Israel Books

Though Ariel Sabar may regret that his relationship with his father was so contentious, readers have cause to rejoice because that fractured relationship led Sabar to pen this elegant tale of his father's life and language.

Yona Sabar, a Jewish Kurd, grew up speaking Aramaic, an ancient language now all but lost. He is also a celebrated linguist who has worked tirelessly to document his language before it dies. This book traces that effort, weaving a colorful tapestry of Jewish life in Iraq, Kurdish life in Israel, and immigrant life in America.

Though the portions of the book dealing with Ariel himself were less compelling, the tales of Yona's early life in Kurdistan are hypnotic- I had a difficult time putting this book down. The writing is excellent and the character of Yona breathes throughout the book. The book is never technical about linguistics; the story of Yona's work is presented as I believe he experienced it- a treasure hunt generating excitement with each new clue.

Highly recommended!

I actually loved this book. It was well written. Pictures in your mind of the scenes were actually painted as you read the stories. As the author walked through his heritage and through his father's country you walked right beside him. Cried with him and laughed with him, was disappointed when he was and wanted more. This story is about a man taking his fathers legacy and putting it into print. It is a story of a dying language being brought back to life. I will read this book again and again and highly recommend it as a good read.

My Father's Paradise is a wonderful homage to Ariel Sabar's father, who was born in Kurdish Iraq and spent his childhood years in a Jew in an ancient society Iraq and as an unappreciated immigrant in the new state of Israel. The book opened my eyes to a culture that has mostly vanished except in the lives of its survivors. It also shows the power of language in reflecting the culture of people, so that even when the inital culture dies, it can remain alive within the language and oral traditions of its people.

Sabar uses his father's history to dscover who he is and where he fits into the melting pot that is twenty-first century America. He discovers that which makes him unique, which ultimately makes him strong. This is something that so many second generation Americans learn, and it is very nicely explored and analyzed in this book.

I very much encourage anyone with an interest in the dynamics of social change to read this fascinating book.

"My Father's Paradise" is the haunting story of Yona Sabar, born a Jew in Zakho, in the heart of Kurdish Iraq. Yona's family immigrated to Israel in 1951. Yona was 13 years old when they arrived in Israel. He worked days and completed his high school in evening schools provided for the young workmen. He was admitted to Hebrew University he studied Aramaic. In 1967 he was awarded a scholarship to Yale University in America. Yona Sabar went on to become a well regarded professor of Aramaic at UCLA.

It was not until Ariel held his first son in his arms that he begin to think he might have misjudged his father and determined to seek out answers. By then he was a journalist, questions were a natural part of the trade. But this was something deeper...then a story.

Ariel Sabar's quest, to better understand his father, took him on a journey to Kurdish Iraq. Yona accompanied him. They went to find what was left of Zahko, Yono's paradise. Ariel wanted to learn the story of the Sabar family. This book is the result of his careful research, interviews, letters, diaries, photographs, and official documents. Ariel has made every effort to provide a framework that tells his family story.

His findings are rich in historical, geographical, and cultural background. He goes back into the history of his Jewish ancestry (the Jews of Kurdistan) but also highlights the history and politics of the Kurds, the Turks, and the Arabs.

The book provides photo illustrations that bring the pages to life and add another dimension to this awe inspiring tribute to a deserving father from a loving son.

Sabar's writing is heartfelt, thought provoking, and moving. Yona's person, character, and story will haunt the reader for days. I find myself going back to recapture something I might have missed. Highly recommended.

If you are an American Jew, the offspring of immigrants, a linguist, a student of the Mideast crisis, or an ex-teen who's finally dropped the attitude, you should read this book. And if I'm not mistaken, that would be all of us.

I've scarcely considered the plight of the Sephardic Jews of Western Asia much less the disposition of the Lost Tribes of Israel. Nor pondered the enormity of forced exile and the task of assimilating these uprooted peoples in America or Israel. Never knew the painstaking scholarship involved in archiving an ancient language. I was taken aback by the prejudices held by European immigrants towards those from the Middle East and Africa during the settlement of Israel. And heartened to learn that in Kurdish Iraq midway through the 20th century per a village elder there, "We and the Jews were loving each other...We were blood brothers."

I am no stranger, however, to the know-it-all attitudes with which children view their parents, and the father and child reunion that dominates the last chapters of this book is the best part of all.

Take a journey with Mr. Sabar back to a lost homeland, back to family. It's a place we all need to visit.

This vibrant & colorful work on the diverse society of Israel incorporates interviews with a large number of individuals, insightful observations, facts of history and the constantly changing figures & statistics of the dynamic little country. This second updated edition covers the start of the new millennium, bringing the story up to date. Rosenthal deftly integrates the personal opinions of hundreds of individuals with the latest developments in a rapidly evolving society for a most intriguing portrait of the miracle nation at the centre of the earth, a country of more than 7 million people of different geographical, cultural & religious backgrounds. She avoids politics as much as possible which is a definite advantage.

