Judaism Books
Jewish Lights Publishing The Jewish Dream Book: Key to Opening the Inner
Book Synopsis
£12.34
Jewish Lights Publishing The Path of Blessing: Experiencing the Energy and
Book Synopsis
£12.34
Shambhala Publications Inc Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of
Book Synopsis
£18.90
Columbia University Press A Semite A Memoir of Algeria
Book SynopsisAn account of what it was like to be Algerian, Jewish, and French at a time when those identities were fighting words.Trade ReviewThis is a complex engagement with the unique temporal, linguistic, and embodied qualities of family and cultural heritage. It is philosophically important and politically engaging, speaking to the necessities of repetition and distortion in the accuracies of memory and historical truth. It is also a delicate prose work of exceptional literary quality, an important contribution to contemporary studies in trauma and testimony and to the field of autobiography. -- Penelope Deutscher, Northwestern University This 'fable,' if I can call it that, is unmistakably magnificent, the form-an inquiry-both rigorous and moving, the historical/political overview impeccably accurate. This is 'our' story, with its mistakes, its blind spots, its equivocations, its truth, with nothing omitted: families and the bonds of love, the teaching profession, an almost hallucinatory grasp of certain occasions, steadfastness, chance occurrences. Of all the things people have written about 'France,' this is the most just. -- Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe, philosopher, author of Heidegger and the Politics of Poetry Drawing on his own recollections as well as documents that offer an official chronicle and letters and journals that pour out personal desires, Guenoun explores the complications of family and identity. Booklist [Guenoun] is a extraordinarily talented and creative Algerian born author and playwright and professor of French literature. Enticing... spellbinding... There is a musical rhythm to Guenoun's writing; a jazzy beat that feels like improvisation. Jerusalem Post An expert translation Journal of the Society for Contemporary Thought and the Islamicate World [A] moving family biography. -- Olivia Harrison The Los Angeles Review of Books A Semite is an evocative work imparting to the reader that Jews and Arabs can and should, to induce the recent slogan, refuse to be enemies with each other. This wondrously written portrait of a cry is a resource of hope in our own envisaging of beautiful tomorrows. -- Marcus Barnett Marx and Philosophy Review of Books Guenoun has written a riveting account of his larger-than life father that brings into sharp focus the last chapters of Jewish life in French Algeria in the 1960s... A remarkable memoir. -- Susan Gilson Miller The Journal of North African StudiesTable of ContentsForeword by Judith Butler Chronology of French/Algerian History I. December 1 II. June 22 III. November 6
£29.75
Columbia University Press Open Secret
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewElliot R. Wolfson's new work is a masterful exposition of the phenomenology and ontology of Habad thought, particularly its bearing on messianic mysteries and consciousness. This study is an extraordinary integration of precise philology, philosophical comprehension, and the inner course of Habad theosophy as it flows through the discourses of its seven masters. Wolfson analyzes the climactic position of Rabbi Schneerson within this complex with exemplary and original insight. -- Michael Fishbane, Nathan Cummings Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Chicago Elliot R. Wolfson's dark brilliance is itself an open secret, unfolding mesmerizing rhythms of chiastic paradox. The relevance of his commentary cannot be confined to the study of a particular movement, religion, or discipline. In this philosophical meditation on a controversial strand of recent messianism, a profound historical kabbalism appears edged with a postmodern Kafkaesque irony--in the legacy of a 'future that is already present as the present that is always future.' -- Catherine Keller, Drew University, and author of Face of the Deep: A Theology of Becoming This highly original reading of Menachem Mendel Schneerson's messianic doctrine renders irrelevant much of the ongoing speculation and debate on the question of whether or not the Lubavitcher Rebbe, like the bulk of his following, believed that he was the Messiah. The book argues insightfully that beneath his well-attested endeavors to demonstrate the imminence the messianic advent, and his resort to the traditional language of Jewish messianic speculation, lays the paradoxical 'open secret' of a totally impersonal Messiah who, reflecting the nature of the infinite kabbalistic godhead itself, can be revealed in the world only by way of concealment. His advent is conceptualized as a universal expansion of spiritual consciousness, a nonevent that continuously occurs, has occurred, and will occur 'immediately, without delay, in actuality,' which effectively means beyond measurable time. -- Ada Rapoport-Albert, University College London Wolfson's spiritual quest is contagious, and the intrepid reader will brave the many difficult passages in order to follow him -- Lawrence Grossman Forward Every researcher or enlightened reader should be interested in this profound construction, in order to understand the most significant Jewish messianic phenomenon in the Jewish world of the last two generations. -- Alon Dahan H-Judaic Wolfson has not only produced an excellent study of Rabbi Mena?em Mendel Schneerson's views, but he has argued convincingly that this work will serve as a paradigm for Jewish philosophic thought. -- H.D. Uriel Smith Philosophy East and WestTable of ContentsPreface Note on the Transliteration Introduction: Behind the Veil Unveiled 1. Concealing the Concealment: The Politics of the Esoteric 2. A/voiding Place: Apophatic Embodiment 3. Semiotic Transubstantiation of the Somatic 4. Messianic Torah: Hypernomian Transvaluation 5. Female Encircles Male: Gender Transposition 6. Apocalyptic Crossing: Beyond the (Non)Jewish Other Postface: In an Instant-Advent of the (Non)event Notes Bibliography Index
