"I Loved My Mother On Saturdays" and Other Tales from the Shtetl and Beyond by Roslyn Bresnick-Perry
From Roslyn Bresnick-Perry's childhood in the shtetl to her immigration to New York and life into adulthood with a career in the fashion industry, this book cannot simply be considered a collection of short autobiographical stories, or even a transcript of the dynamic family history she has been relating orally to audiences for decades. Written mostly in the first person, which gives the reader a feeling like she is right there in your living room, a few major themes of Bresnick-Perry's stories include adventures in adjusting to Jewish life in America and ups and downs in her relationship with her mother (as illustrated in the book's title). As the captivated reader will discover once the author admits it to herself, the author's life is storytelling, which she eventually decides to make into her real career, and a very successful one it is. Recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
Showing posts with label Association of Jewish Libraries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Association of Jewish Libraries. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
New Book Review: jobnik!
jobnik! by Miriam Libicki
jobnik!, a compilation of the first six issues of graphic artist Miriam Libicki’s self-published comic series, captivates the reader with the story of an American girl’s adventures in the Israeli army during the 2000 Intifada (which appears to have been based on her own army experiences). Miriam does not quite fit into the mold of your “typical” chayelet—quiet, emotional, and forever romantic, but a good girl at heart—as well as still trying to find her place in life religiously and socially. Miriam’s storytelling style is honest and real and draws the reader in from the very first panel. This memoir is unique in that it is one of only a handful of Jewish-themed graphic novels in publication, but a format which hopefully other writers will take note of. The illustrations bring the reader into the story much more than simply putting words on a page can and they truly feel like they are experiencing it there with her. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries in the adult section.
jobnik!, a compilation of the first six issues of graphic artist Miriam Libicki’s self-published comic series, captivates the reader with the story of an American girl’s adventures in the Israeli army during the 2000 Intifada (which appears to have been based on her own army experiences). Miriam does not quite fit into the mold of your “typical” chayelet—quiet, emotional, and forever romantic, but a good girl at heart—as well as still trying to find her place in life religiously and socially. Miriam’s storytelling style is honest and real and draws the reader in from the very first panel. This memoir is unique in that it is one of only a handful of Jewish-themed graphic novels in publication, but a format which hopefully other writers will take note of. The illustrations bring the reader into the story much more than simply putting words on a page can and they truly feel like they are experiencing it there with her. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries in the adult section.
New Book Review: The Blessing of a Broken Heart
The Blessing of a Broken Heart by Sherri Mandel
Sherri Mandell was just another writer and mom trying to find meaning and happiness for herself and her family after making aliyah when in 2001 the unthinkable happened: her oldest child, 13-year-old Koby, was murdered by terrorists only half a mile from their home in Tekoa. With an amazing gift of eloquence and unshakeable faith in God, Mandell weaves stories of Koby's life together with musings on the powers of healing and religion in order to try to make some sense of the tragedy. Highly recommended for all types of libraries.
Sherri Mandell was just another writer and mom trying to find meaning and happiness for herself and her family after making aliyah when in 2001 the unthinkable happened: her oldest child, 13-year-old Koby, was murdered by terrorists only half a mile from their home in Tekoa. With an amazing gift of eloquence and unshakeable faith in God, Mandell weaves stories of Koby's life together with musings on the powers of healing and religion in order to try to make some sense of the tragedy. Highly recommended for all types of libraries.
New Book Review: Approaching an Auschwitz Survivor
Approaching an Auschwitz Survivor: Holocaust Testimony and its Transformations by Jurgen Matthaus, ed.