Israel is a tiny sliver of decency where the rule of law applies, in a vast neighborhood of oppression stretching from the Atlas Mountains to the Arabian Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Its free media, its buoyant - sometimes even tumultuous - democratic process and its freedom of religion set it apart from the rest of the Middle East, from North Africa as well as Russia and the states of Central Asia. It manages to maintain this respect for life despite continuous belligerence from its Middle Eastern neighbors, threats of divestment, opprobrium from organizations like the United Abominations and an onslaught of homicide-suicide bombings, the results of which are documented in Life in the Shadow of Terror by Nechemia Coopersmith.

Rosenthal's writing style is enthralling and very honest, as she deals with dating, family attitudes to various issues, relations between the sexes, relationships across religious & ethnic divides and the role of the IDF in bringing people together. In this section, my ears were perking up every 3rd paragraph or so, admittedly for anything but pious reasons. Her examination of the IDF, a formidable fighting force, illuminates and entertains in an amusing manner as does her analysis of the country's impressive technological innovation, an issue more thoroughly covered in Israel in the World: Changing Lives Through Innovation by Helen & Douglas Davis.

The book recounts several dramatic instances of the ingathering such as those of the Beta Israel from Ethiopia and the massive influx of Russians after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a valuable gain of skills in fields ranging from medicine to technology and culture. Regarding the Beta Israel, I highly recommend Operation Solomon by Stephen Spector, a book that recounts this tale of suspense in riveting detail. Rosenthal explains the difference between Ashkenazim, Sephardim & Mizrahim, Haredim, Orthodox and Secular as well as the diverse Arab and Christian communities. About 50% of Israeli Jews are descendents of refugees from North African & Middle Eastern states who fled or were expelled after the rebirth of the nation in 1948. Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christian numbers are growing and Arab Christians are amongst the most wealthy & educated of citizens. Chapters are devoted to the Druze, the Muslim communities and the nomadic Bedouin who find themselves in a particularly interesting phase between tradition & modernity.

The final section deals with marriage, polygamy, adultery, divorce, sexual preferences and the use of substances. Considering the existential threats the country faces, especially from Hezbollah & Iran, and the psychological scars inflicted by two millennia of antisemitism, the negatives are not as severe as in other societies. One cannot but regret the occurrence of adultery, divorce and prostitution but even this part holds the reader's attention without depressing too much. Even in the sadness of these vices, a certain love of life shines through that is more affirmative than melancholy. However much those of us who love Israel would like to see less of this sort of thing, I think only Mashiach will ultimately solve these problems in wisdom & mercy.

The different communities comprising the nation of Israel might seem divisive on the surface but when assessed as a whole, thoroughly contemplated & digested, the words of all these individuals obliquely affirm an underlying unity in all the bewildering diversity. In other words, all the contributing cultural elements really serve to strengthen the soul of the nation. One highly admirable fact not discussed at length is Israel's embrace of Sudanese refugees from Darfur; while the world, the NGO's and the UN are babbling on without doing anything, Zion is extending mercy to those who by the grace of the Almighty manage to reach it. G-d bless Israel. This inspiring & uplifting book concludes with an epilogue, notes, bibliography and index.

This book is very interesting and easy to read, as one can turn to any page and read a short section at a time. I also found it very broad in scope; it does not shy away from controversial issues, such as homosexuality, extreme ultra-orthodoxy, poverty, crime, politics, etc. This appears to be an overview of Israel as it really is in 2008 -- a real eye-opener. I would recommend it to Jews and non-Jews alike.

If you have any intrest in knowing what life is like in Israel this book will satify your intrest. I found it very well written easy to read and the author gave intelligent insight and positions of all groups written about. Upon finishing this book I had a useful and fulfilling knowledge of Israelis and Israel. Of course this is only a glimpse but the book shows one there is such rich history and fascinating people in this diverse land. It gave some insight to both views mentioned in the editorial review. However I took from the book Israel is making attempts at assisting ALL Israelis no matter their ethnic origins. You will not regret adding this book to your Library.

I found this book (the first edition, 2003) in an apartment I'm renting in Jerusalem. It's quite interesting and well-written.

However, the author seems to have been rather sloppy in her research. I noticed at least two gross factual inaccuracies in details about the Orthodox communities in chapter 9, and this in turn calls into question whether the other information in the book is supported by the facts.

On page 176 (2003 edition), Rosenthal describes how "[s]oon after independence, Prime Minister Ben-Gurion agreed to Rabbi [E.M.] Schach's and other rabbis' requests to free haredi scholars of military obligation." Ben-Gurion's primary interlocutor on this issue was actually Rabbi A.Y. Karelitz (known as the Hazon Ish), the leading Lithuanian haredi rabbi of his day in Israel; the story of their meeting is quite well known in haredi circles, even to school-age children.

Again on page 188 (2003 edition), she writes: "For Lubavitch/Habad Hasidim, however, [Israel] Independence Day is a religious holiday becase they believe the birth of Israel in 1948 marked the beginning of the messianic redemption." This is completely incorrect: there are indeed religious Zionist Jews who believe this, and their communities are treated in the following chapter of the book; but Habad's position has never been that the establishment of the State has anything to do with the coming of the Messiah. Habad does support Jewish settlement on all territory under Israeli control, and opposes giveaways of land, for religious reasons having to do with saving Jewish lives; sometimes this puts them side-by-side with various Religious Zionist groups, as in opposition to the Gaza disengagement of 2005. Most likely our author saw or heard of such events and jumped to conclusions that the Habad and Religious Zionist ideologies are the same. But again, how hard would it have been to find out the real facts?

