Israel Books

I enjoyed reading this book. It's written by an insider, a priest, who has lived in the Holy Land, and knows it well. He is quick to point out why certain places are believed to be actual sites where events occurred and what not to believe. He includes appropriate hymns and prayers for the holy sites. It is written for those taking a spiritual journey to the Holy Land.

I am leading a group of 48 people to the Holy Land and originally intended to compose a liturgy/sacred reading book for the group to use at each of the sites of our visit. I began to research all the relevant Scripture passages; for example, Elijah's battle with the Baals for our stop at Mt. Carmel; the Capernaum passages, etc. Then I discovered Fr. Doyle's book and Hallelujah! Saved me a ton of time. All the relevant Scripture references etc. and passages for all the key sites, along with appropos reflections, suitable hymns etc. This book is not an exegesis nor a history nor archeological text, but an excellent liturgical accompaniment.

I ordered 4 copies of this book last Sunday and paid for shipping next day air. You needed 1/2 days for handling. The books have not arrived and I'm leaving tomorrow (Sunday) for Israel. Please note: I'm not paying and will need to send these books back due to delay in arriving

I have grown up reading the biblical stories recounted in the Hebrew bible as essentially historical recollections. I have always had some reservations about their accuracy as historical fact and their exaggerations of the scale of the Exodus. This book dispels any notion that the Bible records history accurately or factually. This book strongly suggests that the Exodus, as described in the Bible, is a work of fiction and that the 40 year wandering in the desert is more a theological wandering than a historical event. It does appear, from having read this book twice, that much of Israel's history is fabricated for political purposes and exaggerated toward the Southern Kingdom's benefit. Even the revered Solomon's very existence is questionable. At best he may be a fairly minor king whose exploits and building projects are either non-existent or greatly enhanced by later scribal embellishment.

This is an excellent introduction to the latest research in Biblical Archaeology, presenting a middle ground between the Minimalist and Maximalist debate which has sought to polarise the issue over the last 15 years. Both Finkelstein and Mazar are leading exponents in the field of Post-processual Archaeology, but neither are afraid of examining where the Biblical record is confirmed or challenged by the findings of modern archaeology. For a balanced view, with good editorial summaries, this book looks at the various periods and brings the reader up-to-date with the findings of the latest ecavations.

This book is a great resource for those who are interested in the history of ancient Israel. It is written in a manner that is very informative, but not so academic that the material is meaningless to people to aren't scholars. The book is divided into sections, with each part consisting of a chapter by Finkelstein and a chapter by Mazar. The intent of the authors is to examine and evaluate the archaeological data that pertains to the history of Israel, which includes a look at what archaeology says about the period of the patriarchs, the story of the exodus, the conquest, and the monarchy. The book demonstrates in an engaging way that, while the authors disagree on the interpretation of some of the archaeological data they are both in agreement that the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) contains historical data within its pages, and is not, as some scholars would assert, a completely fictional work. The book also serves as a handy summary reference for the archaoleogical data pertaining to these topics.

I am not very knowledgeable in regard to 'Biblical Criticism'. I do recall however that I found Kaufmann's work far more solid, interesting and respectful than most Biblical Criticism I know. His search to understand the uniqueness of the religion ancient Israel in the context of a surrounding pagan world makes for exciting and convincing reading. His tracing of the development of basic ideas of the religion through his reading of the Biblical texts also moves.
I strongly second the notion of the reviewer named Tupper who says that this book should be back in print.

Kaufman's study is a masterful introduction to the religion of ancient Israel. Because it was published in Hebrew and in multiple volumes no less, Kaufman?s work was generally overlooked when it was published. However, once Moshe Greenberg abridged and translated Kaufman's study into English, more scholars discovered what Kaufman has to say.

In part, Kaufman?s book is an argument against Julius Wellhausen?s "Prolegomena to the History of Israel." Wellhausen had championed the documentary hypothesis that the first five books of the Bible were composed from several distant sources and Wellhausen dated P, the Priestly source, as the latest and in fact post-exlic. Kaufman accepted the documentary hypothesis, but challenged Wellhausen?s claim that P was post-exilic. Kaufman argued that in fact P contained some of the oldest strands in the Bible.