Approaching an Auschwitz Survivor takes a unique approach to understanding the Holocaust. Instead of simply compiling stories of many survivors, this book takes the testimony of one survivor, Helen "Zippi" Tichauer, and has it analyzed by Holocaust scholars who have known her personally. Zippi's detailed testimony covers over fifty years, from her time in Auschwitz to meeting and marrying her husband in a DP camp, surviving the war and making a new life for herself in New York, but at the same time making sure that her story would never be forgotten. Five scholars who have interviewed Zippi independently of each other analyze different aspects of her story: order, death, and survival in Auschwitz, comparative humane aspects of camp life, translating and transforming Zippi's first testimony dating back to 1946, postwar Jewish life, and the role of survivors for classroom teaching. These scholars have put together a fascinating read about not only how survivor testimony better helps in the understanding of the Holocaust itself, but delving into the deeper meaning of collecting testimonies and their value in history. Highly recommended for all types of libraries.
Approaching an Auschwitz Survivor takes a unique approach to understanding the Holocaust. Instead of simply compiling stories of many survivors, this book takes the testimony of one survivor, Helen "Zippi" Tichauer, and has it analyzed by Holocaust scholars who have known her personally. Zippi's detailed testimony covers over fifty years, from her time in Auschwitz to meeting and marrying her husband in a DP camp, surviving the war and making a new life for herself in New York, but at the same time making sure that her story would never be forgotten. Five scholars who have interviewed Zippi independently of each other analyze different aspects of her story: order, death, and survival in Auschwitz, comparative humane aspects of camp life, translating and transforming Zippi's first testimony dating back to 1946, postwar Jewish life, and the role of survivors for classroom teaching. These scholars have put together a fascinating read about not only how survivor testimony better helps in the understanding of the Holocaust itself, but delving into the deeper meaning of collecting testimonies and their value in history. Highly recommended for all types of libraries.
New DVD Review: Circumcise Me
Circumcise Me: The Comedy of Yisrael Campbell
Yisrael (born Chris) Campbell has a life story that seems perfect for a stand-up comedian: born in Philadelphia to an ex-nun and a Catholic teacher but still searching for spirituality, Chris captivates audiences with his fascinating journey from alcohol- and drug-addicted Catholic teenager to Jewish adult, going through Reform, Conservative and Orthodox conversions and finally becoming "Yisrael" and moving to Israel. This DVD intersperses bits of Campbell's comedy act with interviews of himself and his father about his upbringing, conversion and aliyah, marriage, parenthood, the second Intifada, and Jewish and Israeli life in general. His humor is universal and is likely to appeal to all types of audiences. A great addition to Jewish collections containing DVDs.
Yisrael (born Chris) Campbell has a life story that seems perfect for a stand-up comedian: born in Philadelphia to an ex-nun and a Catholic teacher but still searching for spirituality, Chris captivates audiences with his fascinating journey from alcohol- and drug-addicted Catholic teenager to Jewish adult, going through Reform, Conservative and Orthodox conversions and finally becoming "Yisrael" and moving to Israel. This DVD intersperses bits of Campbell's comedy act with interviews of himself and his father about his upbringing, conversion and aliyah, marriage, parenthood, the second Intifada, and Jewish and Israeli life in general. His humor is universal and is likely to appeal to all types of audiences. A great addition to Jewish collections containing DVDs.
New Book Review: The Jews of West Point
The Jews of West Point in the Long Gray Line by Lewis L. Zickel
The United States Military Academy at West Point, the institution which trains leaders of the American Army, is not a place one may think has much of a Jewish presence. Small in number (fewer than nine hundred alumni) since West Point's inception in 1802, the now-late Colonel Lewis Zickel writes in the first part of The Jews of West Point in the Long Gray Line about the history of Jews in the military. The impact has been tremendous that Jews have made on the Army as a whole, which is known to insiders as being very accepting of its Jewish members, and being part of a tiny minority has influenced their own religious outlook as well. Zickel tells his own story in the second part of the book, what led him to join the Army at the time of the Korean War and how he helped create the West Point Jewish Chapel. Mostly positive memories from Jewish West Point graduates of their time there make up the final part of the book, relating how the Chapel's activities brought its members together into a close and active group, even after graduation, and played a part in bringing some of them closer to Judaism. West Point graduate Steve Rotkoff summed it up best: "Judaism made me a better officer and the Army made me a better Jew." Highly recommended for all types of libraries.