Rosenthal, Donna. "The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land", New Press, revised and updated, 2008.

My People

Amos Lassen

Americans have no idea who the Israelis are. The stories we get in the American media by and large depends on the source of the report. We see them here as soldiers fighting for their freedom and we see them as aggressive colonizers who determined to stay in control over Palestinians who resent them. We know that there is truth to both depictions and at the same time they depictions are distortions of who the Israeli really is. Donna Rosenthal looks at the Israeli across the broad spectrum and she gives very interesting insight as to the nature of the modern Israeli in two aspects--an individual and as a group.
Many Americans are simply not aware of the vibrancy and diversity of Israel and as the nation is such so are the citizens. There are the very Orthodox who constantly study and await the Messianic age. They are against those that dress immodestly and violate the Sabbath. There are the modern Israelis who excel in business and industry and do not bother with their religious heritage. There are the Bedouin Arabs who still live primitively carrying everything they own with them to wherever they go. There are prostitutes and mailmen and waiters and there are farmers and fishermen and gays, lesbians and those that are transgender.
Rosenthal entered Israeli society and interviewed many people and she gives us their backgrounds and their viewpoints. She discusses the decline of the kibbutz movement which was once vital to the country and shows how the ethic of collectively is no longer relevant. She shows how the Orthodox remain a community unto itself and stays isolated from mainstream Israeli culture and society. She shows the vice and corruption with Israel and the presence of the drug trade and she gives us a history of Zionism as we hear the reminiscences of the way it was. We hear from the man on the street, from the leaders, from Arabs and from Druze, from the Russian mafia and from the subcultures of sex and gambling.
Rosenthal has a wonderfully readable style and she manages to weave interviews, anecdotes and vignettes to give us a picture of a people that most of us know little about. But let me tell you that you must be prepared to have your preconceptions become misconceptions. In giving us the information on whom the Israeli is, Rosenthal sheds light on the shadows. It is absolutely amazing when we realize that Israel is a nation that has "ingathered the exiles"--Jews from all over the world who have not much in common except a history of persecution and the desire to live free in their own land.

I am not much of a reader- I start a lot of books but lose interest very fast. I could not put this one down. I read it in one weekend! What an amazing story. I was also struck by the similarities I see in America today.

I've just order Song of Redemption, which is the next in the series. Can't wait to get it!

I pass books on, this series I pass on, but want them back. The stories are rich and not at all trite. Rich spiritually and historically. Great character development. I especially like the novels that have an explanation at the end of where facts were gathered.

Riviting, well written and insightful. I have read the books of Kings and the books of Chronicles in the Bible, and for the most part, the words and names just slip through my mind as a long ago story. This book makes it very real. Personally, I couldn't help but see the eerie similarities between the Isreal that Hezekiah inhereted and the America that we live in today. Perhaps there is more than just history and entertainment to be gleaned from this book.

This series was incredible. I enjoyed the biblical history that was intertwined with Lynn Austin's imaginative story of some of Israel's kings & their lives. While reading this series, I was also drawn into worship with my God. His love & redemption are lived out by the characters as God's plan for Israel is unfolded. It made me wish I could still go to God's Temple on the Temple Mount & worship him like the Israelites did in their early history!

Good biblical fiction remains faithful to both Scripture and its characters while bringing ancient accounts fully to life. Lynn Austin has done a fantastic job of creating a vivid, insightful, page-turning story that I stayed up all night to finish. Austin has very romantically yet realistically depicted noble Hezekiah, the prophets Isaiah and Micah, and numerous other biblical characters. The heroes (and villains) are fully fleshed-out. The story line never slows as it unravels a tale compiled from numerous biblical texts (with which the author shows herself thoroughly knowledgeable). The backdrop of history and geography exhibit serious historical research.

I'm a fan of biblical fiction, and I haven't found any better than this.

WARNING: Don't even pick up Gods & Kings unless you're willing to commit to the five book series. You'll be hooked until the last page of book five.

This is a history of the Jewish Brigade Group of the British Army, formed on 19 September 1944. They saw action in Italy in the spring of 1945 but did not have the opportunity to enter Germany until after the war was over, possibly because of the reaction some of them have to a group of German POWs - they attacked the POWs and the Jewish officers had to stand between the Jewish soldiers and the POWs. After the surrender of Germany, Sergeant Israel Carmi and Captain Johanan Peltz visit the survivors at Mauthausen and return to camp with revenge on their minds. Carmi requests a transfer to military intelligence and begins gathering information on the commanders of the SS - and forms an execution squad made of Jewish soldiers. Throughout the summer of 1945, they execute by their estimate 300 Gestapo. Then in July 1945, Peltz and Carmi go into Poland to execute a Gestapo agent hiding as a Catholic priest. As they enter the church, they discover the priest is conducting a class of teenage girls. One of the girls makes her way to them, sees the Star of David on the shoulder patch of their uniforms, and declares her wish to return to her own people - her parents had hidden her in a Catholic orphanage. They forget their original mission and take the girl back to a Displaced Person camp near their camp. This launches the Jewish Brigade Group into a new mission - rescuing Displaced Persons and smuggling them into Palestine. I recommend this book on how history can be changed by a small decision.