£23.80
Kar-Ben Copies Ltd The Hardest Word
Book Synopsis
£7.55
Toby Press Ltd Confrontation and Other Essays
Book Synopsis
£14.24
Toby Press Ltd The Thirteen Petalled Rose
Book Synopsis
£17.09
Liverpool University Press Principles of Faith
Book SynopsisMoses Maimonides was the first medieval Jewish thinker to posit a set of dogmas for Judaism, his ‘Thirteen Principles of Faith’. His statement initiated an extensive discussion among other medieval Jewish thinkers on the subject of dogma, which had an important impact on subsequent Jewish thought. The reaction to Maimonides’ innovation was complex: some scholars accepted his position without reservation; others accepted the idea that Jewish beliefs could be reduced to a creed but disagreed with Maimonides’ formulation; still others rejected the project of creed formulation in Judaism altogether. The locus classicus of this last position is the Rosh Amanah of Isaac Abranavel (1437–1508). Abravanel’s ostensible aim in writing Rosh Amanah was to defend Maimonides’ creed from the attacks of its critics, notably Hasdai Crescas and Joseph Albo, and it contains the most exhaustive and systematic analysis of the Thirteen Principles ever written. After twenty-two chapters of sustained and zealous defence of Maimonides, however, Abravanel seems to contradict himself, arguing at the end of his book that in fact Judaism has no dogmas whatsoever and that all its beliefs are equally valid, fundamental, and precious. This is the first complete English translation of Abravanel’s classic work, and includes a comprehensive introduction and notes.Table of ContentsList of tables Note on the text and translation Acknowledgements Introduction Principles of Faith (Rosh Amanah) Abravanel's Table of Contents: A List of the Chapters in This Treatise Table I Table II Notes Bibliography Biblical Passages Appearing in the text Rabbinic Passages Appearing in or Referred to in the text Index
£21.74
Jewish Lights Publishing The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy
Book Synopsis
£13.49
Laitman Kabbalah Publishers Kabbalah for the Student: Selected Writings of
Book Synopsis
£53.15
Taylor & Francis Ltd (Sales) Between Man and Man
Book SynopsisScholar, theologian and philosopher, Martin Buber is one of the twentieth century''s most influential thinkers. He believed that the deepest reality of human life lies in the relationship between one being and another. Between Man and Man is the classic work where he puts this belief into practice, applying it to the concrete problems of contemporary society. Here he tackles subjects as varied as religious ethics, social philosophy, marriage, education, psychology and art. Including some of his most famous writings, such as the masterful What is Man?, this enlightening work challenges each reader to reassess their encounter with the world that surrounds them.Trade Review'Martin Buber, mystic, Zionist leader, Bible translator, is also one of the outstanding religious philosophers of our time.' - Time and Tide'The address to the individual is inescapable. Spirit is not something that is, but something that happens. To learn this we must enter into life's spiritual experiences, not merely look into them. Spirit is nourished by unity of life, and unity with the world.' - Times Literary Supplement'Stimulating and moving.' - Times Educational SupplementTable of ContentsDialogue (Zwiesprache, 1929) 1 Section One: Description Section Two: Limitation Three: Confirmation Conversation with the opponent 2 The Question to the Single One (Die Frage an den Einzelnen, 1936) The question 3 Education (Rede über das Erzieherische, 1926) An address to the Third International Educational Conference, Heidelberg, August 1925, whose subject was "The Development of the Creative Powers in the Child" 4 The Education of Character (Über Charaktererziehung, 1939) An address to the National Conference of Palestinian Teachers, Tel-Aviv, 1939 5 What is Man? (Was ist der Mensch? 1938) Section One: The Progress of the Question I. Kant’s questions II. From Aristotle to Kant III. Hegel and Marx IV. Feuerbach and Nietzsche Section Two: Modern Attempts I. The crisis and its expression II. The doctrine of Heidegger III. The doctrine of Scheler IV. Prospect, Translator’s Notes Afterword: The History of the Dialogical
£12.99
Harvard Center for Jewish Studies Creativity and Tradition
Book SynopsisThis volume brings together 16 of Ta-Shma's outstanding studies (4 published here for the first time). These essays focus on leading rabbinic scholars and their writings as well as important issues of Jewish intellectual history, such as the nature of halakhah and aggadah; kabbalah and spirituality; childhood; and popular religion.Trade ReviewThe late Israel Ta-Shma was a prolific and gifted writer. He fused a profound knowledge of Jewish legal sources with the latest theories in European history, plumbing the arcane depths of medieval Hebrew manuscripts and obscure historical periods with an ease that allows the reader to enjoy the excitement of the chase. This volume gathers sixteen of his English articles, most of which appeared over the course of the past two decades. For the interested layman, it is an opportunity to discover the richness of Jewish intellectual history during the ‘Dark Ages.’ * Jewish Book World *
