URJ - Building Your Jewish Library

Books
THE KLAU LIBRARY

Welcome to the Klau Library in the Union for Reform Judaism’s Manhattan headquarters. The Klau library serves our New York offices, and is funded by a generous grant from Sue and James Klau. On this site you can find information about what’s going on in the library here at 633 3^rd Ave, read writeups of past events that have been held here, see what our book club is discussing, check out our catalog, see what periodicals and newspapers we receive, and gain some insight into building your own personal or synagoue library.

OUR COLLECTION:

The main body of the Klau library's collection, which comprises several thousand volumes, covers all the subject areas relevant to a Judaica library, from the Alef-Bet to Zionism. In addition, we have a comprehensive collection of Jewish reference books, including the standard editions of the Chumash, Hebrew/English Tanakhim and commentaries, as well as Midrash Rabbah, Mishnah, Mishneh Torah, Mishnayoth, the Pritzker Zohar, and the Schottenstein and Soncino editions of the Babylonian Talmud.

PERIODICALS

In addition, we receive a number of periodicals on a monthly basis, including Lilith, Achim, RJ, Moment, Commentary, Crisis, Church and State, Journal of Jewish Education, Educational Leadership, Heeb, AJC Monthly, Jewish Action, and others. We also subscribe to regional and international papers , such as The New York Jewish Week, The Blueprint, The Forward, and Haaretz( in Hebrew and English).

CD-ROMS

As well as using printed reference materials, many people find CD-ROMS to be an invaluable research tool. The Klau Library has the following: Soncino Classics, Encyclopedia Judaica, The Anchor Bible Dictionary, and the Bar-Ilan Judaic Classics Library.

SELECTED PAST PRESENTATIONS:

In addition to a monthly book club, The Klau Library has been fortunate enough to have a number of excellent guest speakers on a variety of topics. Below you will find brief descriptions of some of our most notable events.

Professor Martin Cohen: In March of 2004, Martin Cohen, Professor of Jewish History at Hebew Union College’s Manhattan Campus, spoke to a large crowd of URJ staffers and guests on the subject of Mel Gibson’s newly released The Passion of the Christ. As well as discussing the history of early Christianity and the development of the passion plays, Dr. Cohen delved into the ramifications of Gibson’s film and its worldwide popularity.

Rabbi Ruth Gais, PhD: Rabbi Gais, director of adult education at Hebrew Union College’s Manhattan campus, led a seminar on the concepts of Justice and Mercy, incorporating Talmudic texts, works by reform scholars, and an essay by Ahad Ha’am.

Evan Rapport: For one of our first presentations, Evan Rapport, an ethnomusicologist, demonstrated some of the traditional styles of Bukharian Jewish music. Evan performed on classical instruments and played recorded examples, giving us a wonderful introduction to the rich yet little known culture of the Bukharians.

Frank Dominguez: Last October, Mr. Dominguez, a deacon-in-training, gave a wonderful introduction to the Catholic Faith as part of our Interfaith Dialogues Series. Other speakers in this series included Sheikh Ahmed Dewidar and Rabbi Sue Ann Wasserman

DAF CHODSHI:

Daf Chodshi: This is an ongoing program which began on December 12, 2005.

Today’s group discussion, led by Rabbi Ruth Gais, director of the New York Kollel, the center for Adult Jewish Studies at Hebrew Union College in Manhattan, was the first of what will be a monthly program here in the Klau library. Daf Chodshi is a play on the term Daf Yomi, which means “daily page” and refers to the daily segment of the seven-year long cycle which many people adhere to in reading the entire Talmud. Daf Chodshi, then, would be “monthly page,” and though we don’t intend to cover the entire Talmud in order, our first session did in fact start at the beginning.