The United States Military Academy at West Point, the institution which trains leaders of the American Army, is not a place one may think has much of a Jewish presence. Small in number (fewer than nine hundred alumni) since West Point's inception in 1802, the now-late Colonel Lewis Zickel writes in the first part of The Jews of West Point in the Long Gray Line about the history of Jews in the military. The impact has been tremendous that Jews have made on the Army as a whole, which is known to insiders as being very accepting of its Jewish members, and being part of a tiny minority has influenced their own religious outlook as well. Zickel tells his own story in the second part of the book, what led him to join the Army at the time of the Korean War and how he helped create the West Point Jewish Chapel. Mostly positive memories from Jewish West Point graduates of their time there make up the final part of the book, relating how the Chapel's activities brought its members together into a close and active group, even after graduation, and played a part in bringing some of them closer to Judaism. West Point graduate Steve Rotkoff summed it up best: "Judaism made me a better officer and the Army made me a better Jew." Highly recommended for all types of libraries.
Monday, March 15, 2010
New Book Review: Delivery From Darkness
Delivery From Darkness by Rabbi Baruch and Michal Finkelstein
After writing books about pregnancy and infertility, the Finkelsteins' Delivery From Darkness may be the first book of its kind, which is about postpartum depression (PPD), a disease that is little-known in general and even less talked about within the context of Judaism. It includes personal anecdotes from couples afflicted with PPD ranging from mild to psychotic, explanations of symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment options, as well as a chapter detailing how birth control is used halachically in situations of PPD and a chapter on PPD from the husband's perspective. Another section talks about dealing with PPD and depression/mental health in general within Jewish law and in the Jewish community—it's interesting to note that the chesed that is common in Jewish circles after a member has a baby, such as cooking meals and offers to help out with the other children, is something that is recommended in general as an effective treatment to reduce or eliminate milder cases of PPD. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
After writing books about pregnancy and infertility, the Finkelsteins' Delivery From Darkness may be the first book of its kind, which is about postpartum depression (PPD), a disease that is little-known in general and even less talked about within the context of Judaism. It includes personal anecdotes from couples afflicted with PPD ranging from mild to psychotic, explanations of symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment options, as well as a chapter detailing how birth control is used halachically in situations of PPD and a chapter on PPD from the husband's perspective. Another section talks about dealing with PPD and depression/mental health in general within Jewish law and in the Jewish community—it's interesting to note that the chesed that is common in Jewish circles after a member has a baby, such as cooking meals and offers to help out with the other children, is something that is recommended in general as an effective treatment to reduce or eliminate milder cases of PPD. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
New Book Review: Japan Took the J.A.P. Out of Me
Japan Took the J.A.P. Out of Me by Lisa Fineberg Cook
When her brand-new husband takes self-described Jewish American Princess Lisa Fineberg Cook from the comforts of posh Los Angeles to live in Nagoya, Japan, the dream of an exotic adventure quickly changes to frustration as she deals all at once with missing her old life and friends, the feeling of being different in a foreign culture, and the new lifestyle of marriage itself. Slowly, though, Lisa learns to become the wife she hoped she could be while finally fitting into this new world and making it feel like home.
Readers of this book will either love it or hate it: this is chick-lit at its finest and an engaging, enjoyable read. However, if you are looking to learn more about Japan's culture and language, or anything related to Judaism for that matter, not much will be found here – and most of the few references to either contained in the book are not even explained. Although the book's title is clever and attempts to convey the theme of Cook's time in Japan, it is a whinefest from beginning to end filled with clichés about L.A. princesses. Cook does become somewhat domesticated during the year and touches on a few real issues in the book like the treatment of women in the Japanese culture, but the end didn't find her much closer to being "de-J.A.P.-ed" than the beginning. A cute memoir, but not necessary for specifically Jewish collections.
