Friday, November 29, 2013
Brand New from Menucha Publishers
I just got 9(!) books to review from Menucha Publishers. Stay tuned!
Monday, November 25, 2013
The Rabbi & the Nuns, Another Rabbi Dr. Twerski Classic
Rabbi Dr Twerski is a pro at dealing with addicts, especially book addicts ;-)
Seriously, The Rabbi & the Nuns is another great work with a new twist. It covers the same important information regarding mental health awareness, but from a direction that most people wouldn't imagine.
Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
The cover is very straight forward. It is a picture of "The Rabbi", who has become a familiar, comforting face to many.
His Rabbi and Dr. status, which is explained in the beginning of the book, landed him the position in which he was able to provide support to Nuns and others that needed it.
Some Details I Liked:
I very much enjoyed learning about the sacrifice that many nuns make and that way of life, from a psychological perspective.
Some concepts in this book are struggles for most people, but Rabbi Dr. Twerski presents them in a very clear, enjoyable to read manner.
Who This Book is For:
One part that I really enjoyed about this book, is that it shows how the Rabbi was able to be spiritually inclined while respecting other human's religions. In that sense, this book can be read by any growing, G-d acknowledging individual. There is mention of Judaism related concepts, but it is all clearly explained without assuming that the reader has prior Judaic knowledge.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
I wouldn't give this book to a serious addict without follow up from a professional. The ideas are not meant to treat addiction, but rather to spread awareness. And that applies to other mental health sufferers as well.
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
So, being that I have read many of Twerki's other books, I have to say that some (but no where near all) stories were familiar. Needless to say, they were still interesting to read again. :)
In Conclusion:
This book came out just in time for Chanukah. It is a great gift for your spiritual, but not religious or religious, but non-Jewish, or Jewish, but non-religious or Jewish and religious friend or family member. It is great to be read in one sitting and also chapter by chapter.
Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.
Seriously, The Rabbi & the Nuns is another great work with a new twist. It covers the same important information regarding mental health awareness, but from a direction that most people wouldn't imagine.
Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
The cover is very straight forward. It is a picture of "The Rabbi", who has become a familiar, comforting face to many.
His Rabbi and Dr. status, which is explained in the beginning of the book, landed him the position in which he was able to provide support to Nuns and others that needed it.
Some Details I Liked:
I very much enjoyed learning about the sacrifice that many nuns make and that way of life, from a psychological perspective.
Some concepts in this book are struggles for most people, but Rabbi Dr. Twerski presents them in a very clear, enjoyable to read manner.
Who This Book is For:
One part that I really enjoyed about this book, is that it shows how the Rabbi was able to be spiritually inclined while respecting other human's religions. In that sense, this book can be read by any growing, G-d acknowledging individual. There is mention of Judaism related concepts, but it is all clearly explained without assuming that the reader has prior Judaic knowledge.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
I wouldn't give this book to a serious addict without follow up from a professional. The ideas are not meant to treat addiction, but rather to spread awareness. And that applies to other mental health sufferers as well.
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
So, being that I have read many of Twerki's other books, I have to say that some (but no where near all) stories were familiar. Needless to say, they were still interesting to read again. :)
In Conclusion:
This book came out just in time for Chanukah. It is a great gift for your spiritual, but not religious or religious, but non-Jewish, or Jewish, but non-religious or Jewish and religious friend or family member. It is great to be read in one sitting and also chapter by chapter.
Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Reviews #21 - 25, including two future releases!
- Learn Torah, Love Torah, Live Torah
- Let My Nation Descend
- In the Splendor of the Maggid book
- The Soul of Chanukah
- Future release from Menucha Publishers!
Monday, September 16, 2013
The Easy-Shmeezy Guide to Yiddish - Dos iz a gutteh zach!
Were you ever in a crowd of chassidim and "excuse me" wasn't doing the trick? Well, if you had your copy of The Easy-Shmeezy Guide to Yiddish, you would have known to say "antshuldikt" and then "a dank" when they let you pass.
Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
This book is as handy and dandy as it looks! It is small enough to be held in one hand or fit into a purse, but large enough to be used for a quick reference. It is just over 150 pages for learning and then a glossary, which is followed by information about the Yiddish Academy.