It is excellently written. A true story. You do not want to let go.

How this book went under the radar is beyond me! Steven Spielberg should make a movie out of this, and it could be better than "Saving Private Ryan"! This is a true story, of the first official Jewish military fighting unit. It was formed, when the British government, agreed to send 5,000 Jewish volunteers to fight in Europe, during World War II. Let your heart, mind and soul, be put in the place of a Jewish soldier: Millions of Jews being exterminated in the concentration camps, and you aren't allowed to fight back, as a recognized official unit or brigade. Now your chance comes! This book, first delves into the different types of men in this group. The feeling of helplessness, even after being approved and organized, because they're kept away from the main fighting. I was deeply impacted, as I was told, that no one, had ever worn the Star Of David, on a military uniform before. What a wonderful contrast, to the Star Of David being put on all the Holocaust victims sleeves, as a means of humiliation. When the war ends, this Jewish Brigade, decides not to stop! They continue to go after Nazi officers in hiding, and people who stole Jewish citizen's artwork and valuables. Two individual scenes, brought pride to my chest, and tears to my eyes. One was when, two of the Brigade, finally tracked down one of the Germans, who had performed various atrocities against the Jews, and one member of the Brigade, said to the war criminal: "In the name of the Jewish people, I sentence you to death!" The other scene, was when members of the Brigade, came to the gates of a concentration camp, and the skeletal survivor's in pajamas, stood looking at them, and did not speak. One soldier said, "Don't be afraid" in Yiddish. "The survivors still did not speak" "The soldier felt guilty-of his health, his strength, his good fortune, to have been spared." "He tried again, "We're Jews," he said. "Confused, a man pointed to the Star Of David on the soldier's sleeve, and asked hesitantly, "You're Jewish angels?" I could not put this book down, and have tried to think of a million different reasons, why no one has made this into a movie. I bought the book for my son, who, with starting a new family, and a new job, doesn't have time to read. But after starting this book, he read it every morning before work, and at lunch, and finished it in a week. I bought a copy and sent it to my brother, who is the busiest guy I know. He never has time to read. He read it in a week, and then passed it on to an older gentleman where he works. I sent a copy to one of my best friends; he finished it in a week. We all still discuss, and quote this book today, and I read it over three years ago!

I met Howard Blum at a book signing at the JCC in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He was there for his book "The Eve of Destruction". He is an amazing story teller and has a powerful story to tell. This story is told thru the eye's of three men and a woman, Israel Carmi, Johanan Peltz, and Arie Pinchuk, Leah Pinchuk. The British in almost a regretfully way allow a Jewish Brigade to be raised from voluteer's from Palestine. A brigade of 5000 troops who fought the Nazi's in the Italian campaign. These brave men then take on another mission. Their most important mission in their lifes, rescueing Jewish orphan children. These troops stationed in Europe after the conflict were privately hunting down war crinimal's when almost by accident they rescued a ophan Jewish girl. Darkness had almost consumed these men in the never ending spiral of death when God stepped in and handed them the orphan girl.
"The more he killed in cold blood, the more he ensured that the horror the Nazis had let loose would continue to triumph. His only hope was to make a movement away from this ruinous faith. And now he knew what he had to do. For the first time he started to envision the beginnings of a plan, an active strategy, that brought with it the possibility of a world beyond all the evil."
Now you would think this would not be such a difficult problem, however the British were determined not to allow any more Jewish refugee's into Palestine!
A thrilling true story that will keep you in suspense till then end! This was a little known unit that contributed so much to humanity.

Howard Blum has written a compelling true narrative of a small group of Jewish soldiers who fought the Nazis along side the British Army in WWII. This little known slice of history is conveyed persuasively in The Brigade.

Blum discovered this small piece of history by accident when visiting the US Holocaust Museum. After he pulled together scores of interviews, he chose to tell the story through the eyes of three soldiers and one survivor, the sister of one of the soldiers. This telling is what gives this book its potency.

The strength of The Brigade is that it reads as a novel, and the reader cannot turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next. Blum's accurate portrayal and attention to details is what keeps us focused on the reality of this amazing story of courage and perserverance. He reminds us through his excellent storytelling that this did happen.

The book is not another war novel that expounds on the accounts of military victories. It shows the sacrifices and the souls of these men who risked their lives to save their people. It reveals their struggles and their doubts as well as their triumphant spirits.

The Brigade is a must read. It is uplifting and demonstrates the human spirit at its best.

This coffee-table volume was penned by Eva Marie Everson, a Christian author, and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, a Jewish author and tour educator who specializes in Christian tours of Israel. The book is a picture-filled devotional orientation to the land for Christians - from the Judean Wilderness to Capernaum to the Upper Room - created with a sensitivity not only to the Old Testament sites it captures, but with a deep desire to honor the Jewishness of Christianity.

The co-authors' interfaith friendship is foundational to this hardcover book's tone. Vamosh's historical perspective and Everson's lilting prose blend seamlessly throughout the book. Each of the 38 sites detailed in Reflections of God's Holy Land is given a similar treatment: Scripture referencing the place comes first, follwed by a section entitled "Did You Know?", a couple of pages of historical and geographic information. The section concludes with a devotional exploration of the place that is meant to help readers connect with the spiritual story of the site, whether they ever leave their armchair to visit Israel or not.