When her brand-new husband takes self-described Jewish American Princess Lisa Fineberg Cook from the comforts of posh Los Angeles to live in Nagoya, Japan, the dream of an exotic adventure quickly changes to frustration as she deals all at once with missing her old life and friends, the feeling of being different in a foreign culture, and the new lifestyle of marriage itself. Slowly, though, Lisa learns to become the wife she hoped she could be while finally fitting into this new world and making it feel like home.
Readers of this book will either love it or hate it: this is chick-lit at its finest and an engaging, enjoyable read. However, if you are looking to learn more about Japan's culture and language, or anything related to Judaism for that matter, not much will be found here – and most of the few references to either contained in the book are not even explained. Although the book's title is clever and attempts to convey the theme of Cook's time in Japan, it is a whinefest from beginning to end filled with clichés about L.A. princesses. Cook does become somewhat domesticated during the year and touches on a few real issues in the book like the treatment of women in the Japanese culture, but the end didn't find her much closer to being "de-J.A.P.-ed" than the beginning. A cute memoir, but not necessary for specifically Jewish collections.
New Book Review: Good For the Jews
Good For the Jews by Debra Spark
Award-winning novelist Debra Spark's Good for the Jews centers around Ellen Hirschorn, a young Jewish woman living in Madison, Wisconsin. The book has everything needed in a good novel: mystery, suspense, romance, politics and humor, all based on the story of the Book of Esther. Ellen (Esther) is an orphan who lives with Mose (Mordechai), her much-older cousin and guardian. Their lives get tangled up in anti-Semitism when Mose, an unconventional high school teacher, gets into a confrontation with the new principal, Hyman (Haman), which is further complicated by Ellen's relationship with Alex (Achashverosh), the Superintendent of Schools who also happens to be her boss Valerie (Vashti)'s ex-husband. Although many creative liberties were taken as far as details staying true to the "original", Spark's update was well-written and reflects that the familiar story of good vs. evil still holds true today. Recommended for libraries with Jewish fiction collections.
Award-winning novelist Debra Spark's Good for the Jews centers around Ellen Hirschorn, a young Jewish woman living in Madison, Wisconsin. The book has everything needed in a good novel: mystery, suspense, romance, politics and humor, all based on the story of the Book of Esther. Ellen (Esther) is an orphan who lives with Mose (Mordechai), her much-older cousin and guardian. Their lives get tangled up in anti-Semitism when Mose, an unconventional high school teacher, gets into a confrontation with the new principal, Hyman (Haman), which is further complicated by Ellen's relationship with Alex (Achashverosh), the Superintendent of Schools who also happens to be her boss Valerie (Vashti)'s ex-husband. Although many creative liberties were taken as far as details staying true to the "original", Spark's update was well-written and reflects that the familiar story of good vs. evil still holds true today. Recommended for libraries with Jewish fiction collections.
