Judaism Books

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis A thousand years ago, the Chinese government invited merchants from one of the Chinese port synagogue communities to the capital, Kaifeng. The merchants settled there and the community prospered. Over centuries, with government support, the Kaifeng Jews built and rebuilt their synagogue, which became perhaps the world's largest. Some studied for the rabbinate; others prepared for civil service examinations, leading to a disproportionate number of Jewish government officials. While continuing orthodox Jewish practices they added rituals honouring their parents and the patriarchs, in keeping with Chinese custom. However, by the mid-eighteenth century - cut off from Judaism elsewhere for two centuries, their synagogue destroyed by a flood, their community impoverished and dispersed by a civil war that devastated Kaifeng - their Judaism became defunct. The Theology of the Chinese Jews traces the history of Jews in China and explores how their theology's focus on love, rather than on the fear of a non-anthropomorphic God, may speak to contemporary liberal Jews. Equally relevant to contemporary Jews is that the Chinese Jews remained fully Jewish while harmonizing with the family-centred religion of China. In an illuminating postscript, Rabbi Anson Laytner underscores the point that Jewish culture can thrive in an open society, ""without hostility, by absorbing the best of the dominant culture and making it one's own."" Trade Review``In this fascinating work, Jordan Paper not only explores the intricacies of Chinese Jewish theology, but also the meaning of being a Jew. Long a student of comparative theology and the phenomenon of the Chinese Jews, Paper details the development of Chinese Jewish theology and considers how this theology was impacted by the surrounding culture.... Paper comes to the conclusion that these were indeed Jews from whom western Jews can learn a great deal.'' -- Randall C. Belinfante, African Sephardi Federation -- AJL Reviews (Association of Jewish Libraries), Vol. 111 #1, February/March 2013, 201303``This fascinating book offers a history of Chinese Jewry based on existing sources and articles, and places this in the context of a broad overview of Chinese religious life. It is a wonderful, somewhat popular, but also very sophisticated achievement. Paper helps one see the complex ways that religions emerge and attain stability, even within a mighty tradition like Judaism.'' -- Michael Fishbane, Nathan Cummings Professor of Jewish Studies, University ofChicago -- 201201Table of Contents The Theology of the Chinese Jews, 1000-1850 by Jordan Paper Prologue Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Introduction: The Four Questions Who Are the Chinese Jews? Are the Chinese Jews Jewish? What Are the Sources for the Theology of the Chinese Jews? Is This Theology Relevant Today? Chapter 2: From Whence They Came to Where They Went The Extent of the Diaspora Jewish Life under Christianity and Islam: Tenth to Twelfth Centuries The Sea Route to China and the Settlement in Kaifeng Chapter 3: Life in China: Tenth to Nineteenth Centuries Religion Education Social Structure Government Economy Culture Chapter 4: Brief History of Buddhism and the Abrahamic Traditions in China The Buddhist Experience in China Christianity to the Mid-Nineteenth Century Christianity in China after the de Facto Demise of Judaism Islam Judaism Chapter 5: The Sinification of Judaism Veneration of Ancestors: Family, Tribal, Religious, and Cultural Education and Its Relationship to Judaism The Kaifeng Jews and Their Neighbours Chinese Judaism Chapter 6: A Speculative Theology of the Chinese Jews The Names of God: Hebrew The Kaifeng Synagogue's Stelae and Plaques The Names of God: Chinese The Nature of Creation Monotheism from a Chinese Perspective A Speculative Chinese-Jewish Theology Assimilation and Theology Historical and Cultural Context Epilogue Postscript: What Western Jews Can Learn from the Kaifeng Jews Rabbi Anson Laytner Appendix: Chinese Logographs for Terms and Translations in Chapter 6 Notes References