Even with a fair amount of text in the book, the format - one or two large pictures per page, captions and lots of white space on the glossy pages - makes it unmistakably an inspirational gift book. My only gripe about the book is that all of the pictures in Reflections have blurred-out, faded edges reminiscent of the kind of pictures you'd find in a Reader's Digest gift book on a nursing home coffee table.

That said, the book certainly helped to whet my appetite for my upcoming trip to Israel. It would also serve as a great reminder of a trip for a Christian pilgrim who has visited Israel.

The vast majority of us will never have the opportunity to take a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to walk where the patriarchs, prophets, Jesus, and the apostles traveled. Thanks to this amazing work by Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, however, we are all able to appreciate the beauty and history of this pivotal geographic area. In "Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey through Israel", Everson, a Christian, and Vamosh, a Jew, combine their knowledge and appreciation of the Holy Land to create an incredibly beautiful, informative book.

The first thing one notices about this book is its sheer breathtaking beauty. Designed as a coffee table book, it is full of photos that counteract any preconceived notions of what the Holy Land looks like. Simply looking at the photos, one feels that one has stepped into a different world steeped in history and blessed by God.

The information is first-rate as well. Each location is introduced by a Biblical passage that references that locale. The "Did You Know" section provides historical background about the place and information about life in Biblical times. These sections are full of fascinating facts. The "Reflections" are perhaps the most touching part of the narratives, exploring the effect a place has on the heart and on one's faith. For example, in Nazareth, Everson writes of looking over a railing at "Mary's Spring," a place which is thought to be the location of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel told Mary she was to conceive Jesus. "I would dip my hand into it, if only I could reach it. The water is clear and appears refreshing. Above it are more remembrances of Mary . . . of her life . . .of her gift. Living Water. Without him, Mary would have been just a girl. Just a virgin bride married to a Jewish carpenter. Just a mother like any other. Just like me. Without him, there was no 'her.' Like her, without him, there is no 'me.'" Another example comes from a visit to the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. "'We only have five loaves,' the disciples told Jesus. 'We only have two fish.' Isn't this the way of it? We think of what we 'only have' rather than what it might become in Jesus' hands. Not enough, we think, and so we hold back . . .With this, we think, we must feed ourselves only because we are hungry. . . I stretch my hand toward the lump of rugged stone beneath the altar. If only I could place what little I have to offer upon it, Jesus would feed others. Jesus would feed me."

"Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey through Israel" is a book to be savored and studied. It provides an armchair pilgrimage to the holiest of lands.

One year the congregation of the church my father pastored gave my parents the trip of a lifetime - a trip to the Holy Land. That was over twenty-five years ago and yet to this day, he still references the sites he saw during that experience in sermons and conversations. It truly made the Bible come "alive" for my parents.

When I saw the beautiful coffee table book Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel by Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, I eagerly thumbed through its pages. Could this be what I'd been looking for? A book to remind my parents of the life-changing places they visited those many years ago? Could this book help refresh their memories of that special experience?

The book doesn't disappoint. The stunning photography captures the sacredness of the terrain and the text is both educational and compelling.

The Christian faith of author Eva Marie Everson and Jewish faith of Miriam Feinberg Vamosh enhance their comprehensive sharing of their experiences of this hallowed ground. Eva, a writer, eloquently shares personal reflections of her journey and Miriam, a tour educator and resident of Israel, shares her detailed knowledge of Israel's history and archaeology.

A great gift idea.

There is a great new book from Thomas Nelson publishers that you really want to add to your home or pastoral library. Reflections of God's Holy Land is a combination travelogue, Bible backgrounds commentary, devotional, and coffee table book, that surrounds you in the sights, sounds and smells of the lands of the Bible.

Each of the almost forty articles features a gorgeous cover photo, followed by an informative "Did You Know" section supplied by a skilled tour guide, and "Reflections" by the authors, who share their devotional thoughts in a warm, personal style.

The writing style strikes a perfect balance: transitioning from the historical information to the intimate devotional thoughts is never jarring. And it is a compelling style. From the very beginning I was captivated: as in her introduction Eva described reaching out her hand to touch what may have been soot from Joshua's fire at Hazor I could feel the coolness of the stone.

The centerpiece of the book is the gorgeous photography. There is none of the dry, matter-of-fact images from far too many textbooks. These pictures are alive. The colors are vibrant and the composition draws you into every scene. Particularly exciting for me were the pictures of some of the animals that are mentioned in the Bible, such as rock coneys, and wild goats at En-Gedi.

Pastors will find the background information to be extraordinarily profitable. Reading the historical vignettes while looking at the actual locales will enrich your sermons and lessons, as you are now able to picture the places you are seeking to describe. And everyone will appreciate the quiet moments of reflection that the authors allow us to share.

Get this book. Integrate it into your sermon and lesson prep. Make it a part of your daily quiet times. It will be money - and time - well-spent.

I have not been able to put down the book! I am amazed at the high-quality photos as well as the wealth of information provided. I was blessed to hear Eva Marie Everson speak at a Christian Writer's Conference as she shared some experiences of her journeys to Isreal. This book is just like having a one- on -one with the author herself right in your home. This book is simply amazing! The insight Eva Marie Everson brings with her is captivating. My life nor outlook will never be the same after combing these pages. I pray for "Joshua's fire" to be evident in my bones for centuries as well.