However, Kaufman's book is far more than a debate about dating the sources. Kaufman sought to demonstrate the originality and uniqueness of ancient Israel's religion in the context of the ancient world. Moreover, Kaufman reviews the entire Bible and seeks to demonstrate how the core concepts of Israel's religion developed over time and were shaped in different ways by the various authors and prophets.

Sadly, Moshe Greenberg's masterful condensation and translation is now out of print. I say "sadly" because over time scholars have begun to appreciate more and more Kaufman's genius. There are many modern scholars today who have been greatly influenced by Kaufman - Jacob Milgrom, Israel Knohl, Richard Friedman, and Moshe Greenberg himself, to name only a few. These days one frequently notices references to Greenberg?s abridgement of Kaufman in footnotes but, unless one already has Greenberg's translation, looking up the citation is hopeless. One can only hope that Greenberg?s abridgement and eminently readable translation of Kaufman's masterpiece will someday soon be published again.

Prof. Yechezkel Kaufmann (1889-1963),with its original and creative attitude, goes back 3,300 years to the period when the Israeli beliefe had been born. This comprehensive research was written from scientific-historic point of view. The main question of this great book is what can be learned from the bible books, what is being reflected in the old stories. Kaufmann is trying to prove that the Israeli monotheistic belief is an original creation from the days of Moses. From those days the monotheistic belief was the ruler power in Israel and gave this nation a special course in the history of the world. The readers will be deeply thrilled and expressed by this book, even if not everyone would agree with its conclusions.

An historic fiction novel set primarily in the forests of Kiev and the emcampments of displaced Jewish refugees trying to survive the elements and the events of WWII. The Babi Yar massacre is well detailed. The Jewish Resistance fighters' missions and fate tell the tale of what they had to endure in the name of Freedom!

This historical novel paints a picture of the hardships, problems and dangers faced by resistance groups in WWII. The fact that it deals mainly with the added problems that Jewish resistance fighters faced gives us a real understanding of just how brave and resilient these amazing people were. Their spirit lives on...

The fact that most of these stories were taken from survivors and the backstory taken from the transcripts of the Nuremburg Trials just made the story even more fantastic, tragic and amazingly inspirational!

were amazing people and they endured unspeakable atrocities. It is a testimony to the human spirit that any of them lived, let alone fought back for their freedom and that of the rest of the free world.

This novel was obviously meticulously researched. It felt more like a history book. Well worth the read. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical fiction or is a WWII history buff!

A depth analysis of the Israeli wine industry + reviews of more than 1500 wines. Written by a real pro who thinks not only about what the snobs will like but what the average drinker will enjoy. A great guide for buying.

What a superb book! As good as the best international wine guides and with reviews of more than 1600 wines. Professionally written with fascinating information about the Israeli wine industry and a great way to know which wines are worth buying. Very highly recommended!

Even better than the 2005 edition! Easy to read reviews, an overview of the Israeli wine industry, almost 140 wineries, almost 2,000 wines. A professionally written book for wine lovers and for those just getting into wine.

So useful on our recent trip to Israel....was pleased we'd bought this before we got to the wineries. There are some real wonderful vintages to look for.

This is the 3rd Edition I have of this Guide. I find this edition easier to navigate then the previous editions. There is a lot of information in here regarding Israeli wines.

Great book on Israeli wines. Well structured, with practical information. Nice rating chart for winetasting included in dustcover. Handy for photocopying.

Rogov's book is the bible for Israeli wines. Israeli wines were recently highlighted by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. He rated many wines at 90+. Rogov's book gives detailed tasting notes and vintage information, albeit his ratings are slightly inflated. But the taste of many of these wines are not. The big problems is that it is hard to find many of these wines in the US. But if you try hard, you can find most, except from the smallest boutique wineries.

Its been within the last decade that Israel has achieved a justified fame and recognition for the quality of its wines. Now in a newly revised and updated fourth edition, "Rogov's Guide To Israeli Wines 2008" continues to bring addition to the wines of Israel by showcasing not only the more than 2,000 vintages (tasted, rated and described), but also more than 150 Israeli wineries. Enhanced for the wine connoisseur with a tasting chart, a detailed map of Israel's wine regions, and 500 new releases along with their critiques. "Rogov's Guide To Israeli Wines 2008" is enthusiastically recommended for all wine enthusiasts, and is a reliable reference guide for restauranteurs and retail wine sellers.