£25.46
Granta Books Stranger in a Strange Land: Searching for Gershom
Book SynopsisGershom Scholem, the great humanist thinker and founder of modern Kabbalah, is all but forgotten today. But here, in a biography as daring and inquisitive as its subject, George Prochnik goes in search of Scholem, restoring the reputation of a vital intellectual and finding in his work a vision with the power to reinvigorate contemporary religious and political thought. Tracing Scholem's life from his upbringing in Berlin, where he experienced a close and transformative friendship with Walter Benjamin, Prochnik reveals how Scholem's frustration with the bourgeois ideology of Germany during WWI led him to discover mystic Judaism, Kabbalah, and, finally, Zionism. But having emigrated to what was to become Israel, Scholem again found himself a 'stranger in a strange land', ill at ease with a prevailing conservative form of Zionism. Prochnik follows Scholem to the modern Holy Land - only to find that he too is disillusioned by the state politics he encounters. But through his profound study of Scholem and his own experience of Jerusalem, Prochnik not only questions the ideological and religious constructs of Jerusalem, but finds an ethical way forward, showing how a new form of pluralism might energize Jewish thought.
£11.69
Faber & Faber This is Not the Way
Book SynopsisFew subjects invoke such passion as the history and current situation of Jews in Western societies. David Goldberg, a progressive Rabbi with many years'' experience of dealing with other faiths and other Jews, takes the most difficult issues of this fraught relationship and confronts them head on. He argues that it is wrong to equate anti-Semitism with anti-Zionism, that it is far more difficult to be a Muslim in twenty-first century Britain than it is to be a Jew, that Israel is far too often treated sentimentally and that the identification of Israel with the Holocaust - memorializing the latter and sacralising the former - has had baneful effects. His discussion of the perennial question, ''who is a Jew?'', is equally trenchant: he rejects all strict rabbinic criteria, proposing that a Jew is simply anyone who insists that he or she is one.Forthright, challenging and witty, This is Not the Way will spark debate, criticism and delight in equal measure.
£13.49
Obelisco El Poder Curativo de La Cabala
Book Synopsis
£13.14
Ediciones Obelisco S.L. Portal del amor Reshit Jojmá
Book Synopsis
£20.36
Princeton University Press Mother of Mercy Bane of the Jews
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Kati Ihnat offers a careful exploration of the way in which 11th- and 12th-century monks painstakingly developed the cult of the Virgin Mary, in part by casting the Jewish people as her prototypical enemy... This a study that has much to offer not only for medievalists but also, more generally, for scholars with an interest in religion, culture and the ways that hatred of minorities can be fostered."--Rachel Moss, Times Higher EducationTable of ContentsList of Illustrations ix Acknowledgments xi Introduction 1 1 Praising Mary: Liturgy and Prayer 16 2 Understanding Mary: Theological Treatises 59 3 Hagiographies of Mary: Miracle Collections 100 4 Enemies of Mary: Jews in Miracle Stories 138 Conclusion 182 Notes 191 References 253 Index 291
£36.00
Manchester University Press Britains Chief Rabbis and the Religious Character
Book SynopsisA radical new interpretation of Britain's Chief Rabbis from Nathan Adler to Immanuel Jakobovits, and the impact they had on Anglo-Jewry.Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsList of illustrations1. Introduction2. Historical context3. Jewish religious responses to modernity – a typology4. Intellectual context: theology and theologians5. The theology of Hermann Adler6. The religious policy of Hermann Adler7. The theology of JH Hertz8. The religious policy of JH Hertz9. From the Second World War to the Jacobs Affair10. The religious character of the Chief Rabbis, and of Anglo-JewryBibliographyIndex
£19.99
Gefen Publishing House Taste of Torah: Recipes, Divrei Torah & Stories
Book SynopsisThis unique cookbook offers a weekly portion of great food, divrei Torah, and Jewish stories based on the parashah to enjoy with the whole family. This book allows you to cook up quality time with your children and shows you how sweet and simple it is to celebrate Shabbat together as a family. Each parashah includes a gourmet recipe that fits perfectly on an elegant Shabbat table and comes with tips for preparing the dish with your sous chefs (children). Shabbat comes alive when the week''s parashah and the children''s own handiwork is beautifully laid out on the Shabbat table. Each recipe is followed by a dvar Torah for the older children and a bedtime story for the younger ones, based upon the Jewish value taught in that week''s dvar Torah. From Beresheit to Vezot Haberachah, this book is brimming with classic Jewish stories and values. The perfect addition to anyone''s library or kitchen, as it serves up ancient traditions and values in bite-size servings perfect for sharing with the next generation. Above all, A Taste of Torah is a recipe for nachas, Shabbat after Shabbat.
