Library

Palestine Facts: the Jewish Refugee History

Large loose-leaf anthology of the Jewish refugee problem from the early days of settlement through to the present time which attempt to explain the Israeli-Palestinian 'situation.' in Jewish terms. A variety of sources and contributors. Gives insight and some accuracy into what the situation in Israel often is and often not publicised.

Passover Hagadah-with Music, arranged by Henry A. Russotto

Published during the height of the Jewish population in NYC in Delancy St., first tow nights of the Passover seder service with music.

Pinckas Gostynin (Book of Gostynin)

Compiled by the Gostynim Memorial Book Committees in New York and Tel Aviv, commentaries of Gostynim including some pictures. Hebrew only.

Pirke Avot: Sayings of the Jewish Fathers

Paperback text of the famous bits of wisdom often cited in our prayer books.

Practical Kabbalah

Background to Kabbalah and explanation of the way Kabbalists think and approach the physical, intellectual and spiritual realms of their existence. Highly readable and not a commercial venture.

Prayers of Israel (Hebrew)

Collection of academic essays (in Hebrew) related to the laws, changes, and intellectual aspect of life in Israel.

Prayers of Israel (in Hebrew)

Scholastic commentaries with an introduction by the then chief Rabbi, Israel Brodie, about religious and secular problems in the Jewish communities, mostly of Israel and some of Britain; a sort of history of Israel and of the Rabbinic law in Israel and the Diaspora. All in Hebrew.

Radical Then, Radical Now (On Being Jewish)

Historical and cultural commentary on the resilience of the Jewish people throughout the world and in history by one of Britain's major rabbis.

Sacred Books of the World

A concise summary of major world religions from the time of the Sumerians, Hammurabi, Egyptians, Jewish and Christian and Islamic religions. Zoroastrians. Buddhists, Chinese and Hindu texts are also examined. A good comparative religion text.

Techinas: A Voice From the Heart

This book is about women's prayers, both in English and in Hebrew, and about concerns of women in daily life, the role of God in their daily lives, and the strength which strong faith and prayer provide. The phrasing and devotional aspect of these prayers are a link between those women in the past and those of today. Many have never been translated before.

Tehillim, The Book of Psalms (Midrash)

David's book of psalms; translation with commentary anthologised from talmudic, midrashic and rabbinic sources. English/Hebrew

The Aura of Torah

Kabbalistic slant on the 5 books of Moses.

The Bible Code 2, The Countdown

Through the use of the computer, Drosnin's first book, Bible Code, caused a sensation in terms of the things through computer analysis he was able to decipher. This book looks to the future (as we head towards Armageddon).

The Book of Jewish Belief

Explanations of basic Jewish belief. Festivals, mysticism. Dietary laws, history and ethics.

The Book of Jewish Practice

Ethics, rituals, custom and practice into leading an observant Jewish life.

The Cultural Guide to Jewish Europe

Comprehensive historical and cultural guide to Eastern and Western Europe with an introduction by Elie Wiesel. Gives traveler good insight into the background and places to see in each country. Highly useful reference.

The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception

The authors try to explain the controversy surrounded the publication of the findings of the Dead Sea Scrolls, much of which was held back for religious reasons by Christian scholars, rather than scholarship, who saw total publication of The Scrolls as a threat to Christian theology. The authors shed light on some of this.

The Festivals in Halachah

An analysis of the development of the festival laws: Yom Tov, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Succos, Chanukah, Purim, Fast Days, Minor Festivals, Pesach, Omer, Shavuos. The reasoning underlying the laws and roots of the festivals. English.

The Five Books of Miriam, A Woman's Commentary on the Torah

This is written in very strange form with all the famous cast of female characters who appear in the Torah. One is given the quote first, then a question is asked by a daughter), and various women reply. The traditional interpretation (of the male sages) is also given. It is an interesting way of reading Torah, and if you are an ardent feminist, it will appeal to you. Still, one keeps thinking that it sounds too much like 'The Red Tent.' However, it is much more scholastic than that, and there are many valid things said since the words in the Torah can be translated in so many ways.

The Guide of the Perplexed

Based on the Arabic, Aramaic and Hebrew texts, this most detailed and scholarly work is a true find to anyone who has always wanted to know what the great Maimonides created in one of his most famous works. If you are a person who has already read the entire Torah, then you are the right person to read this too. This is hard-going, scholastic writing which reaps endless rewards but also needs serious attention. Valuable beyond measure and a true treasure for our library.