Who is Israel? What is a Jew? Where is Jerusalem?: A Biblical Mandate for Prophetic Reformation in the New Millennium
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Who is Israel? What is a Jew? Where is Jerusalem?: A Biblical Mandate for Prophetic Reformation in the New Millennium
    Harold E. Brunson
    Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Criticism & Interpretation | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    TheologyTheology | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    ASIN: 0595419925

    Book Description

    The title of this book raises the critical interpretive questions, "Who is Israel? What is a Jew? Where is Jerusalem?" The content answers these questions through an exhaustive analysis of the key passages in both the Old and New Testaments. Hermeneutically, the book advocates two essential interpretative keys to understanding biblical ecclesiology and eschatology: first, an interpretive paradigm demanding that the interpretation of the terms "Israel," "Jew," and "Jerusalem" be subject, not to historic or obvious definitions of the terms, but rather to the Apostolic definitions of these terms in the New Testament; secondly, an interpretive paradigm demanding that one's understanding of Old Testament prophecy be subjected to Messianic and Apostolic authority; in other words, one should not look to popular or even scholarly expositions and interpretations of prophecy but rather to the Messianic and Apostlic interpretations of Old Testament prophecy.
    Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • This Answers Your Questions
    • A Bible Resource
    • Great Bible Study Companion-Cleverly Written. Love it!
    • Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible
    • How did the publisher pull this off?
    Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible
    Stephen Miller
    Manufacturer: Barbour Publishing
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    HistoryHistory | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
    ReligionReligion | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    Look Inside Reference BooksLook Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
    Look Inside Religion & Spirituality BooksLook Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Who's Who in the Bible: An Illustrated Biographical Dictionary (Reader's Digest) Who's Who in the Bible: An Illustrated Biographical Dictionary (Reader's Digest)
    2. How to Get Into the Bible (Ultimate Handbook) How to Get Into the Bible (Ultimate Handbook)
    3. Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible for Kids Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible for Kids
    4. 3,285 Bible Questions & Answers 3,285 Bible Questions & Answers
    5. Where To Find It In The Bible: The Ultimate A To Z Resource Where To Find It In The Bible: The Ultimate A To Z Resource

    ASIN: 1593101112
    Release Date: 2005-01-20

    Product Description

    Shouldn't every Bible come with a handy tool like Who's Who & Where's Where in the Bible? This illustrated, easy reading A-Z dictionary is loaded with fresh and surprising insights about the most important people and places in the Bible-five hundred in all. Not a dry textbook, it's written in magazine style by critically acclaimed Christian journalist and Bible history author Stephen M. Miller. Color maps, photos, and paintings transport readers to sacred lands. There, they'll meet fascinating people: lovers and liars, healers and hoodlums, warriors and wimps. This captivating book will appeal to Bible newcomers as well as long-time Christians.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars This Answers Your Questions.......2007-09-14

    Great little pocket/purse size for information on just about anything in the bible. Places, people, etc...fun to read!

    5 out of 5 stars A Bible Resource.......2006-07-05

    A super resource for anyone interested in Bible characters and Bible places.

    5 out of 5 stars Great Bible Study Companion-Cleverly Written. Love it!.......2005-09-26

    This is "not your average reference book" - to quote the press release I received when asked to review this book. Always up to a challenge, my curiosity piqued, I requested the book, and I'm not at all disappointed. Let's change that "D" word to "delighted!"

    I love reference books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and the like, especially when it deals with any part of history. Biblical history is a particular fascination. When I had this new book in my hands I was captivated.

    "An illustrated A-to-Z Dictionary of the People and Places in Scripture" it says on the lower part of the cover. I thumbed it open and the book opened about mid-way to "Jeremiah." A blocked side-bar caught my attention: "Prophets Who Didn't Want the Job" and yes, Jeremiah was certainly one, along with Moses and Jonah.

    This fantastic book is illustrated in full color, with artist's interpretations of things like Noah's Ark, Herod's Temple, Lot's family fleeing Sodom, and an intriguing rendition of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar when he lost his mind and ate grass. Included are photos of modern day Israel and the way these historic places look today. And of course maps of all kinds.

