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Pandemics have been an inescapable facet of human existence throughout the annals of history. Yet, not many have navigated the tumultuous tides of these devastating events with a sound mind and measured wisdom. Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, in his profound contemplation of plagues and pandemics, broadens his perspective to encompass a deep historical analysis that stretches across the epochs. The author's work meticulously dissects and scrutinizes the varied responses that societies have mounted against pandemics. In his comprehensive exploration, he unearths the fallacies and insufficiencies of over-simplified interpretations. His panoramic study, though primarily composed as a Judaic guide for...
Philo of Alexandria (20 BCE.--50 CE.) stood at the crossroads of ancient history. Philo was the first pioneer to integrate Judaic thought with the Stoic, Platonic, and Pythagorean philosophical traditions. This Alexandrian Jewish philosopher assembled the very first philosophical, ethical, psychological, exegetical, and theological commentary on the Torah. As his community’s most prestigious Jewish leader, he defended Alexandrian Jews from the attacks of anti-Semites, and met with the capricious Roman Emperor Caligula, calling upon him to respect the ethical monotheistic beliefs of the Jewish people. As with Josephus, Philo bears witness to the world’s first protomodern and intellectual ...
The epitaph on Maimonides's tombstone reads, "From Moses (the prophet) to Moses, there was none like Moses (Maimonides)." The name, "Moses Maimonides" (1138-1204) is an acronym for his Hebraic name Moses ben Maimon). For centuries, yeshiva scholars and students alike affectionately refer to him by the epithet, "the Rambam." Just as the original Moses became the founder of the religion of ancient Israel, Moses Maimonides redefined Judaism for the future generations-more so than any other Judaic thinker or Halakhic scholar who came before or after him. Modern Judaism owes its conceptual and legal foundations to this remarkable thinker. This remarkable person occupies a rare position in the ann...
Philo of Alexandria (20 BCE.--50 CE.) stood at the crossroads of ancient history. Philo was the first pioneer to integrate Judaic thought with the Stoic, Platonic, and Pythagorean philosophical traditions. This Alexandrian Jewish philosopher assembled the very first philosophical, ethical, psychological, exegetical, and theological commentary on the Torah. As his community’s most prestigious Jewish leader, he defended Alexandrian Jews from the attacks of anti-Semites, and met with the capricious Roman Emperor Caligula, calling upon him to respect the ethical monotheistic beliefs of the Jewish people. As with Josephus, Philo bears witness to the world’s first protomodern and intellectual ...
The epitaph on Maimonides's tombstone reads, "From Moses (the prophet) to Moses, there was none like Moses (Maimonides)." The name, "Moses Maimonides" (1138-1204) is an acronym for his Hebraic name Moses ben Maimon). For centuries, yeshiva scholars and students alike affectionately refer to him by the epithet, "the Rambam." Just as the original Moses became the founder of the religion of ancient Israel, Moses Maimonides redefined Judaism for the future generations-more so than any other Judaic thinker or Halakhic scholar who came before or after him. Modern Judaism owes its conceptual and legal foundations to this remarkable thinker. This remarkable person occupies a rare position in the ann...
Philo of Alexandria (20 BCE.--50 CE.) stood at the crossroads of ancient history. Philo was the first pioneer to integrate Judaic thought with the Stoic, Platonic, and Pythagorean philosophical traditions. This Alexandrian Jewish philosopher assembled the very first philosophical, ethical, psychological, exegetical, and theological commentary on the Torah. As his community’s most prestigious Jewish leader, he defended Alexandrian Jews from the attacks of anti-Semites, and met with the capricious Roman Emperor Caligula, calling upon him to respect the ethical monotheistic beliefs of the Jewish people. As with Josephus, Philo bears witness to the world’s first protomodern and intellectual ...
Religion can be both inspiring and distressing. And many critiques of it are simultaneously compelling and dubious. Shay examines atheist arguments with a refreshing modern eye in this comprehensive look at our most fundamental questions about faith and reason. Prominent atheists claim the Bible is a racist text. Yet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. read it daily. Then again, so did many ardent segregationists. Some atheists claim religion serves to oppress the masses. Yet the classic text of the French Revolution, What is the Third Estate?, was written by a priest. On the other hand, the revolutionaries ended up banning religion. What do we make of religion’s confusing role in history? And what of religion’s relationship to science? Some scientists claim that we have no free will. Others argue that advances in neurobiology and physics disprove determinism. As for whispering to the universe, an absurd habit say the skeptics. Yet prayer is a transformative practice for millions. This book explores the most common atheist critiques of the Bible and religion, incorporating Jewish, Christian, and Muslim voices. The result is a fresh, modern re-evaluation of religion and of atheism.
The epitaph on Maimonides's tombstone reads, "From Moses (the prophet) to Moses, there was none like Moses (Maimonides)." The name, "Moses Maimonides" (1138-1204) is an acronym for his Hebraic name Moses ben Maimon). For centuries, yeshiva scholars and students alike affectionately refer to him by the epithet, "the Rambam." Just as the original Moses became the founder of the religion of ancient Israel, Moses Maimonides redefined Judaism for the future generations-more so than any other Judaic thinker or Halakhic scholar who came before or after him. Modern Judaism owes its conceptual and legal foundations to this remarkable thinker. This remarkable person occupies a rare position in the ann...
The epitaph on Maimonides’s tombstone reads, “From Moses (the prophet) to Moses, there was none like Moses (Maimonides).” The name, “Moses Maimonides” (1138-1204) is an acronym for his Hebraic name Moses ben Maimon). For centuries, yeshiva scholars and students alike affectionately refer to him by the epithet, “the Rambam.” Just as the original Moses became the founder of the religion of ancient Israel, Moses Maimonides redefined Judaism for the future generations—more so than any other Judaic thinker or Halakhic scholar who came before or after him. Modern Judaism owes its conceptual and legal foundations to this remarkable thinker. This remarkable person occupies a rare pos...
Enter the packed courtroom and take your seat as a juror on the Cain v. Abel trial. Soon, the prosecution and defense attorneys (angels from Jewish legend) will call Cain, Abel, Sin, Adam, Eve, and God to the witness stand to present their perspectives on the world's first murder. Great Jewish commentators throughout the ages will also offer contradictory testimony on Cain's emotional, societal, and spiritual influences. As jurors, when we mete out Cain's punishment, must we factor in his family history, psychological makeup, and the human impulse to sin? In this highly eclectic and gripping compilation of insights by Jewish commentators on the Cain and Abel story, courtroom scenes are juxtaposed with the author's commentary, advancing novel insights and introspection. As each of us grapples with Cain's actions, we confront our own darkest traits. If Cain is a symbol for all humanity, what can we do to avoid becoming like him? Furthering this conversation, Rabbi Dan Ornstein includes a discussion and activity guide to promote open dialogue about human brokenness and healing, personal impulses, and societal responsibility.