Jewish Reading
Today Avi and I visited one of the MANY Borders stores near us. I found two books I really enjoyed, based on the short time I spent sitting and reading them. Today was not a day to buy books but I found two to add to a list of wanted books.
The first Avi stumbled across is called “Rather Laugh than Cry” by Malka Zipora. The book is basically a look into an Hasidic woman’s life; a look that many of us will never have. The introduction really caught my attention and if the rest of the book is anything like the intro, I’ll buy it.
The second book is REALLY good and a great book for Jews of all levels, at least in my opinion. The title is “Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Winter Holidays”. The holidays covered in the book are: Hanukkah, Tu B’shevat, Purim. I sat down with a similar book a few months back, same title but it is about the fall holidays. This series is done quite well. The author is Paul Steinberg: “Paul Steinberg shares with us a rich collection of readings from many of the Jewish greats — Maimonides, Rashi, Nachmanides, Shlomo Carlebach, Marge Piercy, Elie Wiesel, Martin Buber, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Arthur Green, and others — and he guides us in discovering for ourselves the many treasures within each text. The readings teach us about the history of each holiday, as well as its theological, ethical, agricultural, and seasonal importance and interpretation; others give us inspiration and much food for thought. These stories, essays, poems, anecdotes, and rituals help us discover how deeply Jewish traditions are rooted in nature’s yearly cycle, and how beautifully season and spirit are woven together throughout the Jewish year.”
And so, there’s my contribution to the many and multitudes of Jewish reading out there. As for myself, I am currently reading “The Kite Runner”. I’m on Chapter 7 and am enjoying this story of friendship, war, and reconciliation. Although I teach English, I don’t do enough “fun” reading nor do I finish nearly enough books; novels or otherwise. So, wish me luck in finishing this book as I jump back into the life of teaching.
You know … I got the Fall Holidays of that series and … truth be told I was really disappointed in it. Not only was it laden with grammatical and spelling errors, but it just was missing depth or something. I appreciated that it had the gleanings, but it just didn’t seem like the explications really got into the issues at hand. But I’m glad you enjoy it and found something in the Winter Holidays one!!!
Wow really? Grammatical errors? Well, perhaps when they got around to winter they cleaned it up?
Either way, I did find it an easy read. It comes in nice small tidbits, which for me, is great as far as time goes.
I guess it doesn’t hurt for others to check it out. I for one plan on getting it in the future. Oh, and as far as grammar goes; although I’m an English teacher, mine tends to be wishy-washy.
I’ve been looking for a good book on the Winter holidays so I think I’ll check out “Celebrating the Jewish Year…” Thanks for the heads up.
ChavyJo
you shouldn’t be complaining about poor spelling and grammar!
because after all at (least in theory) doesn’t that mean more potential work for you? (Note: This is a joke)
Tamara
Although I didn’t actually pick up the book about the winter holidays. I do agree that it looked interesting and would probably make a nice addition to our home library.
As for the autobiography written by the Orthodox woman in Montréal. It’s not my cup of tea but I knew right away you would be into it. Don’t I just know you, so well!