£26.34
Gefen Publishing House Unusual Bible Interpretations: Five Books of
Book Synopsis
£22.09
Koren Publishers Sukka
Book Synopsis
£34.19
Gefen Publishing House 50 Jewish Messiahs: The Untold Life Stories of 50
Book Synopsis
£16.19
UAHC Press Jewish Living A Guide to Contemporary Reform
Book Synopsis
£18.89
State University of New York Press Circle in the Square Studies in the Use of Gender
Book SynopsisDeals with the issue of gender in Jewish mysticism showing the thematic correlation of eroticism and esotericism that is central to the kabbalah.This book deals with aspects of the gender imaging of God in a variety of medieval kabbalistic sources. It provides the key to understanding the phenomenological structures of mystical experience as well as the thematic correlation of esotericism and eroticism that is central to the kabbalah. The author examines the role of gender utilizing current feminist studies and cultural anthropology. He explores the themes of the feminization of the Torah, the correlation of circumcision and vision of God, the phallocentric understanding of divine creation as a process of inscription mythologized as an act of sexual self-gratification, and the phenomenon of gender-crossing in kabbalistic myth and ritual. Collectively, the studies explore in great depth the androcentric phallocentrism that is characteristic of medieval Jewish mysticism.
£22.96
McGill-Queen's University Press A Rabbi Talks with Jesus
Book SynopsisImagine yourself transported two thousand years back in time to Galilee at the moment of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. After hearing it, would you abandon your religious beliefs and ideology to follow him, or would you hold on to your own beliefs and walk away? In A Rabbi Talks with Jesus Jacob Neusner considers just such a spiritual journey.Trade Review"A tour de force and very, very moving." Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain "By far the most important book for the Jewish-Christian dialogue in the last decade. The absolute honesty, the precision of analysis, the union of respect for the other party with carefully grounded loyalty to one's own position characterize the book and make it a challenge especially to Christians, who will have to ponder the analysis of the contrast between Moses and Jesus." Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger "Neusner here makes a contribution to Jewish-Christian understanding that is as lively as it is unusual ... To listen in as he talks with Matthew's Jesus is to get a surer sense of the real issues on this important front of interreligious dialogue." Schubert M. Ogden, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
£16.14
Jason Aronson, Inc. Encyclopedia of Medicine in the Bible and the
Book Synopsis"Encyclopedia of Medicine in the Bible and the Talmud".Trade ReviewDr. Fred Rosner's current literary offering to an avid readership that has benefited so greatly from his facile pen and lucid expositions for more than three decades will surely be welcomed enthusiastically. Those of us, whose professional lives bring us into daily contact with the ethical and moral dilemmas on the interface of medical practice, biblical and talmudic law custom, in addition to the thousands of learned laity, owe a special thanks to the author. Encyclopedia of Medicine in the Bible and the Talmud is a masterful presentation, in capsule form, of the basic concepts of Judaism as they relate to modern medicine and technology as well as a historical read of the biomedical subjects discussed in the early writings of the Talmudists. Selected references permit the student-reader to delve further into the subjects that hold his or her interest. It is an essential publication to be in every home and school library. -- Moshe David Tendler, Ph.D., Yeshiva University
£89.10
Jason Aronson, Inc. Chapters of the Sages
Book SynopsisThis title contains the ethical and moral principles which guide the Jewish way of life, as handed down by the sages.