    This isn't your normal dry, historical narrative interspersed with pictures and maps-the author shows his wit and humor with some wry and acerbic references such as the section about Solomon. Page 356 gives us this: "Solomon at his dumbest." What? Everyone knows that Solomon was the wisest man in the Bible. So what's this? Take a look:
    "There's a tie for first place.
    * Marriage can be plenty stressful with just one partner. "He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines [secondary wives]" (I Kings 11:3)
    * In his old age, Solomon worshipped idols."
    The author goes on to say that the two `dumbnesses' (his word - not mine) were related. Many, if not most, of Solomon's wives were acquired through peace treaties and trade deals with foreign nations. Unfortunately these wives brought their own gods with them. In 1 Kings 11:4 we read "In Solomon's old age they turned his heart to worship their gods instead of trusting only in the Lord."

    I could continue to dissect this book and give you bits and pieces of the jewels it contains, but a review does not permit that luxury. I can only say that this book would be a most valuable resource on your bookshelf - not just for writers - this would be an asset for Bible scholars, too.

    Stephen Miller, the author of "Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible" wrote in his Introduction: "Sorry, folks. It's just not possible for you to enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it." Well, I beg to differ. I have had the grandest time going through this book, and it has earned a prominent place with my Bible study reference books.

    If you're intrigued with the Bible stories and Biblical history, I strongly urge you to get this book. It's not going to give you deep historical facts, though there are some! What I find most refreshing about it is that Miller presents everything in a simple, straight-forward manner, with a snicker here and there to show how very human these ancient patriarchs really were.

    5 out of 5 stars Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible.......2005-09-08

    The book is very well written and Biblically correct. The pictures and maps helped tremendously. I recommend it as an addition any Christian's library.

    5 out of 5 stars How did the publisher pull this off?.......2005-09-03

    Four hundred pages. Every one in color. Wonderfully designed. Loaded with color photos, illustrations, and maps. Five hundred entries. For under $15?

    And the writing won't let me go. Miller calls himself a journalist who writes about the Bible. And the writing shows it. He doesn't sound like a preacher printing out rehashed sermons. Reading this book is like reading a magazine. No Christian jargon. No religious clichés. The writing is clear, crisp, and best of all--funny. When the subject warrants it, Miller lets the subject have it.

    A few samples:

    Bethlehem
    In a cave beneath the oldest church in the world, priests sometimes get into a fistfight while worshiping at the birthplace of the Prince of Peace.

    Isaac
    Isaac was an unbuttered bagel kind of a guy. Plain.

    Judas Iscariot
    One of the most puzzling mysteries of the Bible is why Jesus--if he knew so much--chose Judas Iscariot as one of his disciples.

    Stephen
    Following Jesus' advice on how to stay alive forever is what killed Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

    Throughout the book Miller drops in short trivia features:
    "Prophets who didn't want the job."

    "Was there a worldwide flood?"

    "What did Paul look like?" (Miller paraphrases an ancient description: "A bald-headed, bow-legged, short man with a hooked and honking big nose that stuck out below one long eyebrow that lay on his forehead like a dead caterpillar.")

    Go ahead, try to find another Bible dictionary that paints word pictures like that.

    The index, by the way, is to die for. As thorough as I've found in any book anywhere. If you're looking for something, you'll find it quickly with this topical index.
    Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible for Kids
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Bible who's who
    • Another 5 star book from Stephen Miller!
    • I got copies for the grandchildren
    • Kids love this book
    • I love the pictures
    Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible for Kids
    Stephen M. Miller
    Manufacturer: Barbour Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Reference & InterpretationReference & Interpretation | Bible | Christianity | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Bible | Christianity | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
    Look Inside Religion & Spirituality BooksLook Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible
    2. How to Get Into the Bible (Ultimate Handbook) How to Get Into the Bible (Ultimate Handbook)
    3. Fun Facts about the Bible Fun Facts about the Bible
    4. The Everything Kids Bible Trivia Book: Stump Your Friends and Family With Your Bible Knowledge (The Everything Series) The Everything Kids Bible Trivia Book: Stump Your Friends and Family With Your Bible Knowledge (The Everything Series)
    5. 3,285 Bible Questions & Answers 3,285 Bible Questions & Answers

    ASIN: 1597892270

    Book Description

    Here's a great tool to get kids into the Bible! Written especially for 8 to 12 year-olds, this easy-to-read reference covers 100 of the most important people and places of scripture. From Aaron to Zacchaeus and Babylon to the Sea of Galilee, Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible for Kids gives the who, what, where, why, and when of each subject-and it's illustrated in full color with maps, photographs, classic paintings, and cool cartoon "narrators." Best-selling Bible history author Steve Miller has created a fun and fascinating book that kids will love-and parents will appreciate.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Bible who's who.......2007-06-27

    This ia a great book for kids: an A-Z dictionary of many Biblical people, places and things.