Berakhot 2b, the first Mishnah in the Talmud, asks the question: “From what time may one recite the Shema in the evening?” In keeping with the best of Jewish tradition, this seemingly simple question not only has multiple answers but is in fact a gateway to even more complex questions. In our analysis of this passage, Rabbi Gais observed that while the first answer given by the Mishnah, “From the time that the priests enter [their houses] in order to eat the Terumah until the end of the first watch,” implies the authority of the Temple priests, or Kohanim, to determine matters of Halakhah, the final word goes to the Rabbis, who give their answer in the form of a story: “Once it happened that [Rabbi Gamaliel’s] sons [late] from a wedding feast and they said to him: ‘We have not yet recited the evening Shema’. He said to them: if the dawn has not yet come up you are still bound to recite.” The time allotted for the recital of the evening Shema has now been extended from roughly four hours to almost 12 hours. In addition, evening itself has been extended almost until dawn! Why do the Rabbis allow this much time for the simple saying of a prayer? And how do they justify replacing night with evening? A simple answer is given in the Mishnah, “In order to keep a man far from transgression.” In other words, by extending the amount of time in which it is permissible to perform a mitzvah, the sages ensure that it will be performed despite any mishaps, as in the example of the sons who stayed too late at the feast. But concurrent to this dialogue is the conflict between Rabbinic and Priestly authority; the very fact that the Rabbis disagree with the opinion of the Kohanim and go out of their way to present their own is an assertion of their authority.

The next Talmudic passage we discussed was Shabbat 31a. This contains the famous story of the proselyte who approaches Hillel and asks to be taught the Torah while standing on one foot. Hillel replies: “What is hateful to you, do not to your neighbor: that is the whole Torah, while the rest is commentary thereof; go and learn it.” This is in fact only one of several stories in this tractate where a proselyte or Jew challenges the authority of the Rabbis. In the passage immediately before the one quoted above, a pagan approaches Shammai and asks to be taught, “the Written Torah [only]” (and not the Oral Torah, the subsequent body of Rabbinic teachings). Shammai, as is his habit, sends him away in anger. When he goes before Hillel, Hillel accepts his conditions, and proceeds to teach him the first four letters of the Aleph-Bet. On the next day, the man returns, and Hillel teaches him the four letters again, this time in opposite order. Confused, the man protests, “But yesterday you did not teach them to me thus.” “Must you then not rely upon me?” replies Hillel, “then rely upon me with respect to the Oral Torah as well.”

In addition to demonstrating his own authority as a teacher, Hillel here is also once again emphasizing the importance of Rabbinic teachings. The contrast between Hillel and Shammai, two learned Rabbis whose methods and conclusions are always in opposition, is never more apparent. Shammai, disgusted at the proselyte’s admittedly obnoxious and ignorant request, simply rebuffs him, while Hillel finds a clever and creative way of making the man come to realize his mistake.

It’s fitting, I think, that our first session studying Talmud should have been not only a lesson in Rabbinic authority but also in disagreement, free thought, conflict, and the hidden complexity of things.

Daf Chodshi: Second Session, January 10th, 2006

Today’s discussion began with a passage from Eruvin, and then, appropriately enough, broke the boundaries of this tractate to encompass Kiddushin, Brachos, and the Yerushalmi. The initial Mishnah in Eruvin (95a) revolves around the undoubtedly rare occurrence of someone finding abandoned Tefillin in a field on Shabbos. Though the Rabbis differ in the details, there is a consensus that the Tefillin should not be left to lie in the field. But shouldn’t the man remain with them until after dark, given that the Sabbath is not an appropriate time for wearing Tefillin? Seeking to find an answer to this, the Gemara rather unexpectedly brings up two examples of women wearing Tefillin, neither of which were condemned by the sages. What does the Gemara intend to prove with this? That the wearing of Tefillin is a positive commandment that is not timebound.

To back up this contention, we turned to Kiddushin 29a, where the Mishnah defines which categories of commandments women are obligated to perform. In this Mishnah we find that, “in respect to all positive commandments that time does not cause, both men and women are obligated.” So by the evidence of the sages who did not protest against women wearing Tefillin, the Gemara is able to define what sort of commandment the wearing of Tefillin is. Note that by this reasoning, women are obligated to perform the mitzvah of Tefillin.