£35.10
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Kabbalah The Mystic Quest in Judaism
Book SynopsisToday, many people from all faiths are exploring the Kabbalah. What were once controversial and esoteric teachings from medieval Jewish mystics now is becoming one of the latest spiritual trends sweeping across America. In the wake of this renewed interest comes David Ariel''s Kabbalah: The Mystic Quest in Judaism, a thoroughly updated edition of his classic best selling book, The Mystic Quest. Ariel beautifully presents the complex elements of Jewish mysticism''s major ideas in clear, understandable, and accessible language for Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike. Hailed as brilliant by Publishers Weekly, the book has a completely revised Introduction that sets a contemporary context for understanding Jewish mysticism, given the current fascination with Kabbalah in today''s culture. Several chapters are substantially revised, making key ideas less abstract and more comprehensible to readers. Because it can be easy to misunderstand the intricate teachings of Jewish mysticism, the book now includes a section called the 10 Main Conceptual Principles of Jewish mysticism, putting the main concepts in clear, easy to grasp, modern language. Concluding with how Kabbalah can be incorporated into our daily lives, Kabbalah: The Mystic Quest in Judaism, is an intellectually sophisticated yet straightforward book studded with deep insights on what Jewish mystical thought is all about.Trade ReviewAriel (Laura and Alvin Siegal College of Judaic Studies) offers a helpful, readable introduction to the complex, arcane world of kabbalah. Most importantly, the book is an accurate description of its subject (not always true for books on Jewish mysticism). Following a useful review of scholarly views on the nature of mysticism, Ariel presents a brief history of Jewish mysticism from the 6th century BCE and the prophecy of Ezekiel following the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, to the composition and publication of the most famous work of kabbalah, the Zohar, at the end of the 13th century. Two chapters review the esoteric doctrines of the Zohar, especially the Sefiroth, God's emanated attributes; included is a discussion of the Shekinah, the feminine aspect of the divine. Four additional chapters take up other central topics, such as the meaning of Torah according to the kabbalists, the destiny of one's soul, the mystical meaning of Jewish ritual obligations (mitzvot), the practice of meditation, and the influence of kabbalah in Hasidism. Overall, this is a wide-ranging, thoughtfully constructed, user-friendly introduction to kabbalah. Libraries serving Judaica and religion programs will want to purchase it. . . . Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students. -- M. F. Nefsky, emerita, University of Lethbridge * CHOICE, October 2006 *This is the first book in the post Kabbalah is chic era that does not sacrifice personal meaning for intellectual depth. David Ariel has found that very special place from which to teach Kabbalah. He is analyst and participant, objective scholar and passionate believer and thus speaks to our minds and hearts. -- Rabbi Irwin Kula, President, National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (CLAL)Kabbalah: The Mystic Quest In Judaism by David Ariel is the first book to provide an intellectual focus on Kabbalah, providing a scholarly study of Jewish mysticism suitable for the nonspecialist as well as the Jewish thinker. People outside the Jewish faith are exploring concepts of Kabbalah and applying them to life situations, so this revised edition represents the perfect study for all faiths to provide a focus on academic scholarship and understanding Jewish mysticism. From basic concepts of the divine world in the Kabbalah to the influences of Greek and other philosophies, Kabbalah: The Mystic Quest In Judaism is packed with memorable insights. * Midwest Book Review *David Ariel has produced a wonderful description and explication of Kabbalah in his work Kabbalah: the Mystic Quest in Judaism. * Jewish Book World *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Seekers of Unity: The Nature of Mysticism Chapter 2 Visionaries, Mystics, and Kabbalists: The History of Jewish Mysticism Chapter 3 The Hidden and the Revealed: The Infinite God of Jewish Mysticism Chapter 4 The Calculus of the Divine World: The Teaching of the Sefirot Chapter 5 The Shekhinah: The Feminine Aspect of God Chapter 6 Entering the Garden: The Meaning of Torah Chapter 7 The Oneness of Being: The Destiny of the Soul Chapter 8 The Mystic Drama: The Religious Life of the Jewish Mystic Chapter 9 Raising the Sparks: Modern Jewish Mysticism Chapter 10 Mysticism and Meditation: The Mystic Quest
£17.67
Fordham University Press Freud and Monotheism
Book SynopsisMoses and Monotheism brings together fundamental new contributions to discourses on Freud and Moses, as well as new research on the intersections of theology, political theory, and history in Freud’s psychoanalytic work.Table of ContentsIntroduction Karen Feldman and Gilad Sharvit “Why [the Jews] have Attracted this Undying Hatred” Richard Bernstein “Geistigkeit”: A Problematic Concept Joel Whitebook Heine and Freud: Deferred Action and the Concept of History Willi Goetschel Freud’s Moses: Murder, Exile, and the Question of Belonging Gabriele Schwab A Leap of Faith into Moses: Freud’s Invitation to Evenly Suspended Attention Yael Segalovitz Freud, Sellin, and the Murder of Moses Jan Assmann Creating the Jews: Mosaic Discourse in Freud and Hosea Ronald Hendel Is Psychic Phylogenesis only a Phantasy? New Biological Developments in Trauma Inheritance Catherine Malabou Moses and the Burning Bush: Leadership and Potentiality in the Bible Gilad Sharvit Notes List of Contributors Index