    5 out of 5 stars Another 5 star book from Stephen Miller!.......2006-08-21

    I so love and appreciate the informal style that Stephen Miller uses in every book he writes. As a relatively new Christian I need the stories of the Bible explained to me in a way where I am not overwhelmed.

    I so loved Stephen Miller's previous book on this topic, "Who's Who & Where's Where in the Bible", which was written for adults, that I've given it as a gift many, many times. It remains one of my most used reference tools and books I simply enjoy reading.

    I am thrilled to see that he is now offering a version for kids (I still plan to keep one for myself!) It boasts rich and colorful illustrations, over 100 easy-to-read stories about the most important Biblical people, places and events. It includes many interesting bits of knowledge shared by children's characters.

    This is a book that older kids can read by themselves or younger kids can read with their parents. Either way it makes the perfect companion to spark a lively dinner discussion.

    This is a must have book to help introduce your children to the most important people of the Bible!

    5 out of 5 stars I got copies for the grandchildren.......2006-08-17

    I am a fan of Miller's best selling Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible, so I was delighted to see that he has published Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible for Kids. Recommended for 8 to 12 year-olds, there are 100 entries featuring phonetic pronuciation guides, Bible references, calendar references, why he or she is famous entries to situate the subject entries. These are extremely accessible for the age group, as the introduction for Adam illustrates: "When God made the universe and everything in it, he saved the best for last. He made humans. First, he created Adam. Then came Eve. And then he gave them a job."

    Many of the entries have insertions in the form of scrolls that highlight important points, as for example the one in the Baal entry: "TIME-OUT! A lot of Jewish people stopped obeying the real God. Instead, they worshiped the pretend God Baal. So God kicked the Jews of of their country to punish them. It was like God put the whole country in a time-out." The entries also include illustrations of children making a point not to be missed or asking a question the entry will answer. For Jeremiah, we find a contemporary boy announcing: "God asked a boy to deliver the worst news in Jewish history."

    It seems to me that children are not the only ones who will enjoy this book. Their family members of whatever age and their Sunday School teachers will enjoy it as well. My wife and I have copies to give to the grand children.

    5 out of 5 stars Kids love this book.......2006-08-12

    My church gave copies of this book away as rewards during Vacation Bible School. Kids loved the book so much that many of those who didn't get a copy made their parents go out and buy them one.

    Think of it! Kids making their parents buy them a book about the Bible!

    The children's workers are also going to use this book as a reward in Sunday School, for kids who memorize their Bible verses.

    Kids might not be able to post reviews on Amazon. In fact, you have to check a box to say you're older than 13. But I can testify that Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible for Kids has passed the kid test.

    5 out of 5 stars I love the pictures.......2006-08-11

    I love this book.

    I've never seen a more beautiful kid's book about the Bible. Wonderful paintings, photos, and maps about Bible stories. An explosion of color on every page.

    And it's easy to read. Engaging. Funny. Accurate.

    I highly recommend it.
    Who Were the Early Israelites and Where Did They Come From?
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Clear, Concise and helpful
    • Excellent summary of Israelite origins for the public
    • Archeology?
    • Hodegpodge
    • Who Were the Early Israelites?
    Who Were the Early Israelites and Where Did They Come From?
    William G. Dever
    Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
    IsraelIsrael | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
    StudyStudy | Old Testament | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It?: What Archaeology Can Tell Us About the Reality of Ancient Israel What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It?: What Archaeology Can Tell Us About the Reality of Ancient Israel
    2. The Early History of God: Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel (Biblical Resource Series) The Early History of God: Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel (Biblical Resource Series)
    3. The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts
    4. Did God Have A Wife? Archaeology And Folk Religion In Ancient Israel Did God Have A Wife? Archaeology And Folk Religion In Ancient Israel
    5. David and Solomon: In Search of the Bible's Sacred Kings and the Roots of the Western Tradition David and Solomon: In Search of the Bible's Sacred Kings and the Roots of the Western Tradition

    ASIN: 0802809758

    Book Description

    This book addresses one of the most timely and urgent topics in archaeology and biblical studies — the origins of early Israel. For centuries the Western tradition has traced its beginnings back to ancient Israel, but recently some historians and archaeologists have questioned the reality of Israel as it is described in biblical literature. In "Who Were the Early Israelites and Where Did They Come From?" William Dever explores the continuing controversies regarding the true nature of ancient Israel and presents the archaeological evidence for assessing the accuracy of the well-known Bible stories.