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Book Review: We Plan, God Laughs
We Plan, God Laughs: What to Do When Life Hits You Over the Head by Sherre Hirsch
It happens to all of us: as much as we dream of and plan how we want our lives to turn out at each stage, there will always be something getting in the way. Using an outline of ten steps, Rabbi Hirsch can help to change one's way of thinking of these life goals from a perspective of "it's the end of the world if things don't go my way" to one of faith in God, finding His presence in everything, and knowledge that He will guide everyone on the right path for them. These suggestions include being flexible in expectations while still being true to yourself, holding yourself in as high esteem as God does, and taking charge of life instead of passively living it. Hirsch's blend of examples from the Torah and practical Judaism with modern wit make this book hard to put down. Recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
It happens to all of us: as much as we dream of and plan how we want our lives to turn out at each stage, there will always be something getting in the way. Using an outline of ten steps, Rabbi Hirsch can help to change one's way of thinking of these life goals from a perspective of "it's the end of the world if things don't go my way" to one of faith in God, finding His presence in everything, and knowledge that He will guide everyone on the right path for them. These suggestions include being flexible in expectations while still being true to yourself, holding yourself in as high esteem as God does, and taking charge of life instead of passively living it. Hirsch's blend of examples from the Torah and practical Judaism with modern wit make this book hard to put down. Recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
New CD Review: Neshama Carlebach
One and One by Neshama Carlebach
Neshama Carlebach, best known for being the daughter of singer Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and the “duets” mixed after his passing, has released another winner with One and One, her sixth album and her first in English. Neshama’s amazing vocal range and versatility in song styles from pop to rock to jazz make her appealing to many types of audiences, and with this latest effort has proved that she is just as amazing in English as audiences have known for years that she is in Hebrew. Recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
Neshama Carlebach, best known for being the daughter of singer Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and the “duets” mixed after his passing, has released another winner with One and One, her sixth album and her first in English. Neshama’s amazing vocal range and versatility in song styles from pop to rock to jazz make her appealing to many types of audiences, and with this latest effort has proved that she is just as amazing in English as audiences have known for years that she is in Hebrew. Recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
New Book Review: There Must Be a Better Way
There Must Be a Better Way: Life Coaching Strategies for Successful Living by Yossi Ives
The title of the book says it all: life coach Yossi Ives gives advice on making life better in all of its aspects, including improving your attitude, dealing with different kinds of people effectively from bosses to children, controlling stress and finances, and finding happiness. Although not many books have been written about life coaching from a Jewish perspective, when one thinks about it, the values are really all the same: what type of person you become being based on your actions is a concept taken straight from the Torah. The book's message of developing the motivation to take action instead of just complaining about life is refreshing and truly inspiring. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
The title of the book says it all: life coach Yossi Ives gives advice on making life better in all of its aspects, including improving your attitude, dealing with different kinds of people effectively from bosses to children, controlling stress and finances, and finding happiness. Although not many books have been written about life coaching from a Jewish perspective, when one thinks about it, the values are really all the same: what type of person you become being based on your actions is a concept taken straight from the Torah. The book's message of developing the motivation to take action instead of just complaining about life is refreshing and truly inspiring. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
New Book Review: The Shidduch Crisis
The Shidduch Crisis: Causes and Cures by Michael J. Salamon
A must-read for singles, parents of singles and shadchanim, The Shidduch Crisis explores in-depth the reasons the “singles problem” has gotten so out of control in the past generation or so. The book talks about a value system gone horribly wrong in some Orthodox communities and overprotection of children leading to more divorces than ever, but also gives suggestions how dating in the religious world can get back on track. For those people who choose to ignore the advice given in the book, the appendix even includes the “right” answers to all the ridiculous questions shadchanim ask these days! Recommended for libraries with an Orthodox readership.
A must-read for singles, parents of singles and shadchanim, The Shidduch Crisis explores in-depth the reasons the “singles problem” has gotten so out of control in the past generation or so. The book talks about a value system gone horribly wrong in some Orthodox communities and overprotection of children leading to more divorces than ever, but also gives suggestions how dating in the religious world can get back on track. For those people who choose to ignore the advice given in the book, the appendix even includes the “right” answers to all the ridiculous questions shadchanim ask these days! Recommended for libraries with an Orthodox readership.
New Book Review: Hamas in Politics
Hamas in Politics: Democracy, Religion, Violence by Jeroen Gunning
An in-depth look at the internal structure and reasoning behind Hamas and what it stands for, author Jeroen Gunning’s impressive research includes many interviews with Hamas members as well as Hamas critics. He even spends time living in Gaza in order to understand the ideologies and political views that have caused decades of warfare and terror. Although a thorough analysis, as always when dealing with this type of subject, it would be a good idea for the Jewish readership to take with a grain of salt since it is yet to be determined if there is truly a way to report in a completely non-biased way.
