Dear Friends, Nahum Rakover is one of Israels leading scholars in the area of Jewish Law and he has published his latest book Takanat ha-shavim. This field is the convergence of halakha and civil or secular law. Before recommending this book, I must confess, to knowing the author for almost 15 years since my short stint at the Justice Ministry. Personal contact notwithstanding, this is a monumental work on the Rehabilitation of Criminals, in the eyes of secular and particularly rabbinic, Jewish Law. The book, published by the Jewish Legal Heritage Society, includes a 27 page English summary, over 600 footnotes, 73 pages of indices, bibliography and well over 100 pages of appendices. Cat. # 64065, $ 52.00
Having mentioned the previous work it seems essential to mention that Bar Ilan University has published Studies in Jewish Law Judge and Judging, Iyunim Be-Mishpat Ivri u-behalakha. The book was edited by Yaakov Habba and Amihai Radzyner, isbn 965-226-319-2, Ramat Gan, Israel 2007, Cat. # 63634 $42.00 Elohim lo marshe, is the title of a small but important book at what is perhaps the other end of the spectrum in this area of Israeli publishing. The author, Hanoch Daum, has written a book which arouses much thought and controversy in its assessment of the orthodox and haredi communities, identities and philosophy in modern Israel. The book includes extended open letters to the authors wife, the orthodox world from which the author comes and the larger society. The book is published by Yediot Hemed, isbn 965-482-424-8, Cat. # 64695 $25.00 We should note the passing of Yisrael Segal a leading Israeli journalist who often focused on the relationships between religious groups and the state. He was a prolific writer and author and had written Ve-Khi Nahash Memit, (Keter 2004). Chorev Publishing of Jerusalem has published Perush Ha-Torah leRabenu Yitzhak Abarbanel, on the book of Bereshit (Genesis). The book is serious, scholarly bible commentary of the famous Don Isaac, the leader of the Jews and royal court of Spain (who preferred exile to conversion). The book has subject headings, copious footnotes and subject index. This work and later volumes will be an important part of the collection of any Jewish Library. Cat. # 64819 $ 36.00 Rabbi Dr. Michael (Mickey) Rosen, best known as the founder and director of Yakar, has published a serious, scholarly and thoroughly engrossing book, entitled, Quest For Authenticity the thought of Reb Simha Bunim. The book encompasses an analysis of the philosophy of Przysucha Hassidut, and its place in 18th Century (CE) Poland. The social and ideological struggles in Jewish and Hassidic history are significant and worthy of research. This book manages to join scholarship with the beauty, simplicity and humility of much of the enduring wisdom reflected in the sayings and teachings of (this) school or stream of Hassidut. The book is published by Urim, ISBN 965-524-003 7, Cat. # 65155 $ 29.00 Finally I would like to highlight a new book by Prof. Admiel Kosman, entitled, Mesekhet Nashim, Womans Tractate, wisdom, love, faithfulness, passion, beauty, sex, holiness. The book is the second in a series by the author representing a new look at classical Jewish sources. This work analyzes, translates and explains the text with reference to tosefta, midrash and much more. The book presents rabbinic stories from the Talmud and through medieval rabbinic teaching including responsa on adultery and rape. Having said this I dont want to mislead as the book includes much Hebrew Language and Literature as well as spiritual and philosophical aspects on gender roles, love, faith sex and holiness. The book is published by Keter, isbn # 965 07 1564 9. Cat. # 65050 $ 27.00 For all those who havent heard yet and those who have already been notified, we are pleased to announce that Seth Nelson Levy has joined Jerusalem Books and will be responsible for communications and other areas. We welcome him warmly and all of us will do everything to maintain and exceed our standard of service to you. We wish all of you a warm and peaceful Autumn and a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Jerusalem Books ltd. Thanks, Jeff Jerusalem Books Ltd. P.O.B. 26190 Jerusalem 91261 Israel 972-2-643-5850 <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] www.jerusalembooks.co.il Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) =========================================================== Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