    Confronting the range of current scholarly interpretations seriously and dispassionately, Dever rejects both the revisionists who characterize biblical literature as "pious propaganda" and the conservatives who are afraid to even question its factuality. Attempting to break through this impasse, Dever draws on thirty years of archaeological fieldwork in the Near East, amassing a wide range of hard evidence for his own compelling view of the development of Israelite history.

    In his search for the actual circumstances of Israel's emergence in Canaan, Dever reevaluates the Exodus-Conquest traditions in the books of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, and 1 & 2 Samuel in the light of well-documented archaeological evidence from the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. Among this important evidence are some 300 small agricultural villages recently discovered in the heartland of what would later become the biblical nation of Israel. According to Dever, the authentic ancestors of the "Israelite peoples" were most likely Canaanites — together with some pastoral nomads and small groups of Semitic slaves escaping from Egypt — who, through the long cultural and socioeconomic struggles recounted in the book of Judges, managed to forge a new agrarian, communitarian, and monotheistic society.

    Written in an engaging, accessible style and featuring fifty photographs that help bring the archaeological record to life, this book provides an authoritative statement on the origins of ancient Israel and promises to reinvigorate discussion about the historicity of the biblical tradition.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Clear, Concise and helpful.......2007-10-01

    The book very much helps in acquiring an understanding of the attitudes within the scholarly community regarding the Israelites.

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent summary of Israelite origins for the public.......2007-07-04

    William Dever's volume is an excellent summary of research on Israelite origins, which concludes that the Israelites originated in Canaan. The congruences between Canaanite and Israelite material culture are discussed. The book is well-written, lively and entertaining, and is well-suited for the general public.

    2 out of 5 stars Archeology?.......2007-05-19

    This book pretends that archeology can tell us what he Bible cannot and this is a wortwhile premise. However it faulters on the fact that it creates new myths after having discarded the Bible. Since the Bible is just 'story' it relies on archeology. But archeology only tells us that 'yes people did live here' it doesnt tell us how many there were or what they thought or how they worhsiped. For instance it cannot account for nomads or semi-nomads, an important part of the Middle East even today. Thus it cannot tell us much about the overalll picture, it can only tell us what it had found. What it has found is inconclusive and relies mostly on the theories of archeologists.

    So this book weaves together theories and then turns them into a new beleif system, one equally improbable as the source it seeks to debunk, the Bible.

    Less than credible. A fun theory.

    Seth J. Frantzman

    2 out of 5 stars Hodegpodge.......2007-03-28

    Read at least one other book close to this subject first--The Bible Unearthed by Silberman and Finkelstein is a good choice--since this could be subtitled "A reply to Finkelstein." After Dever's movie review (he says Yul Brynner was better than Charlton Heston) there comes a host of detail, mixed confusingly with a reviews of the literature from other archeologists, many of whom are cited at length but with little context to make it clear why any of it matters. Dever finally warms up to a complicated theory about the origins of the Israelites that may be true but doesn't have much support, and is a little hard to distinguish from Finkelstein. There are also a few divergences into, for example, possible origins of Moses the man, or natural explanations for the plagues in Egypt, and several other biblical references.

    There are lots of maps, drawings, pictures and tables, but not much explanation of them; he seems to assume they are self-explanatory. As he says, "Virtually everyone is familiar with the basic outlines of the biblical story" so he doesn't bother to tell it. Dever admits to dashing off this text, and it shows. This is one of those books that desperately needs editing.

    Finkelstein insists that the scientific results must hold sway over the biblical text, while Dever claims to give them equal weight; in fact the two scientists end up rather close together. Dever is responding to Finkelstein's glibness, saying "Hey! Not so fast!" and does offer some balance to the facile Silberman and Finkelstein treatment.