Rogov's 2008 Guide to Israeli Wines is the latest winner in Rogov's, the top Israeli wine critic and Ha'aretz's wine writer, series of reviews. With several thousand new reviews and 12 new wineries, as well as an excellent series of articles about the history of Israeli wine and the wine revolution that has been taking place over the past 20 years, this is a must for any wine lover. It's time Israeli wines were discovered by all - Jew and non-Jew - and this book is a great start to bringing the wonders of Israeli wine to those outside of the country (and yet is also highly appreciated by those, like me, who live in Israel).

Beyond this important book, for more information on Israeli wine - which isn't all kosher despite the amazon tagging - see HaKerem: The Israeli Wine [...]

For all of us who are sorry to see the "Left Behind" series coming to an end "The Samson Option," looks like an exciting replacement.
I had read Miss Geyer's first book, "Daughter of Jerusalem", and when I heard that she had written another book, I went right out and ordered it.
She seems to know the city of old Jerusalem quite well, which makes a lovely and authentic background for a sweet love story and a thought provoking mystery. Great Book!

Donald Coop
Temecula, California

I just finished S. Geyer's "The Samson Option." This story is not only a good read that held my interest, but is a timely subject of ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. S. Geyer's escorted me on a walk through history, with its people, religions and customs. Her main characters, Ari and Lily come alive as they each wander on a separate and perilous journey, hoping to rekindle their love for each other. With the book's vivid descriptions, I had a great sense of being there. I could see the lava rocks, steep cobblestone steps leading to ancient buildings, and landscapes going back to the beginning of time.

I'm looking forward to journey again with Ari and Lily in Geyer's sequel entitled, "The Time of Jacob's Troubles."
Doris M. Quigg,

Thanks either to the efforts of her editors or to herself, Sharon Geyer's latest book makes what is not always an easy step from the non fiction into the fictional world. As in her previous work, Daughter of Jerusalem, the plot of The Samson Option creates an irresistable pull, allowing the reader to enter effortlessly into the flow of the narrative. Also similar to their real life contraparts in Daughter of Jerusalem, the charactors in the Samson Option ring true. By the end of the book you not only feel you know them, but also want to know more of them. Comparing the two books, Ms. Geyer's fiction is as much a vehicle for the truth in all of us, as her autobiography was for her own personal ones. In short, after being put through the ringer by this fast paced story, you're left wanting more. This is always the sign of a superb story teller. For my own part, I look foreward to her next volume.

The Shepherd's Song is written in an engaging style making it easy to read. It brings scenes and events from David's life alive and then shows how the same struggles are ours today. This book takes you beyond seeing David as a dirty, shepherd boy watching sheep and writing songs to the man his own mighty men feared. The Shepherd's Song reviews David's failings and his restoration by God's grace when David turned in repentance and sought the Lord's will. In reference to David's adulterous affair, the author states we are a very deceptive people--how often does the phone wake you and you tell the other person "no you didn't wake me."

This is a good book for independent reading. At the back of the book discussion questions are divided by chapter, so Sunday School classes or small groups could use it as a study.

An easy read that draws you in and holds you long after you've finished the book.This is the best study of David's life that I've ever read.It goes into depth on David from his youth to death not just his shining moment with Goliath and his dark one with Bathsheba, and holds a mirror up to our own lives as in relation to his.It makes David real to you and shows how much we can still learn from his example.And shows how the God who shaped David will shape you too.It's written from a christian perspective.It was fist released under the title "Finding the Heart to Go On."

I read this book nearly two years ago and based a Sunday School adult class on the practical lessons each chapter contains. One of the most popular classes at our Church. The reader comes to understand how a man who sinned so grievously, time after time could be reffered to by God himself as "a man after my own heart". By discovering how God could possibly see David as a man after God's own heart, the reader comes to understand that he too can have a God like heart even though he makes mistakes.