The Gemara remains unconvinced, however, and, returning again to Eruvin, brings up a verse from Leviticus: “And he shall lean his hand on the head of the olah offering.” The Baraisa inteprets this as meaning that: “the sons of Israel lean on their animal sacrifices, but the daughters of Israel do not lean.” However, they have the option to lean if they so desire, according to the opinion of Rabbi Yose and Rabbi Simon. Rabbi Yehudah, however, disagrees, holding that women are not allowed to voluntarily perform mitzvoth from which they are exempt. But Yehudah permits women to rescue Tefillin on the Sabbath, leading the Gemara to conclude that Rabbi Yehudah considers the wearing of Tefillin not to be a time-bound commandment. Thus, referring again to Kiddushin 29a, we find that women are in fact obligated to wear Tefillin.

Unfortunately, our session ended at this point. It’s important to note that this is NOT the final conclusion that the Talmud reaches (as you may already have guessed). For those interested in learning more and tracing the history of women and Tefillin, Rabbi Gais recommended that we investigate “Eruvin 96b and beyond,” especially the later Geonim who steadily move towards prohibiting women from wearing Tefillin.

DAF CHODSHI: Third session, February 15th, 2006.

Today’s session centered around the Gemara’s use of prooftexts in proving a Mishnah. The passage we discussed was Pesachim 1b. Reading just the first sentence of the Mishnah gave the group more than enough to discuss for the whole hour. “Or l-arbah esser bodkin et ha-chametz l-or ha-ner,” goes the Hebrew, translated in the Soncino as “On the evening (or) of the fourteenth of Nisan, a search is made for leaven by the light of a lamp.” However, the word or, translated above as “evening,” actually means “light.” In the same sentence, in fact, it is used to describe the light of a lamp—“or ha-ner.” But if the Mishnah intends us to search for chametz during the morning, why would we need the light of a lamp? The Rabbis are faced with a contradiction which they must resolve.

To do so, they turn to the use of proof-texts; written examples from the Tanakh which would justify their contentions. In this case, what they need to find is a place in the Holy Scripture where or is used to mean darkness, as opposed to light. As if playing the role of its critics, the Gemara initially plays the doubter, supplying scriptural examples of where or could not mean anything but light. High up (but not first) on the list of these is the passage from Genesis 1:4, “and God called the light [or] day.” Surely this is proof enough that or could not mean anything other than light? No, say the Rabbis, there is in fact an ambiguity in the Hebrew for this passage which states, “Vayikra elohim la-or yom.” The key to the Rabbis’ argument lies in the verb, vayikra ,which means “called” and the preposition “l-” in front of or, meaning “to” or “for.” Thus this passage could equally well be translated as “God called to the light.” (appointing it for duty by day). Thus, while they have failed to dissociate the word or from its connotation of light, they have struck down an attempt to prove its equivalence with the word “day” or “morning.”

Several other prooftexts are introduced in this manner, attempting to greater and lesser extents to both prove and disprove the Gemara’s assertion that or means darkness. Eventually what settles the argument is not a prooftext, but is in fact a series of comments by Rabbinic authorities that indicate that or is equivalent with evening or darkness. If the Gemara never had any intention of using these proof-texts in its final conclusion, why were they included at all? Two possible conclusions follow: either they reflect the spontaneous thought processes of the Rabbis, a transcription of a brainstorming session, or they are a well-organized and subtle way of silencing their detractors. By first acknowledging and defeating all the possible objections to their theory, they not only backup their conclusion, but also effectively silence all opposition to their authority in one of those subtle power plays the Talmud is full of. Thanks to Rabbi Gais for another great session!

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SYNAGOGUE LIBRARY:

In creating your synagogue library, there are a number of factors to consider. Your budget, available shelf volume, and the reading and study habits of your patrons are some of the most important things to keep in mind. Your collection should include reference books, prayerbooks, well-known Jewish classics, books for younger readers, new books, reference CD-ROMS such as Soncino’s Judaic Classics on CD-ROM, and current periodicals. Always remember to leave room for new acquisitions. As a general rule of thumb, don’t display more than 2 copies of a general circulating book. Whether you have a cataloging system or not, your books should at the very least be categorized and neatly ordered on the shelves. Below you will find a list of categories you may wish to use and some sample books that fit under each heading:

Bible and Biblical Studies

Plaut, Gunther, and Stein, David S., eds. The Torah: A Modern Commentary, Revised Edition. URJ Press, New York, 2005

Sarna, Nahum S. Understanding Genesis.. Schocken Books, NY, 1970.