An in-depth look at the internal structure and reasoning behind Hamas and what it stands for, author Jeroen Gunning’s impressive research includes many interviews with Hamas members as well as Hamas critics. He even spends time living in Gaza in order to understand the ideologies and political views that have caused decades of warfare and terror. Although a thorough analysis, as always when dealing with this type of subject, it would be a good idea for the Jewish readership to take with a grain of salt since it is yet to be determined if there is truly a way to report in a completely non-biased way.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Jewish Blogging: the Wave of the Future
I was privileged to participate in the First International Jewish Bloggers Convention, which was hosted by Nefesh b’Nefesh and took place in Jerusalem in August. The convention occurred just weeks after my aliyah, about which I have been writing in my own blog, Hurwitz Family Aliyah Scrapbook (http://hurwitz-aliyah-scrapbook.blogspot.com). I try to keep the blog interesting by combining musings about our aliyah adventure with digital scrapbook techniques.
The response to the convention, expected to be tiny, was anything but—200 people showed up in person and over a thousand (at last count) attended via the live webcast on the NBN website. The “meat ’n’ greet” deli supper felt much like a high school reunion—everyone looking around scanning each other’s name tags, faces occasionally lighting up with recognition and an exclaim of “I read you!”
Several of the evening’s speakers were actually American bloggers who arrived in Israel for the convention in a very interesting way: these high-profile bloggers were each matched up with a person or family on this week’s Nefesh b’Nefesh aliyah flight and will be blogging about their aliyah journeys in the near future.
The first half of the program consisted of a discussion among several panelists who are well-known in the Jewish blogosphere, about ways to increase a blog’s readership and promote ideas. Some of these ideas included adding your blog to Jewish blog aggregators, emailing blog posts to people whom you think will be interested in them (but within reason!), and including your blog URL in your email signature line. Other ways to find readers are to get more involved with the “blogger community” by creating a blogroll, which is a list of your favorite blogs that goes down the side of your own blog, and to comment one another’s posts, which gets your name out there and raises the chances that someone reading your friend’s blog might also read yours. The first panel was interrupted by a surprise speaker: former Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu (only in Israel!), who spoke on the importance of blogging in today’s Jewish world and how it contributes to the future of Israel, Zionism, and the Jewish people. To put a political leader in a room full of such wildly opinionated, not to mention ideologically varied, people that Jewish bloggers are, created quite a stir, but the moderators did their best to keep the focus on blogging and not politics. Nevertheless, Netanyahu was very down-to-earth, had a great sense of humor, and was a welcome addition to the night’s variety of speakers!
After a short comedy performance from popular blogger Frum Satire, a presentation and second set of panelists discussed the importance of creating positive branding of Israel though social networks such as blogs. With the technological advances of today, every Jew has the power to make a difference to the world using the three Ms—magnetize, motivate, and mobilize—through their blogs.
One comment from a panelist that really hit home was that we never know who is reading our blogs and what kind of impact we are having. We can only hope that through blogging we are sending a positive message to the world about Israel and Judaism, one that is not often presented in the news. Blogs represent all walks of life and all types of backgrounds—this is the real Israel, and it’s our job to get the picture of this real Israel out there. All in all it, was a fantastic and informative evening that is sure to give many in the Jewish blogosphere food for thought, and posts, for some time to come.
The response to the convention, expected to be tiny, was anything but—200 people showed up in person and over a thousand (at last count) attended via the live webcast on the NBN website. The “meat ’n’ greet” deli supper felt much like a high school reunion—everyone looking around scanning each other’s name tags, faces occasionally lighting up with recognition and an exclaim of “I read you!”
Several of the evening’s speakers were actually American bloggers who arrived in Israel for the convention in a very interesting way: these high-profile bloggers were each matched up with a person or family on this week’s Nefesh b’Nefesh aliyah flight and will be blogging about their aliyah journeys in the near future.