This book was a huge blessing to me. God used it to really encourage my walk at the season I am in right now. It was a powerful and timely read for me, and confirmed things in my individual life that I sense God doing.
Being so encouraged by it and encouraging other Christians to read it, I was very sad and disappointed to learn that after the writing of HFOHP,the author, Hannah Hurnard fell into new age, occultism, reincarnation, etc. Her "doctrine" became a very flawed and inaccurate one and very different from the True doctrine of God's Word, the Bible. So, I wanted to give a warning to all Christians to enjoy HFOHP (perhaps even "Mountain of Spices" is okay. I've not read it yet.), but to stay away from her other writtings, as they are tainted with new age false doctrine. I feel her views were still pure at the point in which she wrote HFOHP, but not long after, she hit a downward spiral. So, just be careful and be forewarned.

A great book that draws you closer to God and realizing your great need for Him.

Brilliant, touching allegory rivaling the quality of Pilgrim's Progress--a quick, great read. I 100% recommend it.

This is an excellent devotional for anyone who is seeking a close relationship with my Heavenly Father God. I love being in the presence of God. This book gives me the intimacy I yearn for everday of my life. I know the readers of this book will feel the same way as I do when they are interacting with Our Lord and Savior. This book helps you to converse with the Master one on one.

This book is a life-changer! If I could I would give more than a 5 star rating! The insights pierce straight into the heart of humankind! Anyone who reads this book will see themselves in one character or another and discover the way to live life with The Great Shepherd on the heights and in the valleys! An added bonus is the womens devotional throughout the book with room for notes!

Efron does a good job in showing the back and forth. The book is slightly repetitious -- but it is going back and forth on the sides, so it is to be expected. He takes a tough topic and shows the reader how to gain some perspective on the issues. It is very helpful for American Jews who don't (cannot) fully understand the realities of a society they don't live in.

In some ways this book is about how minority and majority cultures will clash -- especially when they view themselves as distinct, empowered, and exclusive.

In the classic Jewish style of the story -- there are no real heroes, no real villains, and everyone suffers. It is sad but provocative. And since it is a glimpse of reality, it is therefore an important read.

Efron offers what we cannot get in newspapers, tv or other media. Not in Israel and not abroad.
Efron brings to the forefront what might be Israel's biggest problem. But he does it with a tremendous sense of responsibility.
Although the Haredi society has few voices interested in presenting their side, Efron does more than being a speaker for them. He presents Haredi and secular sides with thorough research. He doesn't let himself be dragged into the vortex of hatred that blinds people on both sides.
This book helped me better understand Israeli society, the origins of the problems and the possible consequences.
About the only thing we don't see in this book is the light at the end of the tunnel, nor any suggestions on how to resolve it, but I guess that would probably: a) prevent him from being unbiased and b) Would require another book.

I was initially put off by the fact that Efron has some link to the disreputable Michael Lerner. However, as I read the book today, non-stop, Noah Efron emerges as quite an honest man and he gives a fair accounting of the relevant issues that separate Jews in Israel.

I happily recommend this book to all Jews, especially those on the Left with such a relexive and emotional distate for our Haredi brethren. If the secular extremists could only calm down, the rifts in our community could be healed. After all, peace among the Jews is a pre-requisite for peace between the Jews and the Arabs and peace among the Jews needs to be on terms with great relevance concerning Judaism.

I hasten to add one additional thought. Efron does not confront the issue of Jewish self-hatred head on. After all the examples of irrational hatred against the Haredi population by leftist Jews, self-hatred emerges as a clear phenomenon. It is a shortcoming of the book that Efron does not isolate this issue and it is clear that the kind of Jew who takes great merit in prayer and Torah/Talmud study cannot find it in himself to throw ugly bromides at Heredi Jews. It is only the kind of Jew who finds himself estranged from Judaism that can express such hostility. What could be worse for a Jew who has abandoned Judaism than some guy in a black hat emploring him to put on tefilin? Anger is therefore a revealing emotion and I have no doubt the nightmare for Heredi Jew is when no one cares any more.

I will continue to send money to the Haredi community of Israel and I am thankful for Mr. Efron in writing a basically fair-minded account. Without his family in B'nei B'rak, it is likely Efron would be just another leftist Jew. God willing, we should all search for our frum relatives and see ourselves through their gentle eyes.

This book explores the divide between the Ultra-Orthodox religious Israelis and their secular counterparts in the young nation. The author leaves no stone unturned in the delivery and the average reader is given enough detail to feel like an expert on the subject by the end of the book.

I recommend this book especially to anyone with a monolithic impression of Israel, as most Westerners with an opinion seem to have. Israeli society is far more complex than most of the world realizes and there is a lot of (some might say self-induced) tension beneath the surface.

Israel occupies a prominent place in world opinion. It is largely hated by Europeans and other Western sophisticates, despite having a very liberal society. Conversely it is loved by many American Evangelicals and others, who believe that it to be a religious (Biblical) state, despite the open hatred and fear in Israel of its most religious members.