Classical Judaica: Halakhah and Midrash

Borowitz, Eugene, ed. Theological Terms in the Talmud. Ilonka Samke Institute at HUC-JIR. New York, 1998.

Goldwrum, Hersh, ed. The Schottenstein Edition Talmud Bavli: Tractate Berachos. Mesorah Publications Ltd., Brooklyn, 1999

Jewish Observance and Practice

Klein, Isaac. A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice. Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, 1992

Washofsky, Mark. Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice. UAHC Press, NY, 2000

Jewish Education

Abraham, Michelle Shapiro. CHAI Learning for Jewish Life: Level 4 Curriculum Core. UAHC Press, New York, 2003

Mandel, Scott. Wired Into Judaism: The Internet and Jewish Education. A.R.E. Publishing, Inc., Denver, 2000

Hebrew, Jewish Languages and Sciences

Bogot, Howard. My First 100 Hebrew Words: a young person’s dictionary of Judaism. UAHC Press, NY, 1993

Glinert, Lewis. The Joys of Hebrew. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1992

Jewish Literature

Malamud, Bernard. The Fixer. Penguin Books, New York, 1967.

Waxman, Meyer. A History of Jewish Literature, Vol. I. Bloch Publishing Co. New York, 1938.

The Jewish Community: Society and the Arts

Sartre, Jean-Paul. Anti-Semite and Jew. Schocken Books, NY. 1966.

Zakim, Leonard. Confronting Anti-Semitism. KTAV Publishing House, Inc. Hoboken, 2000

Jewish History, Geography, Biography

Ben-Sasson, H.H. A History of the Jewish People. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 1976

Lamm, Maurice. Living Torah in America. Behrman House, Inc. West Orange, 1993

Israel and Zionism

Collins, Larry. O Jerusalem. Simon and Schuster, NY, 1972

Herzl, Theodor. The Jews’ State: a critical English translation. Jason Aronson, Northvale, 1996.

General Works

Alcalay, Reuben. The Complete Hebrew-English Dictionary. Chemed Books, Brooklyn, 1996.

Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia. BCA, London, 1994.

These categories are the categories used in the Elazar system of cataloguing, a classification system for Judaica libraries based on the Dewey Decimal System. The full classification scheme (ten major classes and ninety-nine internal divisions) along with expository notes and an elegant introductory essay can be found in A Classification System for Libraries of Judaica: David H. Elazar and Daniel J. Elazar, Jason Aronson, 1997, 3^rd Revised edition.

LINKS:

Significant Jewish Books
Jewish Bibliography for Young Readers, compiled by Amy Siglock
Association of Jewish Libraries

More updates to come...stay tuned. Check out below for a list of recommended titles to help build your Synagogue or personal library.

BUILDING YOUR JEWISH LIBRARY:
Jewish Titles from which to Study and Learn

Basic Jewish Thought and Theology

Borowitz, Eugene. Choices in Modern Jewish Thought ; Second Edition. West Orange, New Jersey: Behrman House, Inc., 1995.

Borowitz, Eugene. Exploring Jewish Ethics: Papers on Covenant Responsibility . Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1990.

Borowitz, Eugene, editor. Reform Jewish Ethics and the Halakah: An Experiment in Decision Making . New Jersey: Behrman House, Inc., 1994.

Borowitz, Eugene. Renewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Postmodern Jews . Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1991.

Buber, Martin et. al.. Translated by Walter Kaufman and S. G. Smith. I and Thou . New York: Simon and Schuster Trade, 1978.

Glatzer, Nahum, editor. Modern Jewish Thought: Selected Issues, 1889-1966 . North Stratford, New Hampshire: Ayer Co. Publishers, Inc., 1977.

Green, Arthur. Seek My Face, Speak My Name: A Contemporary Jewish Theology . Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1994.

Heschel, Abraham J.. God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism . New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1976.

Kushner, Harold. When Bad Things Happen to Good People . New York: Schocken Books, 1984.

Silver, Abba H. Where Judaism Differs . Old Tappan, New Jersey: Macmillan, 1989.

Soncino, Rifat & Syme, Daniel B. Finding God: Ten Jewish Responses . Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1993.