£21.59
Authorhouse Separation and Its Discontents
£15.15
Toby Press Ltd Ceremony & Celebration: Introduction to the
Book Synopsis
£18.04
Rowman & Littlefield Madame Ambassador
Book SynopsisMadame Ambassador is an intimate description of what being an ambassador is really like. Tova Herzl draws on her twenty-one year career and shares her unique experiences as a single, Jewish orthodox woman serving as Israel's Ambassador to paint a vivid, entertaining picture of the lives and work of contemporary diplomats. She addresses major political events in which she was closely involved, such as the 2001 UN Conference on Racism in Durban, South Africa, and discusses ethical and private issues, such as dealing with illness or practicing her religion. The book also uncovers the personal side of diplomacy, including the challenges of giving speeches and interviews, access to expense accounts and household staff, relations within the diplomatic corps, and life under the watchful eye of a bodyguard.Trade ReviewHerzl, a career diplomat who entered the diplomatic corps at the age of 30, worked for the Foreign Service from 1983 to 2003. These years marked a period of frenetic change the world over, but especially in the countries in which she served as ambassador – the Baltic States (from 1993 to 1996) and South Africa (from 2001 to 2003). Given all she saw and experienced in her two-decade-long career, there is a lot to reminisce about, and the book flits back and forth between Herzl’s postings – which also included two tours of duty as a congressional liaison in Washington. The book is formatted as a subject- based rather than a chronological look back at her time abroad and among the many and varied topics, Herzl touches on the importance of language (the complicated issue of whether to speak Russian in former Soviet states), what an ambassador actually does, and the Holocaust (an inevitable subject in the Baltics). . . .Of course, diplomatic life is full of propriety and protocol, and understanding just how the rules work and with whom you can and should fraternize is not always easy. To give some insight into just how the complicated system works, Herzl outlines the minutiae of diplomatic life, how relationships work, whom you visit and how you address them, even when the person standing opposite you is clad just in animal skins and feathers – as was the case when she presented her credentials to the king of Swaziland. It is vignettes such as these...that make the book so enjoyable and readable. As she states in the introduction, the book is an attempt to write a personal, yet general, informative and entertaining work that would demystify diplomacy. Herzl easily jumps between the political and personal, the absurd and the weighty, and in so doing has certainly made the diplomatic life a little less foreign. * gem *Tova Herzl has written an interesting memoir about a fascinating career. . . While most people consider the diplomatic corps a 'glamorous' life, it has many aspects that are not glamorous at all, but the author is candid about both these humdrum realities and her personal life as a single, religiously-observant person, and conveys a sense of satisfaction in having carried out her mandate with skill and grace. * Jewish Book Council *Madam Ambassador is a highly readable 'dummies guide' to how the Israeli Foreign Ministry operates, the notion of Israeli diplomacy and diplomacy itself, pieced together with very short chapters. The [author's]. . . .21 years of service are more than adequate to provide the background for an interesting tale. This is a book that will interest young readers wanting to learn how Israel operates diplomatically in the world; it will provide a source for discussion amongst havura groups, and it will be a good addition to general synagogue collections. * Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews *Tova Herzl [is] a former member of Israel’s diplomatic corps . . . Although she officially retired from the Foreign Ministry about a decade ago, the recent publication of her memoir Madame Ambassador: Behind the Scenes with a Candid Israeli Diplomat has brought her back into the limelight, and she clearly enjoys her role as raconteur. Her book, as Tova readily admits, is no tell-all tome about some of the world’s most powerful people. Nor does it reveal hush-hush secrets about Israel’s defense systems or clandestine relations with outwardly hostile countries. Instead, she says, she wants to give readers an inside look into what an ambassador actually does, to go beyond the glamour and share some of the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes details of a job that, by definition, takes place mostly in the public eye. * Family First *Madame Ambassador is an entertaining book full of incidents taken from the author’s experiences during her over 20-year career. What distinguishes this book from the memoirs of many other envoys is the emphasis on the day-to-day work done by diplomats. The reader is offered a smorgasbord of events which illuminate what a diplomatic posting entails. . . .Herzl writes in a lively, consistently self-deprecating tone. . . .Tova Herzl was indeed an ambassador plenipotentiary and extraordinary, and Madame Ambassador is an informative and enjoyable book, which sheds welcome light on a profession both familiar yet not well-known. * The Jerusalem Report *Unlike software coders or social media marketers, ultra-sound operators or bloggers, none of whom existed 50 years ago (OK, a handful of coders calling themselves programmers did already exist), diplomats have been around for centuries. All the more startling, then, that such