This book explains why that fear exists and why, for example, the ultra-religious do not serve in the army. The author take pains to remain neutral in the debate, while at the same time plunging directly into the fray and asking tough question of both sides.

An excellent introduction to the many disputes between hareidi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews and Israel's more secular Jews. He explains the major concerns secularists have about hareidi behavior, and the pro-haredi responses to those critiques. The major areas of contention are:

1. Work and military service. Haredim are allowed to avoid military service, and often stay out of the workforce for most of their lives thanks to government support and foreign charity. But haredim point out that the Israeli military has no great need for unskilled manpower, and that haredim are less burdensome to the state treasury in many ways: they don't commit as many crimes (thus reducing the need for police and prisons) and they do not use a variety of government services oriented towards secular Jews (e.g. modern art, television and radio, all of which haredim tend to avoid). In addition, haredim bring money into the economy by attracting foreign charity, and consume and waste less than the general population.

2. "Infiltration" of secular neighborhoods. Haredim evangelize other Israelis, and secular Jews fear that once their neighborhoods are "taken over" by haredim, they will be pressured to conform to haredi rules in public. For example, secular Jews fear that roads will be closed off on Shabbat, and that women will be pressured to dress conservatively. But Efron points out that secular Jews often wish to prevent Haredim from building their institutions in secular neighborhoods, and that the haredi population is now simply too large to be limited to existing haredi enclaves.

3. Misuse of political power. Haredim occasionally engage in corrupt behavior, generally distrust Israel's courts, and occasionally engage in thuggish behavior. As a result, secular Jews worry about haredim are not committed to the rule of law or to Israeli democracy. Efron points out that political corruption in Israel is hardly limited to haredim; in fact, during the 1990s "almost a dozen secular politicians were indicted for corruption and betrayal of public trust, but almost none was convicted" - a fact that suggests that haredi politicians are victimized by a double standard. And (despite their often-intemperate language) haredim do obey the orders of Israeli courts.

4. Fear of a haredi "takeover" of the political system. Haredi parties typically hold the balance of power in Israel's parliament, and limit divorces and conversions through their power over rabbinic courts (which, under Israel law, govern life-cycle events for Jews). Efron points out that haredim don't always get what they want; according to him, "There is more commerce on Saturdays and holidays, unkosher food is everywhere . . . and so on." In other words, haredi political power is directed towards preserving the status quo rather than limiting the freedom of secular Jews.


In addition, Efron describes the history of the haredi/secular relationship. In the early 20th century, haredim were quite hostile to (mostly secular) Zionists. But even before the creation of the State of Israel, haredim began to warm up to Zionists, for a variety of reasons. First, in 1936, religious Zionists persuaded the Jewish Agency (a body assisting British colonial overlords with Jewish affairs) to establish religious councils to administer Jewish law; thus, haredi rabbis were eventually on the Zionist payroll. Second, during World War II, haredim needed Zionist assistance to help bring relatives to Israel. And after the state of Israel was established, haredim needed Zionist support more than ever. But the haredi/secular Zionist relationship began to deteriorate after Menachem Begin made a deal with haredi political parties in the 1970s: to gain their support, he removed the limit on the number of military exemptions available to haredi youth, thus contributing to some of the problems discussed above.

This is a must for all ethnic groups to read.

One problem with writing intelligent books on religion is that religion demands the author experience it. Halevi takes this difficult challenge and seeks common ground with Christians and Muslims. To find this common ground he is willing to push his boundaries, go beyond his fears to find a common ground.

In his efforts he encounters a Catholic order of religious that seeks to return to the Jewish roots of Jesus as a common ground for Jewish-Christian relations; a Catholic monk of the Melkite rite (Jerusalem rite) seeing Arab-Jewish understanding through the Arab Christian; a common ground of genocide with Armenian Christians; a common ground of love with Sufi sheiks ...

Throughout his search runs a thread of the common monotheistic underpinnings of the three major religions of Israel. A second thread is a more universal acceptance that includes the great Eastern traditions - Buddhism and Hinduism. The third thread is the history of the Jewish people and the reality of strife in Israel. Through these threads, Halevi challenges the reader to confront his or her prejudices in the political and religious arenas.

The net result is not a great book, but one I highly recommend because of the issues raised and the author's personal willingness to share his experience in addressing the issues.

I just love this guy. Starting with a simple urge to connect with his neighbors, Yossi Halevi embarks on an awkward, fascinating, dangerous journey through Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. He discovers a series of surprising characters who dream, not just of peace between Jews, Muslims and Christians, but of spiritual friendship. And the story of these fragile, budding friendships becomes an adventure of almost overwhelming power.

I want to quote from one episode, where Halevi and a madcap Jew called Eliyahu Charanamrit McLean attend a mosque in Karawa village on the West Bank:

"This mosque was a family project: Everyone here belonged to the Abu-Laben clan. They were working class people; the shaykh himself was a car mechanic.

"What do the other Muslims think of you?" Eliyahu asked.

"That we're crazy," replied Saud's father. "They think we chant the name of 'Abdallah' instead of 'Allah"". Laughter.

I asked Saud what he experienced during the zakir [or dance of remembering God]. "That our hearts kept getting closer and closer to God," he said, with the Sufi vagueness I'd so often encountered from Ibrahim. ...