Wolpe, David. The Healer of Shattered Hearts: A Jewish View of God . Henry Holt & Co., 1990.

Wolpe, David. In Speech and in Silence: The Jewish Quest for God . New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1993.

Wouk, Herman. This is My God: The Jewish Way of Life . New York: Walker & Co., 1991.

Jewish Texts

Abrams, Judith. Talmud for Beginners: Volume 1:Prayer . Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1993.

Abrams, Judith. Talmud for Beginners: Volume 2:Text . Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1993.

Bialik, Hayim N. & Ravnitzky, Yehoshua H., editors. The Book of Legends (Sefer Ha-aggadah): Legends of the Talmud & Midrash . New York: Schocken Books, 1992.

Bronstein, Herbert N. &. Friedlander, Albert H. editors. The Five Scrolls . New York: CCAR Press, 1984.

Cohen, Abraham. Everyman's Talmud: The Major Teachings of the Rabbinic Sages . New York: Schocken Books, 1995.

Danby, Herbert, translator. The Mishnah . New York: Oxford University Press, 1933.

Fields, Harvey J., ed. A Torah Commentary for Our Time (Three volumes). New York: URJ Press, 1994.

Holtz, Barry W.. Back to the Sources: Reading the Classics . New York: Simon & Schuster Trade, 1986.

Neusner, Jacob. Invitation to the Talmud: A Teaching Book . San Francisco: Harper, 1989.

Maimonides, Moses, translated by Schlomo Pines. Guide for the Perplexed, Volumes. 1 & 2 . Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1974.

Plaut, W. Gunther, editor. The Haftarah Commentary . New York: URJ Press, 1996.

Plaut, W. Gunther, editor. The Torah: A Modern Commentary . New York: URJ Press: 1981.

Steinsalz, Adin. The Talmud: The Steinsaltz Edition, Volumes. 1-13 . New York: Random House, 1989-1995.

Women of Reform Judaism. Covenant of the Heart: Prayers, Poems and Meditations from the Women of Reform Judaism . New York: National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, 1993.

Jewish Observance: Worship, Life Cycle, and Holidays

Adahan, Miriam. Raising Children to Care: A Jewish Guide to Child Rearing . New York: Philip Feldheim, Inc., 1988.

Agnon, S.Y.. The Days of Awe . New York: Schocken Books, 1965.

Artson, Bradley. Shavot It's a Mitzvah! Step-by-Step to Jewish Living . West Orange, New Jersey: Behrman House, 1995.

Barth, Lewis, editor. Berit Milah in the Reform Context . Brit Milah Board of Reform Judaism, New York: UAHC Press, 1990.

Diamant, Anita. The New Jewish Baby Book: Names, Ceremonies, and Customs for Today's Families . Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1993.

Diamant, Anita Cooper, Howard. Living a Jewish Life: A Guide for Starting, Learning, Celebrating, & Parenting . New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1991.

Donin, Hayim. To Be a Jew: A Guide to Jewish Observance in Contemporary Life . New York: Basic Books, 1991.

Donin, Hayim. To Pray As a Jew: A Guide to the Prayerbook and Synagogue Service . New York: Basic Books, 1991.

Dosick, Rabbi Wayne. Living Judaism: The Complete Guide to Jewish Belief, Tradition, and Practice . San Francisco: Harper, 1995.

Greenberg, Rabbi Irving. The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays . New York: Touchstone Books, Simon & Schuster, 1988.

Heschel, Abraham J.. The Sabbath . New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1975.

Kertzer, Morris N., revised by Lawrence Hoffman. What Is a Jew? Old Tappan, New Jersey Publishing Co., Inc., 1993.

Knobel, Peter. Gates of the Seasons (Shaarei Mo-Eid): A Guide to The Jewish Year . New York: CCAR Press, 1983.

Lieberman, Susan. New Traditions: Redefining Celebrations for Todays Family . New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1991.

Maslin, Simeon, editor. Gates of Mitzvah (Shaarei Mitzvah): A Guide to the Jewish Life Cycle . New York: CCAR Press, 1979.

Olitzky, Kerry M. &. Isaacs, Ronald H.. The How-to Handbook for Jewish Living . Hoboken, New Jersey: Ktav Publishing House, Inc., 1993.

