March 2023 MBR The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Judaic Studies Shelf

So Compassionate it Hurts
Tzemah Yoreh
http://tzemahyoreh.com
Independently Published
9798836444075, $19.99, PB, 163pp

https://www.amazon.com/So-Compassionate-Hurts-Rabbi-Spectrum/dp/B0BLRCXJKX

Synopsis: Tzemah Yoreh, is a congregational rabbi who is also on the autism spectrum. How is that possible? How can he thrive in a profession that is pastoral, that rewards extroversion, that seems mostly for those who intuitively grasp social dynamics?

For Rabbi Yoreh it is rare that he can understand the emotions and dynamics of even his closest family members, let alone a room full of people whom he knows only peripherally. And yet he has thrived in his role as a rabbi.

Along with the deficits of being on the autism spectrum, there are precious gifts that being neuroatypical are bequeath to him. It took Rabbi Yoreh a while to find them.

With the publication of "So Compassionate it Hurts: My Life as a Rabbi on the Spectrum", Rabbi Yoreh share his personal journey of being a religious leader on the autism spectrum, how he has utilized his gifts to positively impact his congregation (and, in turn, himself), and stories that will inspire those with similar challenges to keep pushing and pursue their passions.

Critique: Motivationally inspiring, "So Compassionate It Hurts: My Life as a Rabbi on the Spectrum" is an inherently interesting memoir that will be of special value to readers with an interest in the subject of dealing with autism while creating a life or a career unexpected for anyone with their medical/psychological condition. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "So Compassionate It Hurts" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Judaic Studies and Contemporary Biography/Memoir collections. It should be noted that "So Compassionate It Hurts" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Tzemah Yoreh (http://tzemahyoreh.com) is one of the intellectual leaders of Jewish humanism and the head of the City Congregation in New York city. He attended the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he obtained his Ph.D. in biblical criticism in 2004. He earned a second Ph.D. in Ancient Wisdom Literature from the University of Toronto for the joy of studying ancient text. As a community leader on the spectrum, he is a passionate advocate for the inclusion of the neuro-atypical in the Jewish community and beyond.

State of Halakha: Israel's History in Jewish Law
Aviad Tabory
Maggid
c/o Toby Press
PO Box 8531, New Milford, CT 06776-8531
www.korenpub.com
9781592645534, $29.95, HC, 304pp

https://www.amazon.com/State-Halakha-Israels-History-Jewish/dp/1592645534

Synopsis: Halakha is the system of Jewish law is designed to guide Israelis and all members of the Jewish community in major and minor areas of their lives. However, how is it to be applied in unprecedented situations?

"State of Halakha: Israel's History in Jewish Law" is fascinating new work with which rabbi and educator Aviad Tabory goes through watershed events and major issues in modern Israeli history, examining them through the lens of halakha.

Examples include the 1961 capture of Adolph Eichmann and the obligation to bring murderers to justice; the Eli Cohen affair in Syria and how far one may go to protect the State of Israel; the 2005 Disengagement from Gush Katif and the issues surrounding the destructtion of synagogues; the religious ramifications for Jerusalem the capital when the American Embassy moved to Jerusalem.

"State of Halakha: Israel's History in Jewish Law" is a study of halakha within the context of the pertinent historical, political, cultural and social issues at each time.

Critique: As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, "State of Halakha: Israel's History in Jewish Law" is a seminal contribution to our understanding of Jewish law and a welcome, unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Jewish Life & History Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Rabbi Aviad Tabory (https://torahinmotion.org/profile/rabbi-aviad-tabory) currently teaches Gemara at Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi in Jerusalem. In the summer he serves as the Rosh Bet Midrash in Bnei Akiva Camp Stone. He studied at the Hesder Yeshivot of Ohr Etzion and Har Etzion in and received Smicha from the Israeli Rabbinate. and a degree in Jewish education from Herzog College. He hask also taught at Michlelet Orot, Midreshet Lindenbaum, Midreshet HaRova, and took part in establishing a new Yeshiva High School in Susiya. He has served as the Rav Shaliach of the Jewish Agency to Bnei Akiva in the UK as well as the founding community Rabbi of Alei Etzion in Hendon, London.

Prophetic Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah
Rabbi Barbara Ab Symons, editor
Central Conference of American Rabbis
c/o CCAR Press
www.ccarpress.org
9780881233704, $24.95, HC, 562pp

https://www.amazon.com/Prophetic-Voices-Renewing-Reimagining-Haftarah/dp/0881233706

Synopsis: The traditional haftarah cycle, read on Shabbat and holidays during the Torah service, contains a wealth of prophetic wisdom, yet today it is too often forgotten or ignored.

With the publication of "Prophetic Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah", compiled and edited by Rabbi Barbara Ab Symons, gives new life to these ancient texts. A diverse group of contributors the includes rabbis, cantors, scholars, educators, activists, and poets, provide short commentaries on each haftarah, demonstrating their profound relevance to the present.

Additionally, "Prophetic Voices" boldly invites us to rethink the haftarah canon. Going beyond the Prophets, it presents alternative readings from Jewish texts biblical to contemporary. New haftarot for each Shabbat and holiday are included, plus haftarot for the Jewish American calendar, from Yom HaShoah to Pride Month to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The readings are enhanced by scholarly essays placing the Prophets in historical context and examining the role of prophecy in Reform Judaism. Prophetic Voices summons us to listen, study, think, and teach -- as well as to sing, pray, and march.

Critique: Of special interest, value and relevance for students of the Torah and the Jewish Reform Movement, "Prophetic Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, synagogue, community, college, and university library Judaic Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Synopsis: Rabbi Barbara Ab Symons (https://www.ccarpress.org/content.asp?tid=596) graduated from the University of Michigan and was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1994. Since 2006, she has been serving Temple David in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. She is deeply involved in the interfaith community primarily through her work with the Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium (of which she is past president) and through the Catholic Jewish Education Enrichment program. Engaged with the local community, Rabbi Symons has served as president of the hospital's clergy board and rabbinic groups, and she is active with the town council, school board, and library.

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