    4 out of 5 stars Who Were the Early Israelites?.......2006-11-10

    Very interesting dicussion of the subject but neither maps nor diagrams were satisfactory to the lay reader who has only scanty biblical knowledge. I was disappointed that the era covered did not stretch back to the origins of the Semite peoples and/or evidence of the Abraham story.
    Ask the Rabbi: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of Being Jewish (Arthur Kurzweil Books)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Ya gotta love it!
    • Great introductory resource
    • Hooray for the rabbi!
    • Easy reading reference book
    • Excellent book for Jews and non-Jews alike!
    Ask the Rabbi: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of Being Jewish (Arthur Kurzweil Books)
    Ron Isaacs
    Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    JudaismJudaism | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. What Does Being Jewish Mean?: Read-Aloud Responses to Questions Jewish Children Ask About History, Culture, and Religion What Does Being Jewish Mean?: Read-Aloud Responses to Questions Jewish Children Ask About History, Culture, and Religion
    2. The Jewish Book of Why The Jewish Book of Why
    3. Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its Moods (P.S.) Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its Moods (P.S.)

    ASIN: 078796784X

    Book Description

    Does God really have a chosen people? Do Jews believe in an afterlife? Why do all Jewish holidays begin at night? When is it okay to tell a lie? What does Judaism say about being gay?
    From the mundane to the perplexing, Rabbi Ron Isaacs answers all your questions about the Jewish faith in a manner that is warm, wise, and witty. Isaacs brings his many years of experience as a rabbi and scholar to create a family-friendly resource that you and your children can use again and again to answer questions as they arise in your day-to-day lives— such as questions about: worship services, blessings, famous people in the Bible, miracles, fast days, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, the Seder, circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, marriage, keeping kosher, sex, death and dying, medical ethics, Jewish beliefs, Hasidim, Jewish denominations, rabbis and cantors, black Jews, Jewish professions, what others think of the Jews, Israel, ritual garments, the Torah, the mezuzah, Anti-Semitic documents and statements, Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews, language, Jews and cults, kabbalah, and classic Jewish books.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Ya gotta love it!.......2007-01-05

    Chatty, easy to read, easy to research question and answer format. Just like having the rabbi right there with you.

    4 out of 5 stars Great introductory resource.......2004-06-04

    This looks more like like a children's book from the cover but I was pleased to find that it really is written for any audience. The author does a great job of clarifying but not over-simplifying topics so it may even be better suited to adults. Rabbi Ron is from a conservative congregation but is exceptionally even-handed when discussing all movements within Judaism-he devotes a whole chapter to Reform and Orthodox Judaism and briefly discusses Renewal. He also makes for a pleasant, funny tour guide and an engaging representative of Judaism today.

    The book is well-organized and easy to skip around if you aren't interested in a particular subject. With chapters ranging on topics from the Torah, holidays and customs, branches of Judaism, history, relations and comparisons between Jews and Christians, and the Kabbalah you'll find enough to at least answer questions if not pique your interest. This was the first book (and obviously not the last) I picked up when I was considering conversion so it's a sentimental favorite. I hope you'll find it as enjoyable and fun as I did.

    5 out of 5 stars Hooray for the rabbi!.......2003-12-08

    I read Rabbi Ron Isaacs' book, "Ask the Rabbi", cover to cover over the weekend. It was my catharsis from mind-pollution inflicted by the antagonistic tome of a Jewish feminist, purportedly addressing resurgent anti-Semitism. Being a non-Jew, it's beyond my comprehension how she could feel comfortable fabricating odium without any reluctance for her community's rebuke. Surprisingly, "Ask the Rabbi" is my illumination.

    "Ask the Rabbi" is a primer specifically for American Jews inactive in Judaism and wishing to discover what they're missing. It's too introspective for non-Jews only wishing familiarity with another religion. Rabbi Ron has collected questions and answers over the years, and has organized them into chapters based on category. Many answers have repetitive elements favoring readers who selectively skip around. By the end, most all transliterated Hebrew terms are explained, but if you start out not knowing your mikvahs from your mitzvahs, "Ask the Rabbi" makes little accommodation. A glossary would be helpful for what I'm sure will be a second volume.

    Judaism excites Rabbi Ron. He explains major differences between the four popular movements of Judaism in America. There are adequate explanations of the ceremonies, the rituals, the importance of certain prayers, and even satisfying anecdotes about how melodiously the cantor chants and sings. In my own synagogue visits, I was dumbfounded as the rabbi offered thanks for making us Jewish. Rabbi Ron well-explains that such statements are not to be regarded as insensitive. They are mere positive expressions of the honor bestowed by the Torah. Rabbi Ron's services are conducted in Hebrew, and he gives useful tips for people without language skills. There are also good pointers for keeping a more perfect Shabbat. However, the ceremonies, prayers, and rituals appear focussed on process for its own sake. Inevitably, a question deals with this appearance of process versus purpose, but the answer is redundant.

