Open Secret: Postmessianic Messianism and the Mystical Revision of Menahem Mendel Schneerson by Elliot Wolfson Rating: 8

Visiting a good friend I came across this book. Open Secret is a very important contribution to the study of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Chabad Chassidus. Unlike other books, Wolfson does not focus on whether the Rebbe is, was, or will be Moshiach, and whether such views are acceptable or not. Rather, Wolfson states clearly that to understand the Rebbe one must examine Chabad's chassidic teachings. These teachings allow us to approach the Rebbe's 'world view' and explain the path he chose for Chabad during his leadership.

Wolfson dives into the most profound teachings of chassidic thought on issues of ultimate meaning relating to the manner of G-d's relation to physical existence and the reality of human perception . Wolfson displays a tremendous knowledge of the writings of the seven Rebbes of Chabad. However, this book is not for the novice. The depth of thought, and the technical and academic language that Wolfson employs make this a difficult read - as should be a book tackling these topics. If you are interested in struggling with the depths of chassidic philosophy and understanding how it affected the Rebbe's approach to the world, Open Secret is a necessary read.

Wolfson's conclusion is a reflection on Jewish philosophy, mysticism and Messianism, thus bringing us full-circle on the issue of the Rebbe and Moshiach.

Going Rogue: An American Life by Sarah Palin Rating: 8

This is an important book for people who are interested in politics. Of course, it relates first and foremost to American politics, particularly the 2008 election.

I remember reading The Making of The President. That book was written by a person who followed a Nixon campaign. The author was a Democrat, but the Democrats didn't let him follow their campaign (hmmmm) but the Republicans had no problem with him tagging along. He writes about how a political campaign doctors their image in the media.

In Going Rogue, Sarah Palin writes about how the media doctors politicians when presenting them. This book is her way of presenting her story, something the media refused to do during the campaign.

Escape from India by Avigail Myzlik Rating: 8

This is a thriller and a true story (you know I'm not a big fan of fiction). Not only that, but the events are only a couple of years old. The author's name is actually the publisher's, as the author apparently wants to remain anonymous.

This story is the English translation of the Hebrew manuscript written by the protagonist, Ronen. The plot could be reduced to 'Israeli gets in troubling smuggling drugs and dramatically escapes back to Israel.' But, that would not do the story justice. Ronen reveals himself as a complex character struggling with coming to terms with life. During his struggle to reform himself, after he 'settles down', gets married, comes to religion, he has a 'relapse' due to economic pressures (a big dept) and goes to smuggling drugs. On 'the last time' he gets busted. Now, there's even more to it than that. The book successfully puts you into the head of the protagonist and you can feel and see what's transpiring as if you're with him (inside of him) the whole time.

Jewish Fundamentalism in Comparative Perspective by Laurence Silberstein

What is Religious Fundamentalism? With the present headlines in Israel this subject is especially pertinent. I picked this book up last week for some doctoral research and while it is somewhat dated, it has some interesting ideas.

As with any collection, some articles are stronger than others. This one is no different. It major strength, however, is its editor Laurence Silberstein. Silberstein brings in the introduction a very strong quote from Max Weber, “Whenever we subsume under a term, such as Fundamentalism, multiple actions, persons, events, ideas, and writings that occurred over a period of decades, we should recognize that we are dealing with a mental construct, an ideal type.”

What does the term fundamentalism mean? Is it appropriate to refer to Jewish Fundamentalism?

Practical Pedagogy for the Jewish Classroom by Daniel Kohn

Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living. While I don’t know if I share the judgmental attitude towards others, there is a great deal one can gain from examining life. One can even gain by being self aware and thinking about the components that make up life. This is the primary value of Daniel Kohn’s book. He spurs one to think about Jewish Education and its ultimate purpose.

The practical pedagogy in practical pedagogy is of a limited nature. It deals with how to manage the classroom and relate to your students. I didn’t find that material so helpful. It may be that I have been teaching for too long. I would like to see a novices take on that part of the book. For me, the book was worthwhile when it made me think about Jewish Education globally.

Jerusalem by Moses Mendelsohn

After reading Moses Mendelssohn’s Jerusalem, I think it may be time for a long overdue rehabilitation. In much of the Orthodox world, Mendelssohn is considered to be the father of Haskallah, and any mention of his name has to include mention of his children and grandchildren that converted. While it is true that his children and grandchildren left Judaism, Mendelssohn was not a maskil. He believed in Torah m’Sinai and he was observant his entire life. He argued that Jews needed to follow the divine law given by G-d at Sinai. Following Mitzvot, he said, was the G-dly designed path for perfection of the Jewish soul.

Mendelssohn’s revolutionary claim was that Judaism was not a revealed religion, but rather a revealed set of laws. Practically, this distinction should make no difference to a devout Jew. Under either system, revealed law or revealed legion, Halachah is binding. The Nafka Minah, the practical distinction, is how one deals with non-Jews.

Mendelssohn argued that if truth exits, it must be exist for all people for all times. One cannot argue as the Christians did, that those born before a certain period of time were damned by an accident of birth. If G-d is good and true, Mendelssohn eloquently argued, damnation would never occur, certainly not from an accident of birth.

Primo Levi's Universe by Sam Magavern

[This is a brand new book that sounds interesting. Since it is new, I haven't rated it or given it my personal review. If you read it, and would like to comment, feel free to post.]

Primo Levi is best known as a memoirist of Auschwitz, but he was also a scientist, fiction writer, and poet: in short, a Renaissance man. Primo Levi’s Universe offers a multi-faceted portrait of the heroic man who turned the concentration camp experience into beautiful yet terrifying literature. Over time, Levi developed an original world-view--a "cosmos"--which he conveyed in his writing. Through careful readings of Levi’s works, Sam Magavern finally does justice to his calm rationality, dark poetry, essential beliefs, and wit. Levi's art and life are inextricably intertwined and this book presents them together, allowing each to shed light on the other.