Peli, Pinchas H.. Shabbat Shalom: A Renewed Encounter with the Sabbath . New York: Sure Sellers, Inc., 1989.

Renberg, Dalia H.. The Complete Family Guide to Jewish Holidays . Bellmore, New York: Modan-Adama Publishers, 1985.

Riemer, Jack, editor. Jewish Reflections on Death . New York: Schocken Books, 1987.

Roseman, Kenneth D. et al, editors. Gates of Prayer for Young People (Shaarei Tefila Le-Noar ): Youth and Family Services. New York: CCAR Press, 1995.

Roth, Cecil & Wigoder, Geoffrey. Encyclopedia Judaica . Philidelphia: Keter Publishing, 1994.

Shapiro, Mark Dov, editor. Gates of Shabbat (Shaarei Shabbat): A Guide for Observing Shabbat (available with cassette). New York: CCAR Press, 1990.

Sonsino, Rifat & Syme, Daniel B. What Happens After I Die? URJ Press, New York, 1990.

Stern, Chaim, editor. Gates of the House (Shaarei Habayit): The New Union Home Prayerbook . New York: CCAR, 1977.

Stern, Chaim, editor. On the Doorposts of Your House (A Mezuzo Beitecha): Prayers & Ceremonies for the Jewish Home. New York: CCAR Press, 1994.

Tolley, Jackie editor. On Our Spiritual Journey: A Creative Shabbat Service. La Jolla, California: Womans Institute for Continuing Jewish Education, 1984.

Waskow, Arthur. Down to Earth Judaism: Food, Money, Sex & the Rest of Life. New York: William Morrow & Company Publishing, Inc., 1995.

Jewish History

Dimont, Max. Jews, God & History , rev. ed. New York: Dutton Books, 1994.

Elwenspoek, Curt. Translated by Edward Cattle. Jew Suss Oppenheimer, the Great Financier, Gallant & Adventurer of the 18th Century. New York: Gordon Press Publishers, 1980.

Finkelstein, Louis. Akiba: Scholar, Saint, and Martyr. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1990.

Freizel, Eryatar. Atlas of Modern Jewish History. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990.

Hanover, Nathan. Translated by Abraham Mesch. The Abyss of Despair. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Transaction Publishers, 1983.

Meyer, Michael A.. Response to Modernity: A History of the Reform Movement in Judaism. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1988.

Potok, Chaim. Wanderings: Chaim Potok's History of the Jews. New York: Fawcett Book Group, 1987.

Roth, Cecil. A History of the Jews: From Earliest Times through the Six Day War. New York: Schocken Books, 1970.

Seltzer, Robert M. Jewish People, Jewish Thought, The Jewish Experience in History. New York: MacMillan Publishing Co., 1980.

Jewish History Through Novels

Agnon, S.Y. Twenty-One Stories. New York: Schocken Books, 1970.

Ansky, S. The Dybbuk & Other Writings. New York: Schocken Books, 1992.

Bellow, Saul, editor. Great Jewish Short Stories. New York: Dell Publishing Co., Inc., 1985.

Buck, Pearl. Peony. New York: Bloch Publishing Co., 1990.

Collins, Larry & LaPierre, Dominique. O Jerusalem! New York: Simon & Schuster Trade, 1988.

Eliot, George. Daniel Deronda. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.

Fast, Howard. Agrippas Daughter . Garden City, New York: Doubleday Books, Inc., 1979.

Fast, Howard. My Glorious Brothers. Mattituck, New York: Amereon, Ltd., (date not supplied).

Feuchtwanger, Lion. Josephus: A Historical Romance. New York: Simon & Schuster Trade, 1973.

Greenberg, Joanna. The King's Persons. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1963.

Gross, Joel. Books of Rachel. West Seneca, New York: Ulverscroft Large Print Books, Ltd., 1985.

Halter, Marek. Translated. by Lowell Bair. The Book of Abraham. New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1986.

Jacobson, Dan. The Rape of Tamar. New York: MacMillian, 1970.

Kazantzakis, Nikos. The Last Temptation of Christ. New York: Simon and Schuster Trade, 1988.

Kossoff, David. The Voices of Masada. New York: Elliott's Book, 1973.