    An indirect question about 'who is a Jew?' needed to appear earlier, because "Jew" is ambiguous. One can be a Jew by descent (Yehudim) as an offspring of Yehudah, or his brothers Benyimin and Lewi, those who also inhabited the Southern Kingdom and later Roman province of Judea. Or, one can be a Jew by the religion of Judaism. While not universal, the two often coincide. Rabbi Ron's convoluted answer touches on both keeping the commandments and the nation of Israel's contentious Law of Return authorizing the Orthodox Rabbinate. It begs the question, 'What is Judaism?'

    "Ask the Rabbi" lacks a clear definition of Judaism. From the time of Mosheh, through Shelomo, and up to the Babylonian Captivity, there was no Judaism. The children of Yisra'el are simply commanded to observe the Torah as their way of life. Judaism, as an organized religion overseen by the rabbi-teacher, began during, and as a response to the Babylonian Captivity. After the Temple's destruction in the pre-Christian first century, messianic-Jews, the Yehudim who believed on Yahushua (different from today's "Messianic Judaism"), were ejected from the synagogues and shunned, because they were pacifists in the rebellion against Rome. The artifice of labeling a Jew overtly by membership in Judaism further excluded messianic-Jews. For all such questions that continually baffle ordinary Jews (e.g., Avraham was not a Jew), Rabbi Ron appears to safeguard uncertainty, without purposely misstating fact.

    "Ask the Rabbi" earns its fourth and fifth stars in the latter third, where through advocacy of liberal causes, it presents a useful illumination into the Jewish-American psyche. I had previously believed that the damage being inflicted on our society by secular-liberalism emanated from misguided elitists and other misfits. Rabbi Ron shows that for a broad spectrum of Jews, the motivation is religion-based. While not alone, American Judaism encourages feminism, homosexuality, abortion, and the funding of stem-cell research. Incongruously, Rabbi Ron perceives that Judaism is threatened in part by intermarriage and a low birth rate.

    A lucid appreciation of liberal issues would find them at odds with Torah. However, from answers to questions ranging from eating Chinese food to beard shaving, one understands that Torah-observance is more or less optional in American Judaism. And as the Messiah discovered, Judaism self-righteously pursues other commands to unnatural extremes, e.g., wholly separating dairy from meat, and not misusing the Sacred Name by consciously overlooking it. Running from the Torah and embracing secular causes seems unwittingly self-destructive.

    Yet, Rabbi Ron has misplaced anxieties about Christians, believing that missionaries are specifically targeting Jews. He might refer all future questions about Christians to an informed friend. Messianic Scripture expressly forbids door-to-door proselytizing (Luke 10:7). Out of hundreds of Christian sects, only three violate that stricture: Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and Seventh-day Adventists. I doubt whether representatives from these sects have a better command of Hebrew and the Tanak than ordinary Jews. They don't systematically target Jews; they target the unaware. However, there is extra credit for snaring a Jew. Therefore, don't point to the mezuzah cueing the missionaries' leave.

    The messianic message was predicted to be imminently and utterly corrupted. Thus, we have the living amalgam we call Christianity. Christianity's interpretations will never be acceptable to knowledgeable Jews. So, it amazed me to see that Rabbi Ron quotes the Messiah's commitment to the Torah into the far future (Mattityahu 5:18). Rabbi Ron justifiably denounces Christianity for misrepresenting the Messiah and His stand on the Law. The Torah is a framework for unsurpassed goodness and freedom. Knowing this truth is what harmonizes the so-called Old and New Testaments. Given his stunning recognition, I was sad to leave Rabbi Ron, knowing that he'd reject further investigation.

    Although it's a negative, denying the Messiah seems to be the only constant in Judaism, and its millstone. Because it's the principal motivation, Judaism's misperceptions about Christianity, causes it to waste energy by being reactionary. For no other reason, if Christians are fervent, Judaism is secular; if Christians vote Republican, Judaism supports Democrats. It seems oddly simple, but it's an extremely helpful and worthwhile insight. My blessings and sincere good wishes go out to Rabbi Ron Isaacs and his family!