a Diplomacy for Dummies handbook hasn't been written until now; if you read it, it's reasonable the knowledge you'll acquire will still be up to date after you complete the reading. * Yaacov Lozowick's Ruminations *Herzl is upfront about some of the dilemmas that faced her-whether to learn Russian when going to the Baltic States, how to engage with Holocaust memory, what the response should be to the Jonathan Pollard controversy and how best to deal with hostile anti-Israel sentiment in South Africa. She writes about important issues for Israel and explains how easily diplomatic misunderstandings can happen. And, while there are some meaty discussions on topics such as the relationship between Judaism and other religions, and Israeli versus Jewish identity, her book is so much more. * South African Jewish Report *Tova Herzl was a no-holds-barred diplomat who had the difficult assignment of being Israeli Ambassador to South Africa at the time a deep official chill descended on the bilateral relationship. This insightful and insider account of her life as an Israeli foreign emissary is a rich and honest retelling of both the high stakes and low moments and often-times the absurd protocols of diplomatic life. It is an important addition to the literature and is told in a winningly, often funny, authentic authorial voice. -- Ambassador Tony Leon, previously South African Ambassador to Argentina and former leader of the opposition, Parliament of South Africa.Madame Ambassador is different from most —if not all—books written by diplomats. It does not focus on policy, but instead sheds light on the day-to-day realities of the lives of diplomats, putting a human face on a prestigious yet little understood profession. As a young ambassador when Latvia was adapting to its renewed independence, Tova Herzl laid the foundations for bilateral relations, including regarding Holocaust-related matters. She describes with honesty the personal and professional challenges which faced her then, and throughout her career. Diplomats, those who deal with them, and anyone interested in how countries interact, will all be enriched by the insightful writing, which moves from humorous to poignant, and is always factual and frank. -- Karina Petersone, Director, Latvian Institute, former Minister of Culture of Latvia.Clear-headed, candid, realistic and wry, Tova Herzl's diplomatic memoir is a delight. Herzl provides an insider's tale of Israeli diplomacy, deftly interweaving the personal with the professional, conveying periods of heavy drama with the lightest of touches. -- David Horovitz, Editor, The Times of IsraelTable of ContentsPrologue: How Is This Book Different from All Other Books? Chapter 1: My Career: Four Postings, Three Capitals, Two Ambassadorships, and a Little Chapter 2: Preparations: A Tale of Two Refrigerators Chapter 3: Language: Of Frogs, Peace, and Sandwiches Chapter 4: Terms of Employment: Ah, All That Luxury! Chapter 5: Credentials: Can I Start Working Already? Chapter 6: Immunity: The Untouchables, Almost Chapter 7: Neutrality: Feelings, Facades, and Fine Lines Chapter 8: Diplomacy and Dignity: She Is Such a Diplomat! Chapter 9: Name Calling: Excellencies and Rabbis! Brothers and Sisters! Chapter 10: Informal Connections: The Ties That Bind Chapter 11: Bodyguards: Someone to Watch Over Me Chapter 12: The Diplomatic Corps: It’s a Family, Sort Of Chapter 13: Entertaining: Let’s Party, We Have To Chapter 14: Religious Observance: No, Thank You, Not for Me, Not Today Chapter 15: Being Jewish: So Many Questions, So Few Answers Chapter 16: Holocaust: A6766 Chapter 17: Christianity: Get Me To the Church on Time Chapter 18: Speech: There Will Be Plenty of Time for Questions Chapter 19: Meetings: Oh, So That’s What You Do All Day! Chapter 20: Clothes: Do I Look All Rright? Chapter 21: Press: As Long as They Spell My Name Properly Chapter 22: Advice: Why Doesn’t Somebody Do Something? Chapter 23: Importance: It’s All Relative Chapter 24: Phalcon: We Were Generals, We Know Best Chapter 25: Visits: You Are Welcome, Any Time! Chapter 26: Crime and Punishment: Please, Minister, May I Have an Organ? Chapter 27: Sickness: You Only Have One Liver to Give to Your Country Chapter 28: Passages: A Time to Be Born and a Time to Die Chapter 29: Demonstrations: The People Have Spoken, but What DidThey Say? Chapter 30: Durban: You Were Really There? Chapter 31: The Paper Trail: Like a Trip through a Cemetery Chapter 32: Between Home and Abroad: It’s a Life! It’s a Job! No, It’s Diplomacy! About the Author
£41.40
Lerner Publishing Group The Spy Who Played Baseball
Book Synopsis
£9.81
Toby Press Ltd The Lonely Man of Faith
Book Synopsis
£11.39
Ibis Press The Sworn Book of Honorius
Book SynopsisAs the title testifies, students were sworn to secrecy before being given access to this magic text and only a few manuscripts have survived. Bits of its teachings, such as the use of the magic whistle for summoning spirits, are alluded to in other texts. Another key element of its ritual, the elaborate Seal of God, has been found in texts and amulets throughout Europe.Interest in THE SWORN BOOK OF HONORIUS has grown in recent years, yet no modern translations have been attempted - until now.Purporting to preserve the magic of Solomon in the face of intense persecution by religious authorities, this text includes one of the oldest and most detailed magic rituals. It contains a complete system of magic including how to attain the divine vision, communicate with holy angels and control aerial, earthly and infernal spirits for practical gain.Largely ignored by historians until recently, this text is an important witness to the transmission of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism to European Hermeticists.