Landis, Joseph, editor. Three Great Jewish Plays. New York: Applause Theatre Book Publishers, 1986.

Le Porrier, Herbert. The Doctor From Cordova. Garden City, New York: Doubleday Books Inc., 1979.

Lessing, Gotthold E. Edited by Peter Demetz. Nathan the Wise, Minna von Barnhelm and Other Plays and Writings. New York: Continuum Publishing Co., 1991.

Leviant, Curt. The Man Who Thought He Was Messiah. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1990.

Levin, Meyer. The Settlers. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1972.

Lewisohn, Ludwig. The Island Within. North Stratford, New Hampshire: Ayer Co. Publishers, Inc., 1975.

Malamud, Bernard. The Assistant. New York: Viking Penguin, 1993.

Malamud, Bernard. The Fixer. New York: Viking Penguin, 1994.

Mann, Thomas. Joseph And His Brothers. New York: Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, Inc., 1948.

Martin, Malachi. King of Kings. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1980.

Meyerhoff, Barbara. Number Our Days. New York: Dutton Books, 1979.

Michener, James. The Source. New York: Fawcett Book Group, 1986.

Miller, Arthur. Focus. New York: Arbor House, 1984.

Nister, Der. Translated by Leonard Wolf. The Family Mashber. New York: Summit Books, 1987.

Potok, Chaim. Davitas Harp . New York: Fawcett Book Group, 1986.

Potok, Chaim. My Name is Asher Lev. New York: Fawcett Book Group, 1984.

Potok, Chaim. The Chosen. Fort Lauderdale: Buccaneer Books, 1994.

Potok, Chaim. The Promise. New York: Fawcett Book Group, 1985.

Raphael, David. The Alhambra Decree. North Hollywood: Carmi House Press, 1988.

Roth, Henry. Call It Sleep. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1992.

Rothberg, Abraham. The Sword of the Golem. New York: Bantam, 1973.

Sandmel, Samuel. Alone atop the Mountain. Garden City, New York: Doubleday Books, Inc., 1973.

Shamir, Moses. Translated by David Patterson. The King of Flesh and Blood. Rockaway Beach, New York: Hebrew Publishing Co.,(date not supplied).

Singer, I. J.. Translated by Joseph Singer. The Brothers Ashkenazi. New York: Viking Penguin, 1993.

Singer, Isaac Bashevis. The Family Moskat. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1988.

Steinbeck, John. East of Eden. New York: Viking Penguin, 1992.

Steinberg, Milton. As a Driven Leaf. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1994.

Styron, William R. Sophie's Choice. New York: Random House, 1992.

Uris, Leon. Exodus. New York: Bantam Books, 1983.

Uris, Leon. Mila Eighteen. New York: Bantam Books, 1983.

Webb, Liliane. The Marranos. Kansas City: Andrews & MacNeel, 1980.

Weisel, Elie. The Golem. New York: Summit Books, 1983.

Wyse, Marion. The Prophet and the Prostitute. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publisher, 1979.

Yehoshua, A.B.. Translaed. by Hillel Halkin. Mr. Mani--A Safardic Family History. Orlando: Harcourt Brace & Co., 1993.

Yezierska, Anzia. Bread Givers: A Struggle between a Father of the Old world & a Daughter of the New World. New York: Persea Books, Inc., 1975.

Zangwill, Israel. Dreamers of the Ghetto. North Stratford, New Hampshire: Ayer Co. Publishers, Inc., 1977.

Zangwill, Israel. The King of Schorrers. Bellmore, New York: Modan-Adama Books, 1987.

Holocaust

Appelfelds, Aharon. Translated. by Dalya Bilu. Age of Wonders. New York: Godine Books, Inc., 1989.

Appelfelds, Aharon. Translated. by Dalya Bilu. Badenheim, Nineteen Thirty-Nine. New York: Godine Books, Inc., 1980.

Appelfelds, Aharon. For Every Sin. New York: Random House, 1990.

Appelfelds, Aharon. The Immortal Bartfuss. New York: Grove Atlantic, 1994.

Appelfelds, Aharon. To the Land of Cattails. New York: Grove Atlantic, 1994.