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Book SynopsisThe Life and Teachings of Hillel provides the most comprehensive treatment ever published of one of the greatest figures in Jewish tradition. Yitzhak Buxbaum weaves together the various stories about Hillel along with his teachings and sayings to develop this ground-breaking portrait, shedding new light on Hillel's illustrious career, fascinating life, and profound teachings. Hillel is one of the most important and popular of the talmudic sages, yet he is mostly known only in the context of two or three popular stories told about him. Such stories as teaching the "Golden Rule" of Torah "while standing on one foot," and his saying, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me, and if I am for myself alone, who am I," have eclipsed a more complete view of Hillel's influence and significance. In the rabbinic tradition, there is much debate between the teachings of the school of Hillel and that of his contemporary, Shammai. Hillel is often seen as the more tolerant, softer teacher, with his teachings representing what we consider "normative" Judaism. Often, the traditions passed down to modern times are a result of the rabbis' reconciliation of the two schools, so that Hillel's pure teachings have been lost. The Life and Teachings of Hillel separates out Hillel's teachings and looks at them independently of Shammai's. Studied on their own, it becomes evident that Hillel was actually much more radical and "hasidic" than is commonly thought. While he is known for representing the gentler, more loving side of Judaism, in this work his pious radicalism is also apparent. Readers will be charmed and fascinated by Hillel's fiery gentleness. The Life and Teachings of Hillel offers new information about a radiant religious figure, and it also recovers a side of Jewish tradition that has been lost to most people.Trade ReviewYitzhak Buxbaum's book is a comprehensive study of the quotations and comments found in rabbinic literature about Hillel, who is probably the best known of the ancient sages. In an era of growing religious extremism, Hillel's liberalism in interpreting the halacha could perhaps serve as a beacon to modern-day rabbis to follow in his pious and liberal footsteps.... * Journal Of The Royal Musical Association *Hillel, the oft-quoted sage who lived sometime between the second quarter of the last century B.C.E. and 10 C.E., is captured from all perspectives through his teachings. Some biographical details emerge, but the emphasis is on his gentle personality which suffused his teachings. It is this aspect which the author finds to be so attractive to contemporary Jews. Sample chapter titles are: Charity and Peace; Hillel and Herod; The Humble Man; Hillel's Teaching Style. The book ably demonstrates why Hillel's teachings were so influential and are still so popular. * Jewish Book World *The extraordinary nature of Hillel comes to life in the pages of this book. A long needed spiritual biography of one of the greatest talmudic teachers and religious figures is presented to us in a clear and inspiring fashion. -- Rabbi Michael Strassfeld, author of The Jewish Holidays and co-editor of The Jewish CatalogsThe Life and Teachings of Hillel is a treasure of information relating to all aspects of Jewish life. It is well researched and very well documented. The book brings to life an entire historical period with its giant leaders. It is amazing how much of Hillel's teachings are still applicable in modern times. Any adult Jewish book collection will benefit from the addition of this volume. It is a joy to read! * Journal Of Nietzsche Studies *Yitzhak Buxbaum's book is a comprehensive study of the quotations and comments found in rabbinic literature about Hillel, who is probably the best known of the ancient sages. In an era of growing religious extremism, Hillel's liberalism in interpreting the halacha could perhaps serve as a beacon to modern-day rabbis to follow in his pious and liberal footsteps. * Journal Of The Royal Musical Association *Table of ContentsPart 1 Ascent to Leadership Chapter 2 The Lost Teachings of Hillel Chapter 3 Historical Settings and Family Background Chapter 4 Shebna Chapter 5 Hillel on the Roof Chapter 6 His Great Torah Knowledge Chapter 7 Hillel becomes Nasi Chapter 8 The Nasi as Scholar Chapter 9 The Nasi as Judge Chapter 10 Hillel's View on Leadership Chapter 11 Yeas and Dates Chapter 12 Hillel the Pharisee Chapter 13 Hillel, Menahem, and Shammai Chapter 14 The Prosbul Chapter 15 Hillel and Herod: Religion and Politics Chapter 16 Hillel and Herod: Religion and Politics - Continued Part 17 Mission and Message Chapter 18 Disciples of Aaron Chapter 19 Loving Peace Chapter 20 Being "Mixed in" with Others Chapter 21 Charity and Peace Chapter 22 Loving People Chapter 23 Love and Judging Others Chapter 24 Under the Wings of Divine Presence Chapter 25 A Mission to All Men Chapter 26 Three Proselytes Chapter 27 Receive All Men Part 28 The Hasidic Personality Chapter 29 Hillel's Personality Chapter 30 Hillel the Hasid Chapter 31 A Hasid from Love Chapter 32 The Hasid and Hesed Chapter 33 A Different Way Chapter 34 His Heart Is Firm. Trusting in the Lord Chapter 35 Hasid and Parush Chapter 36 The Way of Hesed Chapter 37 The Humble Man Chapter 38 Hillel and the Once-Rich Poor Man Chapter 39 Gentle and Bearing Insult Chapter 40 Disciple of Ezra Chapter 41 Hillel's Teaching Style Chapter 42 Hillel and the Rich Part 43 Holy Spirit, Holy Legacy Chapter 44 A Good Name versus a Great Name Chapter 45 The Holy Spirit Chapter 46 The Rejoicing of the Water-drawing Chapter 47 Hillel's Death Chapter 48 If I am Not for Myself Chapter 49 In Favor of Shammai Chapter 50 A Unique Balance