£26.40
Inner Traditions Bear and Company Discovering Your Self Through the Tarot
Book SynopsisThis Jungian interpretation of Tarot symbolism uses the Tarot archetypes as mirrors for looking inside ourselves. Following Jung''s personality types as guiding principles, the author shows how the Tarot can be an incisive tool for self-transformation, enabling you to discover the forces that are operative in your own personality. Provides a system for evaluating your strong and weak personality traits by indicating the court card and suit that correspond to your personality makeup. Highly original card spreads enable you to focus on and strengthen weaker facets of your personality. Other spreads enable you to gain insight into complex and challenging personal relationships. A section is devoted to using the Tarot to progress through the levels of consciousness represented by the sephiroth on the Tree of Life.
£11.04
Summit University Press,U.S. Kabbalah
Book SynopsisA masterpiece. The rich tradition of the Kabbalah comes to life in a language that is accessible even to those unfamiliar with this ancient and classic tradition. -Caroline Myss, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Anatomy of the SpiritMystics are adventurers of the spirit who dare to push beyond the boundaries of orthodox tradition to pursue a common goal-the direct experience of God. Kabbalah: Key to Your Inner Power explores the once-secret Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbalah.With intriguing new perspectives, it shows how we can use Kabbalah''s extraordinary revelations about the creation of the universe, our relationship to God and our purpose in life to unlock our own spiritual power. It brings to life the path of the Jewish mystics-their joys and ecstasies, their sacred visions, and their practical techniques for experiencing the sacred in everyday life. Includes 36 illustrations, 19 charts and diagrams, pronunciation guide.
£16.80
David Paul Troublemaking Judaism
Book Synopsis
£9.99
Harvard University Press Judaism and Ecology
Book SynopsisThis volume intends to contribute to the nascent discourse on Judaism and ecology by clarifying diverse conceptions of nature in Jewish thought and by using the insights of Judaism to formulate a constructive Jewish theology of nature.
£23.76
Aurora Press Mans Quest for God
Book Synopsis
£16.19
Vallentine Mitchell & Co Ltd We Have Reason to Believe
Book Synopsis
£25.32
Vallentine Mitchell Jewish Preaching v1 Homilies and Sermons Jewish
Book Synopsis
£18.95
Toby Press Ltd A Concise Guide to Halakha
Book Synopsis
£27.89
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Khazars
Book SynopsisFully illustrated with detailed color plates, this is a fascinating study into the armies, organization, armor, weapons, and fortifications of the Khazars. The Khazars were one of the most important Turkic peoples in European history, dominating vast areas of southeastern Europe and the western reaches of the Central Asian steppes from the 4th to the 11th centuries AD. They were also unique in that their aristocratic and military elites converted to Judaism, creating what would be territorially the largest Jewish-ruled state in world history. They became significant allies of the Byzantine Empire, blocking the advance of Islam north of the Caucasus Mountains for several hundred years. They also achieved a remarkable level of metal-working technology, and their military elite wore forms of iron plate armor that would not be seen in Western Europe until the 14th century. The Khazar state provided the foundations upon which medieval Russia and modern Ukraine were builtTable of ContentsIntroduction – the Khazars in the history of Eastern Europe * Chronology of major events * Khazar campaigns: Wars with the Muslim Arabs – Wars with Kievan Russia – Khazars and Magyars: the emergence of the Hungarians * Arms and armour: spears and javelins – battleaxes – swords and sabres – helmets – armour * Fortresses: stone fortifications – timber fortifications * Further reading * Plate commentaries
£11.69
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Origins of Judaism Christianity and Islam
Book SynopsisIt is a unique book -there has been no comparable synthesis published for a hundred years. It offers a coherent and accessible read, with introductions and summaries for each chapter.
£21.25
Toby Press Ltd Places in the Parasha
Book Synopsis
£27.89
Jewish Lights Publishing Way into Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World
Book Synopsis
£12.59