The first half of the program consisted of a discussion among several panelists who are well-known in the Jewish blogosphere, about ways to increase a blog’s readership and promote ideas. Some of these ideas included adding your blog to Jewish blog aggregators, emailing blog posts to people whom you think will be interested in them (but within reason!), and including your blog URL in your email signature line. Other ways to find readers are to get more involved with the “blogger community” by creating a blogroll, which is a list of your favorite blogs that goes down the side of your own blog, and to comment one another’s posts, which gets your name out there and raises the chances that someone reading your friend’s blog might also read yours. The first panel was interrupted by a surprise speaker: former Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu (only in Israel!), who spoke on the importance of blogging in today’s Jewish world and how it contributes to the future of Israel, Zionism, and the Jewish people. To put a political leader in a room full of such wildly opinionated, not to mention ideologically varied, people that Jewish bloggers are, created quite a stir, but the moderators did their best to keep the focus on blogging and not politics. Nevertheless, Netanyahu was very down-to-earth, had a great sense of humor, and was a welcome addition to the night’s variety of speakers!
After a short comedy performance from popular blogger Frum Satire, a presentation and second set of panelists discussed the importance of creating positive branding of Israel though social networks such as blogs. With the technological advances of today, every Jew has the power to make a difference to the world using the three Ms—magnetize, motivate, and mobilize—through their blogs.
One comment from a panelist that really hit home was that we never know who is reading our blogs and what kind of impact we are having. We can only hope that through blogging we are sending a positive message to the world about Israel and Judaism, one that is not often presented in the news. Blogs represent all walks of life and all types of backgrounds—this is the real Israel, and it’s our job to get the picture of this real Israel out there. All in all it, was a fantastic and informative evening that is sure to give many in the Jewish blogosphere food for thought, and posts, for some time to come.
New CD Review: Rocky the Rabbi
Rocky the Rabbi, Kosher for Passover
Rocky the Rabbi’s latest release, Kosher for Passover, which features traditional Passover tunes done techno-style, was nothing but disappointing. There are only five songs on the entire album, two of which are “extended versions,” which sound exactly like the originals, so there are really only three songs on the album. Rocky’s production company, dna productions, specializes in music for commercials, TV, and movie scores, which this album may be a good fit for; not so much for a library patron looking for new Jewish music. Not recommended.
Rocky the Rabbi’s latest release, Kosher for Passover, which features traditional Passover tunes done techno-style, was nothing but disappointing. There are only five songs on the entire album, two of which are “extended versions,” which sound exactly like the originals, so there are really only three songs on the album. Rocky’s production company, dna productions, specializes in music for commercials, TV, and movie scores, which this album may be a good fit for; not so much for a library patron looking for new Jewish music. Not recommended.
New CD Review: Yael Naim and David Donatien
Yael Naim and David Donatien
Israeli-French singer Yael Naim, with the help of percussionist and music arranger David Donatien, has put together a delightful collection of pop-jazz-folk ballads, mixing Hebrew, English, and even a little French. The songs reflect a variety of moods and dreams in their sound and lyrics; the album includes Naim’s hit song “New Soul” (featured in the commercial for the Apple Mac-Book Air laptop), the success of which made her the first Israeli solo artist to have a top-ten song in the U.S. A cover of Britney Spears’s hit “Toxic” is a surprising addition to this album, which definitely did not work in Naim’s style, but otherwise a great disc recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
Israeli-French singer Yael Naim, with the help of percussionist and music arranger David Donatien, has put together a delightful collection of pop-jazz-folk ballads, mixing Hebrew, English, and even a little French. The songs reflect a variety of moods and dreams in their sound and lyrics; the album includes Naim’s hit song “New Soul” (featured in the commercial for the Apple Mac-Book Air laptop), the success of which made her the first Israeli solo artist to have a top-ten song in the U.S. A cover of Britney Spears’s hit “Toxic” is a surprising addition to this album, which definitely did not work in Naim’s style, but otherwise a great disc recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
New CD Review: Amaseffer
Amaseffer, Slaves for Life
Israeli band Amaseffer’s debut album, Slaves for Life, the first part of a trilogy, combines a blend of orchestral and rock music with lyrics taken from the story of the Exodus to create a unique style of film-score music almost-unheard of in the Jewish world. Some listeners may in fact be wondering why it isn’t more popular; rock operas and concept albums, such as Tommy by The Who and Pink Floyd’s The Wall, have been around for decades. The closest thing to this album that I can think of is the soundtrack to The Prince of Egypt. Amaseffer seems to fill a niche in Israeli and Jewish music with a product that is truly amazing. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish library collections.