    5 out of 5 stars Easy reading reference book.......2003-11-02

    Since the questions for "Ask the Rabbi" came largely from Hebrew School and Hebrew High students, one would think it to be a children's book. However, the breadth of the topics, the depth of the answers, and the almost conversational style of the answers make the book suitable for readers of all ages. Whether you start at the beginning and read straight through, or as I did, skip around to topics of particular interest, the reading is easy and informative. Rabbi Isaacs makes a point to explain many of the answers from the standpoints of the different branches of Judaism. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about the Jewish religion.

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent book for Jews and non-Jews alike!.......2003-10-30

    This book asks and answers hundreds of questions about Judaism in a user-friendly and easy-to-read format. Especially enjoyable are Rabbi Isaacs' personal anecdotes which fully engage the reader and add to the value of the book. The book inspires readers to come up with their own questions and in fact, if you go to Rabbi Isaacs' website you can ask your own "ask the rabbi" question! This book is highly recommended for children, teenagers, and adults alike!
    The beast of Revelation: Myth, metaphor or reality? : where are global events leading? : is a world dictator about to appear? : just who -- or what -- ... mark? : the incredible answers are inside!
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The beast of Revelation: Myth, metaphor or reality? : where are global events leading? : is a world dictator about to appear? : just who -- or what -- ... mark? : the incredible answers are inside!
      John H Ogwyn
      Manufacturer: Global Church of God
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Unknown Binding

      GeneralGeneral | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
      ASIN: B0006RCD0C
      Fifteen Hundred Bible Questions and Answers
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Fifteen Hundred Bible Questions and Answers
        Fred E. Dennis
        Manufacturer: Fred E. Dennis
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Pamphlet

        GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: B000MVUHRI

        Product Description

        These Bible questions and answers first appeared in the Bible Herald. They created great interest among the readers. They have been put into booklet form, hoping that they may find a place in every home and in every heart. They are especially adaptable for Bible lessons and for private study.
        Questions of the Bible: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Questions of the Bible: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
          Richard Edwin Craig
          Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 1424114454

          Book Description

          Many questions that are now used in the public domain have their origins in the Bible. In some cases those questions have been answered by some holy man; in others, God himself may have provided the answer. How many times has someone asked the question, “Am I my brotherÂ's keeper?” And what about the powerfully poignant, “Do you want to be made well?” Pilate facing Jesus asked him, “And what is truth?” Literally volumes could be spent on some of the more pregnant questions. The 30 questions this book addresses were randomly selected for inclusion. Sometimes, in reflecting on the subject matter, alternative answers to the questions have been suggested. Although the Bible was written centuries ago, there is one meditation that talks about “hooking up,” which is a modern day phenomenon. Answering who, what, where, when, or why affords interesting insight into human nature and our relationship with God.
          Who & what & where in the Bible
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Who & what & where in the Bible
            Donald M McFarlan
            Manufacturer: John Knox Press
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Unknown Binding

            GeneralGeneral | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
            ASIN: 0804200017
            Who, What, When, Where Bible Busy Book
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Who, What, When, Where Bible Busy Book
              William Coleman
              Manufacturer: Chariot Family Pub
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback
              ASIN: 0891918531

              Books:

              1. Why I Write (Penguin Great Ideas)
              2. Wie geht's?: An Introductory German Course (with Student Text Audio CD)
              3. Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School
              4. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: A Guide to Starting, Revising, and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis
              5. Zolar's Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Dreams: Fully Revised and Updated for the 21st Century
              6. 2005 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market)
              7. 501 Spanish Verbs: with CD-ROM (Barron's Foreign Language Guides)
              8. About Face 2.0: The Essentials of Interaction Design
              9. Al-kitaab fii Ta'allum Al-'Arabiyya with DVD's A Textbok For Begining Arabic
              10. Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar (Dover Books on Language)

              Books Index

              Books Home

              Recommended Books

              1. How to Get the Teaching Job You Want: The Complete Guide for College Graduates, Teachers Changing Sc
              2. First Marathons
              3. Accounting and Financial Fundamentals For Your Drive Cases Business
              4. Channels of Discourse, Reassembled: Television and Contemporary Criticism
              5. Cost Accounting
              6. Flotsam
              7. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
              8. MP College Accounting 1-32 w/Home Depot AR
              9. Consumption Matters: The Production and Experience of Consumption
              10. Everyone's Pretty: A Novel