Hoffman Books

My daughters are still too young to sit through the whole story, but I wanted to get this (at a fantastic bargain price) for next Christmas when my oldest will be almost 5 and able to handle one chapter each evening. It's true to the original text with gorgeous illustrations. A classic that I know we will enjoy for many years. I bought a second copy for a friend's family, and they are also looking forward to December to read it as a family.

Written by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, Rethinking Synagogues: A New Vocabulary for Congregational Life is a daring call for transformation in the modern synagogue, particularly the American synagogue. Chapters discuss means of reconceptualizing synagogue life in order to preserve Judaism as a religion that is taken seriously, rather than as a lingering ethnic nostalgia with trimmings of outward demonstrations and ritual observance. Hoffman acknowledges that the American synagogue is not currently in danger of falling into disuse, but compares synagogues to public schools in that they could be and do so much more than they are. A passionate call to reawaken core beliefs and life practices, and reexamine the meaning of living and passing on the Jewish faith.

For a first novel, this book is good. I love the plot and the twist in the end leaves you stunned! The characters are written very well also.

Its been a while since I read this, but I can still remember how hard it was to put down! Immediately after finishing it I realized there was a sequel and though I had borrowed Retribution from the library I immediately bought the sequel.
I understand that this story has been bought and is in production for a movie. I will certainly go and see it.
So I don't inadvertently give you spoilers here is the description of the book taken from the author's website, [...]

"When an elite prosecutor faces the most lethal predator she's ever encountered, it all comes down to a choice between justice . . .and retribution

One rainy night in New York City, outstanding law student Chloe Larson wakes from a terrible nightmare. But it's not a nightmare-it's real. A stranger stands over her, a rubber clown mask covering his face, and in one, horrifying instant, everything in Chloe's life is forever changed. She becomes a victim, a statistic. And no one is brought to justice.

Twelve years later a very different Chloe is forging a formidable reputation as a Major Crimes prosecutor in the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. For more than a year she has been assigned to assist a task force of detectives who have been searching for a vicious serial killer nicknamed Cupid for the way he kills his victims. Nine women are dead and two are missing and the pressure is mounting to find the vicious killer. When the police stop a speeding motorist on the McArthur Causeway, it seems that the hunt for Cupid is finally over. But as Chloe begins the task of prosecuting the suspect, she soon realizes that this case will be anything but easy. Because her past is about to force itself on her present-and the terror is only just beginning.
Sometimes there is a price to be paid for justice. And sometimes that price is awful. Revenge could cost Chloe her sanity. The truth could cost her life."

This book is a collection of thought provoking and faith promoting personal stories, told by some of the better writers south of the Arctic. The stories appeal to a wide range of readers. Both the styles and content of the stories vary, as to allow good reading for all.

No, it wasn't Eliot Ness and his "Untouchables" who brought down Al Capone. It was Internal Revenue agents led by Elmer Irey and Frank Wilson and aided and abbetted by the Chicago Crime Commission and its vigilante arm, the "Secret Six." Professor Hoffman presents us here with a well-documented, and highly readable account of the victory of Uncle Sam and Chicago over America's first major crime lord. Forget The Untouchables. This is the truth.

This book has been passed on to another Sculptor - yet it is SO good I will probably buy another copy someday. Malvina rocks!

This book has a basic description of setup reduction ideas along with practical application of these principles. 1 page summaries of useful ideas without the fluff and stories of other setup reduction books. Highly recommended for people looking to find new ways of doing things.

Good for kids my 8 year old liked it. Nice illustrations and presented for kids. I would buy non fiction again from the same publisher.

Having studied the previous nine volumes in the Hoffman series on prayer, I find this much awaited volume to be a great help. As has been the case in the earlier volumes Hoffman provides a wide range of perspectives from which we may extract greater meaning from the prayer service. Shabbat morning is for many of a difficult service to relate to. With only once weekly frequency and the various distractions of Shabbat it can be difficult to relate to the meaning of the prayers. Hoffman provides a wonderful introduction, although parts are often borrowed from previous volumes, and then a talmudic approach to the individual verses of prayer. I always found something new and something that enhanced my understanding of the prayer and this by a person that has been davening for years and also studying t'fillah with the help of many teachers and texts.