The inner format of this book is amazingly clear. Each Yiddish word or phrase (written in Hebrew alef-bet with punctuation) is transliterated and translated using the English alphabet.
Some Details I Liked:
I really enjoyed the order that the book is written in. It starts off with the basics - "yes, no, please and thank you" and then continues on with the most common words/phrases in topics until the reader has enough of a vocabulary to understand paragraphs.
R' Moshe Sherizen slowly lets the grammar seep in by putting in "Rule" boxes every couple of topics.
Who This Book is For:
This book is great for all ages. It was really done well enough that almost anyone can pick it up and gain Yiddish knowledge. I would say it is best for someone that can practice the pronunciation on a native Yiddish speaker. I think it is also a great tool for any businessman that wants to impress his Yiddishe clients.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
So, if you know Yiddish already, well, this book won't be so useful.
It isn't a thesaurus or a high level dictionary, but it is definitely fun to see how much Yiddish you know, without even realizing that it is Yiddish. For example, almost every Yente or Macher knows how important it is to be a mensch if you want your Mammeh to kvell mit nachas!
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
I would love if this book came with a CD or audio download. That way audio learners can appreciate it as well.
In Conclusion:
If you need a super easy, geshmak way to redt Yiddish, dos iz da booch far dir!
Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.
Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
This book is as handy and dandy as it looks! It is small enough to be held in one hand or fit into a purse, but large enough to be used for a quick reference. It is just over 150 pages for learning and then a glossary, which is followed by information about the Yiddish Academy.The inner format of this book is amazingly clear. Each Yiddish word or phrase (written in Hebrew alef-bet with punctuation) is transliterated and translated using the English alphabet.
Some Details I Liked:
I really enjoyed the order that the book is written in. It starts off with the basics - "yes, no, please and thank you" and then continues on with the most common words/phrases in topics until the reader has enough of a vocabulary to understand paragraphs.
R' Moshe Sherizen slowly lets the grammar seep in by putting in "Rule" boxes every couple of topics.
Who This Book is For:
This book is great for all ages. It was really done well enough that almost anyone can pick it up and gain Yiddish knowledge. I would say it is best for someone that can practice the pronunciation on a native Yiddish speaker. I think it is also a great tool for any businessman that wants to impress his Yiddishe clients.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
So, if you know Yiddish already, well, this book won't be so useful.
It isn't a thesaurus or a high level dictionary, but it is definitely fun to see how much Yiddish you know, without even realizing that it is Yiddish. For example, almost every Yente or Macher knows how important it is to be a mensch if you want your Mammeh to kvell mit nachas!
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
I would love if this book came with a CD or audio download. That way audio learners can appreciate it as well.
In Conclusion:
If you need a super easy, geshmak way to redt Yiddish, dos iz da booch far dir!
Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Rebbetizin Kanievsky, A legendary mother to all
Just a few years ago, no female's trip to Israel was complete, without a visit to Bnei Brek for hafrashas challa with Rebbetzin Kanievsky. Artscroll put together this masterpiece with a clear history of who she was and how she got there.Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
The cover is simple, but elegant. With the title in gold, it shows respect and with the image of the simple Kanievsky apartment, it shows their humbleness.
Some Details I Liked:
I loved how this book portrayed the normal side, as well as the holy side of the Rebbetzin. She did work outside the home, but she was also there for her family.
There were also a bunch of stories that I have repeated to others to give over the inspiration and keep perspective of priorities in life.
Who This Book is For:
This book is great for someone who wants to understand what it means to be righteous from birth and grow to be even more than that. It is pleasant, light, inspirational reading.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
I would not give this book to someone who is looking to be just like the Kanievskys and take upon themselves some of the practices without the understanding behind it. Great people do great things. Sometimes doing great things makes people great, but only when done right.
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
There were some stories that I would have left out because I felt that not everyone could appreciate the level, but for the most part those details were put into perspective.
I also disliked the lack of pictures in the book. I understand that for modesty, personal pictures were limited, but even a picture of the line of women that would wait for a kiss or kind word from the Rebbetzin would have added a lot.
