New Book: I Am for My Beloved

Jews in Medicine

Elka Weber ● Segula Magazine

This who’s who of Jews involved in medicine and associated fields is arranged chronologically, geographically, and then alphabetically… For those interested in a layperson’s look at Judaism and medicine, this is a pleasant book to dip into, full of interesting facts about accomplished doctors and other scientists.

‘Intergalactic Judaism’ and Rabbi Hirsch

Alan Jay Gerber ● The Jewish Star

In his 2011 book, “Intergalactic Judaism” (Urim Publications), Rabbi David Lister of the United Kingdom presents a Jewish view of space travel.

Much of the theological discussion in this book is based on the teachings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch whose “advocacy that one sublimate secular learning and culture into opportunities to serve G-d … “has had a major influence on my life and work,” according to Rabbi Lister.

The Day I Met Father Isaac at the Supermarket

Dov Peretz Elkins ● Jewish Growth

Rabbi Jack Riemer is without doubt the most talented preacher in American Jewry. He has a knack of finding an idea where others cannot find a needle in a haystack. His homiletical eye is so well trained, that rabbis around the world rely on him for fresh ideas. This book is no exception – it is inspiring, funny, wise, and insightful. Read it over and over again.

Insights from the Rabbi Who Wrote the Book on ‘Open Orthodoxy’

Jonathan Kirsch ● Jewish Journal

“Orthodoxy” with a capital “O” is a misunderstood and misused word in Judaism. Modern Orthodoxy is used to identify the mainstream of strictly observant Judaism, of course, but “ultra-Orthodox” is an adjective that is applied to the Charedi, Chasidic and Yeshivish movements in Judaism, each of which is distinct from the others. 

So, where does “Open Orthodoxy” fit into the Jewish world?

Books About Jews Who Make Us Proud – “Jews in Medicine”

Dinah Rokach ● Young Israel Shomrai Emunah of Greater Washington (Rosh Hashanaha Hashomer bulletin)

Follow the history of Jews in the Holy Land beginning in Talmudic times and through the Diaspora and to the State of Israel as you learn and take pride in the accomplishments of Jewish doctors throughout the ages. Read short biographies, most of them accompanied by black-and-white photographs and illustrations, that will inspire and make you proud.

Review: The Saga of Nathan

Sanford R. Silverburg ● AJL News and Reviews

Nathan and the Lions of Ƚódź told the story, in novel format, of a group of 34 teenagers who lived in the Polish forest of Las Lagienwnicki as partisans during World War II. This follow-up story, The Saga of Nathan, focuses on Nathan Kochinski, a member of the group, and his adventures in the post-World War II period. Like the other survivors, Nathan leaves Poland for Palestine. His war-time experience as a combat leader is recognized and when he joins the Haganah he rises to the rank of captain. His transformative role in this underground movement leads him to become a liaison officer seconded to David Ben-Gurion, director of the Jewish Agency for Security Policy. After the establishment of the State of Israel, Nathan continues to offer his expertise, rising to the level of Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Defense. Finally, Nathan succumbs to an assassination attempt on Ben-Gurion by interfering with a thrown explosive device.

This tale would make a great discussion piece for a reading group if the subject was meritorious efforts by Holocaust survivors.