Book review

‘Extra, extra!’ New book brings ancient Talmudic texts to life for readers of all ages - review

The Talmud Chronicles: Bringing Talmudic Events to Life covers significant historical events from around 100-200 CE and breathes life into characters from the Talmud.

'The Talmud Chronicles.'
Author Gil Hoffman stands with his new book, ‘The Blood Libel Machine,’ which argues that the spread of anti-Israel narratives and the surge in global antisemitism were the result of a premeditated information campaign that had been in the works for decades.

Israel must treat the media war as seriously as Iran’s nuclear threat, Gil Hoffman says

MENACHEM BEGIN addresses the Knesset, 1974.

'The Prime Ministers': New book covers Begin, the ‘Altalena,’ and the October 27 election - review

ELIMINATED BY the IDF post-Oct. 7: Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh (L) and Yahya Sinwar (R), and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (C), seen at entrance to Jerusalem, Nov. 2024.

On October 7, Hamas’s goal was not the Nova festival - it was New York - opinion


'Awakening to Radical Islamist Evil': A record of the Israel-Hamas War - review

Monty Penkower’s book is less of a “what went wrong” analysis and more a log book of entries as to what, mostly, went right, and in some cases, wrong.

 PALESTINIANS ATTEND the funeral of senior Hamas deputy military commander Marwan Issa. (illustration)

'The Sunflower House': A Nazi past discovered under the floor - review

The Sunflower House is a well-written story of love amid the harsh reality of the difficult conditions faced by the protagonists.

 A NAMING ceremony conducted by SS members at a Lebensborn home in Rheinhessen, Germany, c. 1936-1944.

'Are We There Yet?' Building and sustaining healthy marriages - review

For couples contemplating, or embarking on, marriage, or who are already navigating its hidden depths, Are We There Yet? is essential and rewarding reading.

Marriage

'The Life of the Soul': A look at Judaism's view on 'gilgul' and reincarnation - review

With such erudite scholarship, The Life of the Soul is a landmark contribution and resource to the study of Jewish mysticism.

 An illustrative image of a young woman by the beach holding hands with a transparent figure.

'The Man Who Would Be King': Saudi crown prince pushes for liberalization of his society - review

Everyone with an interest in the Middle East will welcome this study by Karen Elliott House of a man who is bound to play a vital role in the region’s future.  

 SAUDI CROWN Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025.

'Judaism: A love story': The latest book by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - review

This is a book that will open readers’ hearts and minds to Rabbi Riskin’s vision of Judaism, not just as a religion but as a profound and enduring love story.

 Rabbi Shlomo Riskin (at home with portrait of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik)

'Are We There Yet?': Getting over marital roadblocks - review

Chana Levitan, a couples therapist and educator, presents the stories of 18 couples who overcame specific roadblocks in their relationships and are still driving that car called marriage.

 ‘THE WEDDING REGISTER’ by Edmund Leighton, 1920.

'Ancient Jewish Food': What’s cooking in the Talmuds? - review

A new book by food scholar Susan Weingarten offers a glimpse into what Jews ate almost 2,000 years ago and how the food was prepared.

 An illustrative image of wheat and dairy products next to a Torah scroll.

'Above All, We Are Jews': The life story of a great American Reform rabbi - review

To learn more about this great American Reform rabbi, Jews and non-Jews alike will want to read this well-researched and highly accessible biography.

 Rabbi Alexander Schindler became one of the greatest supporters of the historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

'American Maccabee': American Jewry and antisemitism during the days of Teddy Roosevelt - review

American Maccabee provides an informative and nuanced analysis of Theodore Roosevelt’s respect for Jews and his handling of a series of challenges that affected them.

 OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE portrait of Roosevelt by John Singer Sargent in 1903.