In Conclusion:
So, if you or your daughter can't relate to all the Gedolim books or books, this is a great book with a female role model to read about. I am proud to say that I met Rebbetzin Kanievsky and hope that in some way, I can emulate her greatness.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The Elephant In The Room, Short Essays of Large Importance
Mosaica Press did well with R' Eisenman's The Elephant in the Room. (He already put out another book with them, For Everything A Time) This book is short thought provoking compositions, regarding current events, but age old concepts.Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
The cover is done very well. It depicts the shadow of the elephant that hides in nearly every room or news topic. It shows that the book is not your typical Jewish publication.
Some Details I Liked:
Each article or entry in this book is original. R' Eisenman gives over many personal accounts, perspectives and brainstorms first hand. His words reveal his sensitivity to others and how events do and should affect us.
Who This Book is For:
This book is great for someone looking for a good read, but doesn't have time to read cover to cover. With the individual essays, you can read just a few pages and enjoy the material, within a few minutes.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
This book touches on some sensitive points. If you don't like getting teary eyed or you'd rather sweep issues under the carpet, then you should just ignore the elephant in the room.
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
The only issue with this book is because it discusses current events, in a few years, it will be outdated. Hopefully, the interpersonal issues discussed will also be a thing of the past.
In Conclusion:
Rabbi Eisenman did a great job in shedding light onto issues that are usually kept in the shadows. He does so with a literary fineness that is hard to come by.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Bnos Tzalafchad, The Daughters Victorious
If you love Torah stories and always wanted to imagine them more vividly, The Daughters Victorious is for you! Romantic, emotional and full of Torah, this historical novel is an amazing read for a more mature audience.
Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
The cover shows a painting of the five daughters of Tzalafchad presenting to a council. One of the daughters is in front, representing the group. That is Milka, the oldest daughter & main character in the story.
Some Details I Liked:
This book has a beautiful balance of fact and fiction woven together to give a glimpse of what might have been. Rabbi Wexler uses his knowledge and imagination to recreate what it might have been like camping in the desert and living with greatness.
Who This Book is For:
This book is for someone that is familiar with the Torah passages and would appreciate the nuances that the author expounds upon.
There is also quite a bit of halachic detail as far as permitted relations (although no explicit acts are described) and family purity, so I would suggest that only religious, married women read this book.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
This book is not for someone who will take it as fact or near fact. Rabbi Wexler lists whatever is taken from true sources and beyond that, it is his theories.
It is important to remember that we do not know the personalities of these great people from generations ago and we can not begin to imagine what their life was for sure like.
What I Didn’t Like Book/Would Have Made it Better:
This book was very sweet. I know I say this a lot, but a prequel to this story would be amazing. That way, we can understand how Tzalafchad got to be who he was and then appreciate this book more.
In Conclusion:
It takes talent to take an over 3,000 year old episode and make it easy to relate to nowadays. This story kept me glued through the ending and satisfied after reading it, something that I rarely get from most novels.
Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:The cover shows a painting of the five daughters of Tzalafchad presenting to a council. One of the daughters is in front, representing the group. That is Milka, the oldest daughter & main character in the story.
Some Details I Liked:
This book has a beautiful balance of fact and fiction woven together to give a glimpse of what might have been. Rabbi Wexler uses his knowledge and imagination to recreate what it might have been like camping in the desert and living with greatness.
Who This Book is For:
This book is for someone that is familiar with the Torah passages and would appreciate the nuances that the author expounds upon.
There is also quite a bit of halachic detail as far as permitted relations (although no explicit acts are described) and family purity, so I would suggest that only religious, married women read this book.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
This book is not for someone who will take it as fact or near fact. Rabbi Wexler lists whatever is taken from true sources and beyond that, it is his theories.
It is important to remember that we do not know the personalities of these great people from generations ago and we can not begin to imagine what their life was for sure like.
What I Didn’t Like Book/Would Have Made it Better:
This book was very sweet. I know I say this a lot, but a prequel to this story would be amazing. That way, we can understand how Tzalafchad got to be who he was and then appreciate this book more.
In Conclusion:
It takes talent to take an over 3,000 year old episode and make it easy to relate to nowadays. This story kept me glued through the ending and satisfied after reading it, something that I rarely get from most novels.
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