

A wonderful book of advocacy for Judaism
Shmuely Boteach is a somewhat controversial figure in the Jewish world. He is a dynamic outreach person who some believe has gone too far in his outreaching. But his love of Judaism and his love of people are very clear in this work. He is the kind of spiritual teacher who does not content himself with spouting platitudes but aims to make a real difference in people's lives.
He dares to be different, and he dares to be outspoken. And he dares to say that Judaism is not getting its fundamental messages across to its own people as well as to others.
Boteach writes in a vivid way. And generally his spirit of wishing to reach out to help others runs all through the work.
He sees Judaism as a living faith that has a message for mankind which no only those born as Jewish, but others can rationally and emotionally adopt as their own.
This is a wonderful book of advocacy for Judaism and is highly recommended.

Judaism for Everyone?
This book takes the glory of Judaism and reduces it to some very simple ideas clearly meant to appeal to simple thinkers. This is not Judaism for everyone it is Judaism for no one.
The author's only objective is to appeal to a mass market so as to increase the books sales.
He shows no great thought whatsoever in this simplistic book. His interpretations and ideas are infantile; this author is by no means a great thinker.
I believe the author has forgotten what true Judaism is really about (it is full of complexities and contradictions that require great thinkers and learned persons to interpret and explain them properly and with great sensibilties for its many traditions). The author has learned instead what it takes to sell many books.
A breif example; his explanation of why Dairy and Meat together are not Kosher is a new one and is ridiculous one. Abraham ate dairy and meat. No Prophet has ever claimed in a dietary law that dairy and meat together are prohibited, you think the famed Rabbi should no this by now.

Unfortunately there is absolutely nothing of any value to learn about Judaism from this book.

A very disappointed reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

want to know about Qumran and Apocalypticism?
This book is a collection of "essays" on subjects. It's very interesting if you are at all interested in the Dead Sea Scrolls or Qumran. David Flusser is an expert! If you are bored with one subject or get the point and want to move on it's easy to do. ... Read more