Ibrahim, not to be poetically outdone, added "Our souls went up to heaven like clouds".

"When you pray together," said the shaykh's father, "you form one heart".

I felt sad for this forlorn Sufi Shteibl. Here was an Islam with which we could make peace, yet it was almost absurdly perepheral. Still, maybe the fact that a handful of Muslims and Jews had danced together was enough for God to work with; perhaps He would magnify our prayers, widen the circle of ecstasy." (p. 104-105)

Halevi is realist enough to claim no easy victories. As the level of sectarian violence rises again, his network of friends retains little but hope and prayer. It's a marvelous book.

--author of "Different Visions of Love"

The title is exact. Halevi is an extraordinary person: a mystic deeply rooted in his Jewish faith but who can share a common search for peace and religious experience with Christians, the historic persecutors of Jews, and with Muslims, who have now become the "enemy." I know three of the communities of Christians he shared with and the descriptions are accurate so I can assume the Muslim sections are just as fair. Anyone searching for religious and mystic truth that is non-violent but serious about faith and God will love this book.

Yossi Halevy thinks he is only writing about interfaith connections in the holy land, but in fact the most inspiring aspect of the book is the delicate portrait of his own faith in God, where this deep faith takes him, and the grace of goodwill and wisdom that it creates inside his soul.

How fortunate we are to have someone who is actually ABLE to go to the Middle Eastern countries and initiate candid dialogue with normal (under the circumstances) every day people. Reading this book with an open mind and heart can accomplish nothing but - GOOD - in a country so evidently full of evil, ignorance, chicanery, and greed. Would that this were required reading in every American school. Then perhaps those so blinded or tricked by corporate-based propaganda would open their eyes and see what is right in front of them. If the poor grammar, MISspelling, and illiteracy evidenced in the gutless, negative reviews herein are examples of the typical American - the world is in worse shape than I thought. Be VERY afraid. But at least our illustrious author - is NOT

Having worked with Arab and Arab Americans it seems that Samar through her interviews has portrayed the most realistic representation of Arab opinions I have seen from an American author. The diveristy of Arab perspectives, and the commonalities of American and Arab feelings have been very well covered. The idea of dialogue for understanding is so simple yet we still rely on our public leaders to do the learning for us. This book is a great first step for any American to begin understanding who this culture is, that we often times choose to call the enemy.

this book is insightful to all americans who wish to know how arabs view the american world and culture .this will make clear all the mis-judgements americans make of the arab world.its also important for arabs to read this book because it will help them know what questions americans have about the arab people,culture,politics and religion.

This author has been wrongfully slandred and acussed of many things that were all untrue. All pods have been attacked by one individual. If we do nothing our figures will continue to plummet. We must unite, with a retalitory strike, or we will never sell anothr copy. His MO is to write reviws using the authors name and make it look like someone else. The number one POD had to be removed because of this and any one of us could be next. His slandrs have gone from prank to criminl as he thretned
n authr with racsts remaks. I have written in code because Amazn blocks certain words from being reviwed. My name will reval the culprit, my quots will be my emal, please repli. He must be stpped or our boks will suffr.

A must-read. This book is very important for every American to read. I truly wish there was a follow-up book written since the last elections. This is a thoughtful and enlightening book.

Foods of Israel Today is a fantastic book. My husband and chef did not want to return the library's copy. I told him we could buy it from you. That was a wise decision. He has made the Israeli moussaca and the bosnian fish stew. I highly reccomend this book.

When I returned from a trip to Israel, I went looking for a cookbook that presented authentic Israeli recipes to duplicate the tastes I had found on my trip. This book fills the bill. Joan Nathan always does a wonderful job of presenting Jewish recipes and cooking history; she is an author one can trust for authenticity. "Foods of Israel" not only contains excellent, well-researched recipes, but Ms. Nathan's commentary on the food, its presentation, its history, etc. make for wonderful reading. I tend to use cookbooks as reading matter rather than simply as directions; this book fulfills both needs superbly.

I have been to Israel in the past year and I came back enjoying the food. This is a great book and very authentic! If you have never been, this is about as close as you will get.

I love Joan Nathan to begin with. Her recipes are always easy to follow and don't call for a million items that you have to search for in speciality stores. This book is like reading a novel. I have several of her books and love when she explains where and how the foods came into being. I would highly recommend it.

When I came back from my first trip to Israel, I knew I had to have a cookbook that reflected all the smells and the tastes of Israel. I have always loved Joan Nathan's cookbooks. Her books are chockfull of great information and personal comments, not to mention incredibly delicious recipes! In The Foods of Israel there is a great assortment of recipes reflecting the different cultures that have influenced Israeli cuisine. There are recipes for such standard fare as hummus and fellafel and recipes that are pleasing to the palate using such herbs and spices as cumin, papkria, and cinnamin. Some of the recipes call for sumac, but since I have no idea what that is, I just left it out. Some of the ingredient lists are long, but most of the ingredients are easily obtainable, if one does not have them on hand. Some of the recipes are somewhat involved, but are well worth the effort. As with all recipes, it is important to read all the way through since some require marinating overnight. The writing of the recipes is simple and easy to follow. The table of contents and the index is helpful to the reader. I also loved the illustrations. By now you will have realized that I highly recommend this book!