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Book SynopsisConversion to Judaism provides information, advice, and support for individuals contemplating conversion to Judaism, as well as those who have converted and the families affected by this decision. With sensitivity and compassion, Lawrence J. Epstein offers an informative volume that warmly welcomes the newcomer to Judaism.Trade ReviewThis comprehensive book, infused by an attitude of welcome and understanding, will be useful to those who think of becoming Jewish, and to their families on both sides. One of my students said this was the most helpful guidebook for the would-be convert yet. -- Rabbi Rachel Cowan, The Nathan Cummings FoundationThough Jews are frequently referred to as 'the people of the book,' there are in fact very few books that one could read that would help a person become a part of the Jewish people if he or she was not born of it. In an age of the 'user-friendly' guide to virtually all interests and endeavors, Professor Epstein has performed a holy service in producing a 'user-friendly' guide to modern Judaism, making entrée into it readily available to all who might be interested. -- Dr. Egon Mayer, Jewish Outreach InstituteIt should serve well, and represents a good motivational tool without in any way 'preaching' or utilizing devices that are meant to wheedle. Its forthright approach is one of its greatest assets..... -- Dr. Morton K. Siegel, The United synagogue of Conservative JudaismDown-to-earth and accessible, this guide will be useful for those looking for a thorough yet brief introduction to Judaism and the path toward conversion. -- Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler, Union of American Hebrew CongregationsIt should serve well, and represents a good motivational tool without in any way 'preaching' or utilizing devices that are meant to wheedle. Its forthright approach is one of its greatest assets. -- Dr. Morton K. Siegel, The United synagogue of Conservative Judaism

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Book SynopsisLithuanian Jewish Communities is a remarkable resource for students of Lithuanian Jewish history and for people descended from Lithuanian Jews. This volume lists, in alphabetical order, the major Jewish communities that existed in Lithuania before World War II. The name of each community is accompanied by information about it: when it was founded, the Jewish population in different years, shops and synagogues, and the names of citizens. An appendix locates each town on a map of Lithuania. Since most of the Jewish communities in Lithuania were destroyed in the Holocaust, this volume will be a valuable tool in recreating a picture of Lithuanian Jewry. Other appendices provide member lists from Lithuanian Jewish organizations throughout the world and list agencies that will provide help in further research on Lithuanian Jewry. Descendants of Lithuanian Jews who wish to trace their genealogy will be greatly helped by Lithuanian Jewish Communities.

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