Israeli band Amaseffer’s debut album, Slaves for Life, the first part of a trilogy, combines a blend of orchestral and rock music with lyrics taken from the story of the Exodus to create a unique style of film-score music almost-unheard of in the Jewish world. Some listeners may in fact be wondering why it isn’t more popular; rock operas and concept albums, such as Tommy by The Who and Pink Floyd’s The Wall, have been around for decades. The closest thing to this album that I can think of is the soundtrack to The Prince of Egypt. Amaseffer seems to fill a niche in Israeli and Jewish music with a product that is truly amazing. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish library collections.
New Book Review: Army Fatigues
Army Fatigues: Joining Israel’s Army of International Volunteers by Mark Werner
Not content to just sit on the sidelines watching the fate of the Jewish homeland, Army Fatigues author Mark Werner has written a captivating account of his experiences with the Israeli army through Sar-el, an organization that takes volunteers worldwide and puts them on military bases throughout Israel to work with soldiers and other volunteers. In journal format, this book takes the reader through Werner’s background as an American lawyer and son of a Holocaust survivor, living a comfortable life, to his personal experiences of volunteering for two to three weeks at a time in the Israeli Army and Navy during some of the hardest years in Israel’s history. The story relates an emotional journey, which keeps Werner and his fellow volunteers going back again and again, to continue reinforcing their connection to Israel, and also changing people’s perceptions of Israel back in their hometowns. Warning: Once you pick up this book you will find it impossible to put it down! Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
Not content to just sit on the sidelines watching the fate of the Jewish homeland, Army Fatigues author Mark Werner has written a captivating account of his experiences with the Israeli army through Sar-el, an organization that takes volunteers worldwide and puts them on military bases throughout Israel to work with soldiers and other volunteers. In journal format, this book takes the reader through Werner’s background as an American lawyer and son of a Holocaust survivor, living a comfortable life, to his personal experiences of volunteering for two to three weeks at a time in the Israeli Army and Navy during some of the hardest years in Israel’s history. The story relates an emotional journey, which keeps Werner and his fellow volunteers going back again and again, to continue reinforcing their connection to Israel, and also changing people’s perceptions of Israel back in their hometowns. Warning: Once you pick up this book you will find it impossible to put it down! Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
New Book Review: A Man's Responsibility
A Man’s Responsibility: A Jewish Guide to Being a Son, a Partner in Marriage, a Father and a Community Leader by Joseph Meszler
An exploration of what it means to be a Jewish man in today’s society, A Man’s Responsibility uses real-life stories to talk about the history of male roles in Judaism, and the stereotypes that go with them. Discussing the vast changes that have taken place for the typical Jewish male in the past generation or two, Rabbi Meszler goes on to examine the sources that define the ideal Jewish man throughout life as a son, husband, and father, and what his place is in the modern community. Questions at the end of each chapter are ideal to be used as a stepping-stone for men’s discussion groups as well as providing food for thought in individual study. Although slanted more towards a Reform/Conservative audience, this book is highly recommended to Jewish men of all affiliations.
An exploration of what it means to be a Jewish man in today’s society, A Man’s Responsibility uses real-life stories to talk about the history of male roles in Judaism, and the stereotypes that go with them. Discussing the vast changes that have taken place for the typical Jewish male in the past generation or two, Rabbi Meszler goes on to examine the sources that define the ideal Jewish man throughout life as a son, husband, and father, and what his place is in the modern community. Questions at the end of each chapter are ideal to be used as a stepping-stone for men’s discussion groups as well as providing food for thought in individual study. Although slanted more towards a Reform/Conservative audience, this book is highly recommended to Jewish men of all affiliations.
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