Dear Friends,
Professor Shlomo Sand has authored another provocative book, 'Matay ve-Ekh hadalty lehiyot Yehudi,' When and How I Ceased to be a Jew. For those who remember about this time last year an earlier title by this scholar, historian made a controversial splash with a similar title, Matay ve- Ekh Humtse'ah Erets Yisrael, When and How the Land of Israel was Invented." (Cat 79501). Prior to that the Tel Aviv University History Professor wrote and asked, 'when and how the Jewish People were invented?' Now he focuses on what he sees as a post Jewish, Israeli secular identity, which he contends suits the Israeli Arabs and secular Israelis. He seems to believe that since most Israelis of Jewish heritage as he describes himself do not observe the commandments, mitsvot, and do not choose an orthodox lifestyle, they aren't really Jewish anymore. Although provocative, its underpinnings seem to me to be seriously flawed. It seems to buy into an extremist ultra-orthodox view, (not held even by many observant Jews), that those who do not adopt and submit to a very orthodox lifestyle and community are not Jews. This misses the forest for the trees as many secular Jews observe many Jewish traditions, holidays, marriage and burial and see themselves as proper Jews. There are also tens of thousands of Reform and Conservative Jews in Israel and possibly a majority in the diaspora, who have a modern, secular Jewish life and identity. His thesis reflects not only on his personal journey of identity but perhaps more broadly upon the secular, "tsfoni," north Tel Aviv aspiration to be a cosmopolitan citizen of a multi-cultural non-ethnic society and state. That concept is democratic, egalitarian and non-discriminatory. An ethos that is 'colorblind,' in a manner of speaking with no room for religion or religious affiliation. This book is published by Resling, ( Kinneret Zemora Bitan), isbn 978-965-552-588-5. Whether you agree or disagree this book will be a source of debate and analysis in the coming years. Cat. 81840 $27.00 In the realm of Israel and Zionism and Israel Studies, I have mentioned important recent biographies of Hanan Porat and Rabbi Shelomo Goren. There have been important works by Israeli Intelligence chiefs, IDF officers and political figures. Within this important subject area are also books on military and espionage events. Gershon Baskin the founder of IPCRI (Israel Palestinian Center for Research and information) has written a book, 'Le-Shakhrer et Gilad Shalit,' about his involvement and experiences in the behind the scenes effort to secure the release of this Israeli soldier kidnapped into Gaza and held by Hamas Islamists. Kinneret & Dvir isbn 978-965-552-601-1 This book is important to those studying Israeli and Mid-East history and those scholars of international relations and negotiations. Cat. 81820 $29.00 Carmel has published 'Ei Shel Efshar,''In Word and Deed,' the life experiences of Benjamin Mintz, isbn 978-965-540-311-4, by Chaim Shalem and Shai Mintz. The work is an important contribution to research into Jewish History particularly religious Judaism, Socialism and Zionism of the 20th Cent. CE, through the life of this important figure of Po'ale Agudat Yisrael. The book also deals with his work in the 'va'ad hatsalah,' in Palestine during WWII and his leadership of Poale Aguda and much more. The book was the subject of discussion among academics, historians, political scientists and written about in Ha-Arets. The book is equally important for Israel Studies. Cat. 80682 $28.00 'Adam ve-ha-Haya,' Humans and animals, has been published by Yediot Hemed isbn 978-965-545-676-9. Alex Tsafriri has written an important work on animal experimentation. This book is about science and morality and makes reference to medical advances and treatments as well as different religious positions on these matters. The book relates to this topic in Israel and throughout the world. It is another example of a title easily missed especially as it is a rough fit in either Jewish Thought, Israel or even the dreaded, 'miscellaneous.' Cat. 81778 $ 37.00 We have recently gotten, 'Rebels in the Holy Land,' by Sam Finkel. Although it is a Feldheim publication it is an important scholarly work and worth acquiring. Isbn 978-1-59826-861-4. The book (460pp) deals with Mazkeret Batya and its settlement sponsored and enabled by Baron Rothchild. The struggles between the poor orthodox Jewish farmers and the Baron are documented and the religious issues surrounding Shmita and the struggles are interesting and relevant. Cat 81720 $33.00 Biblical and Talmudic Medicine , (Ha-Refu'ah be-Mikra u-ve-Talmud) has been translated from German into Hebrew. The book is by Dr. Julius Preuss and published by Magnes, isbn 978-965-493-582-1. Clearly it is scholarly, (990pp) and is important history and deal with many specific organs and diseases but also important ritual and social aspects like bathing, birthing, midwives, circumcision and much more. Cat. 81718 $45.00 Martin Buber's Ich Und Du, has been translated into Hebrew, Ani ve-Ata. It has nispakhim, 'addendum,' (?), by the translator Ahron Flashman, and Admiel Kosman and Yakov Raz . It has an intro by Shulamit Aloni. Although a translation this is a 'must have,' for any Judaica library collection. Published by Mossad Bialik, isbn 978-965-536-053-0, 2013. Cat 81712 $20.00 These are examples of important material which can easily be missed. Please let us know if you do want these. Once again I want to thank our friends who have patronized and supported us this past year(s). On behalf of myself and our outstanding team at Jerusalem Book ltd., I want to thank all those who have shown an interest and helped us in the past and I hope in the sometimes difficult future as well. I look forward to seeing many friends at the upcoming AJL in Houston. I would like to add mention of a couple of titles along with my apology if the earlier newsletter was posted in a difficult to read form. Hakibutz ha-me'uhad has published a novel, 'Zilla,' by Judith Katzir. The book is an epic portrayal of Jewish Lives from the four generations from pogroms in Odessa soon after the turn of the century (1905) to Palestine to Tel Aviv, Haifa and Ramat Gan from the 1920's through the 1960's. The central character is a matriarch of the family with a unique romantic life and the book is based in part on diaries and letters. And is described as an autobiographical novel. The book is a significant contribution to modern Hebrew Literature as well as Israel Studies. Cat 81592 $30.00 'Ke-Tavor be-harim, studies in rabbinic literature (presented to Prof.Joseph Tabory, is that a feshschrift?), published by Herzog College, isbn 978-965-7086-62-9. The work is scholarly important and it is a good publisher.The book is over 400 pp in Hebrew and with an English intro of 53 pages and is edited by Arnon Atzmon and Tzur Shafir. In the UK I have witnessed a movement to boycott Israel and particularly Israeli Academic institutions and even Israeli scholars. Clearly I personally and my company Jerusalem Books ltd stand for pluralism and the free exchange of ideas and against censorship. Cat 81782 $ 38.00 Best wishes and Thanks, Jeff Spitzer, Jerusalem Books ltd. P.O.B 26190 Jerusalem 91261 Israel
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