One read this stirring story, from cover to cover, at one enthralling sitting. The tender love story enfolds, with many surprises, over a period of 40 years in parallel with the development of the nascent state of Israel. The narrative is extremely well plotted and beautifully written; the inclusion of letters and poems adds greatly to the interest and allows the reader a rare insight into the inner world of the lovers.
A joy to read! Heartily recommended!

I got such a kick from reading this book. Very different from the usual love affair genre. The plot is set in young naive Israel of the 1950's, taking place in Tel Aviv-Jerusalem-Haifa, the characters so differ from stereotype novel lovers... And that exchange of letters!! I intend violating copyright laws and to communicate some of those texts to my wife :)
Don't miss this good read.

Ruth Borman captures the reader's attention with the exciting life of Ronni, a young Israeli sabra, who is in her early twenties. She will be discharged from the Israeli Defense Forces in a few weeks and looks forward to being a civilian again. She is recovering from a painful love affair and is anticipating her new job as teacher at an elementary school. She was lucky to receive impeccable references and to snare this coveted position. After returning home one night from a friend's wedding, Ronni is surprised to discover a stranger, a handsome Israeli lawyer, Gabriel Zadok, waiting to meet her.

Gabriel is an enigma, a Marcello Mastroianni look alike, who has a regal bearing, charming smile, and speaks to Ronni as if he knew her all her life. His preconceived notions about what she is like creates both intrigue and tension within their relationship. They clash in so many ways ... yet ... Ronni ends up sharing a late-night rendevous at a pizzeria and an intimate walk on the beach with him. To her surprise, they had more in common than she realized: both grew up in Haifa, attended the same schools, and even lived within the same general neighborhood, although they have a seven year age gap. After a blazing and satisfying love affair filled with upheavals: Gabriel drops a bomb. Out of the clear blue, he shockingly breaks off their "unofficial" engagement. It is due to a valid reason one which makes him look like a martyr, a saint. The reader will be amazed to discover what it is. The author's creativity and genius shine. Her imagination went into overdrive

In this book, the author explores the depths of the man-woman relationship with creativity, clarity, imagination, sensitivity, heated emotions and passion. These two young Israelis from very different social backgrounds meet, clash, collide and then fall in love. They engage in a torrid love affair that is suddenly broken off. They live parallel lives and meet forty years later, to answer the age old question, can they resolve, make peace with the deep and everlasting pain which caused their breakup?

After the breakup, Ronni was devasted, moved to London and married Mike Evans, a warm and gentle soul with a solid reliable profession: cardiac surgeon. Within seven years, they had three children. Gabriel became ancient history, a distant memory, some of which she shared with Mike. They moved back to Israel after Mike received an appointment to teach in the Medical School at Hebrew University. Is it coincidence, chance or fate? Gabriel Zadok also taught at Hebrew University but as faculty in the Law School. Although they all lived in Jerusalem, many years passed before they met. It was forty years after the burning love affair that Ronni got stuck at the airport in Zurich. Who should happen to pass by and offer her help but Gabriel Zadok! They had dinner and he offered her his hotel room to freshen up. Guess what happened next! He was filled with impassioned pleas, explaining and justifying his breaking off their relationship so long ago. What is more - he wanted her back. However, despite this one unforgettable enigmatic night, she could not shatter her stable life to take up where they left off. Again, they resumed their parallell lives ...until ...they met again.

This time it was her husband Mike who inadvertently brought Gabriel Zadok back into Ronni's life. Mike participated in a multi-disciplinary symposium at Hebrew University that included the law faculty and Gabriel. Amazingly, Mike and Gabriel met and liked one another! Ruth Borman writes "days of grace followed" yet it was a "controlled storm". Recovering from the shattered love affair of forty years ago, Ronni was able to reconcile the disparate parts of her past ...until again ... fate or G-d struck the final and ultimate blow. Ronni had to say her last good-bye to Gabriel which was through a letter, one of their most initmate means of communication. This book tackles a very complex subject and probes the heart, mind, and emotions of its characters revealing many winding paths and deeply complicated layers. It is truly among the best love stories I have ever read. The author has a great understanding of human nature which she demonstrates on each and every page of this book. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]