Dawidowicz, Lucy S.. The War Against the Jews 1933-1945. New York: Bantam Books, 1986.

Epstein, Leslie. King of the Jews. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 1993.

Friedlander, Albert. Out of the Whirlwind. New York: URJ Press, 1976.

Hegi, Ursula. Stones from the River. New York: Simon & Schuster Trade, 1995.

Hersey, John. The Wall. New York: Random House, 1988.

Hochhuth, Rolf. The Deputy. New York: Grove Press, 1964.

Keneally, Thomas. Schindler's List. New York: Simon & Schuster Trade, 1994.

Kosinski, Jerzy. The Painted Bird. Second Edition. New York: Random House, 1983.

Schaeffer, Susan. Anya. New York: Ivy Books, 1991.

Schwartz-Bart, Andre. The Last of the Just. Cambridge: Robert Bentley, Inc., 1981.

Volavkova, Hana, editor. I Never Saw Another Butterfly. New York: Schocken Books, 1994.

Wiesel, Elie. Dawn. New York: Bantam Books, 1982.

Wiesel, Elie. Night. New York: Bantam Books, 1982.

Wiesenthal, Simon. The Sunflower: With a Symposium. New York: Schocken Books, 1976.

For Young Readers

Burstein, Chaya. The Jewish Kids Catalog. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1983.

Frank, Anne. Diary of a Young Girl. New York: Bantam Books, 1994.

Greenberg, Melanie Hope. Blessings. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1995.

Jaffe, Nina. The Uninvited Guest and Other Jewish Holiday Tales. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1993.

Leitner, Isabella. The Big Lie: A True Story. New York: Scholastic Hardcover, 1992.

Levitan, Sonia. The Return. New York: Atheneum, 1987. (Ethiopian Rescue)

Levoy, Myron. Alan and Naomi. New York: Harper & Row Junior Books, 1977.

Nathan, Joan. The Children's Jewish Holiday Kitchen . New York: Schocken Books, 1987.

Singer, Isaac Bashevis. Stories for Children. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1962.

Woodruff, Elvira. Dear Levi: Letters from the Overland Trail. New York, Knopf, 1994.

Israel

Chafets, Ze'ev. Heroes and Hustlers, Hard Hats and Holymen, Inside the New Israel. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1986.

Sachar, Howard M. A History of Israel: From The Rise of Zionism to Our Time. New York: Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, Inc., 1979.

Sachar, Howard M. A History of Israel, Volume Two: From the Aftermath of the Yom Kippur War. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.

Conversion and Outreach

Belin, David. Why Choose Judaism: New Dimensions of Jewish Outreach. New York: URJ Press, 1985.

Epstein, Lawrence. Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1994.

Kukoff, Lydia. Choosing Judaism. New York: Hippocrene Books, Inc., 1983.

Mayer, Egon and Amy Avgar. Conversion Among The Intermarried: Choosing To Become Jewish. New York: American Jewish Committee, 1987.

Myrowitz, Catherine H. Finding a Home for the Soul: Interview with Converts to Judaism. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1995.

Romanoff, Lena. Your People, My People: Finding Acceptance & Fulfillment as a Jew by Choice . Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1990.

General Reference

Baron, Joseph L., editor. A Treasury of Jewish Quotations. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1985.

Bennett, Alan, editor. Journey Through Judaism: The Best of Keeping Posted. New York: URJ Press, 1991.

Holtz, Barry W.. The Book of Jewish Belief. West Orange, New Jersey: Behrman House, Inc., 1984.

Jacobs, Louis. Religion & the Individual: A Jewish Perspective. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1992.

Jacobs, Louis. The Jewish Religion: A Companion. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.

Kertzer, Morris. What is a Jew? Fourth Edition. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1978.

Kolatch, Alfred J. The Jewish Book of Why; Volumes I, II & III. Jonathan David Publisher's Inc., 1981.

Magida, Arthur J. How to be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies. Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing, Inc., 1995.

Prager, Dennis & Telushkin, Joseph. The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1986.

Samuel, Edith. Your Jewish Lexicon. New York: URJ Press, 1982.

Steinberg, Milton. Basic Judaism. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace & Co., 1965.

Telushkin, Joseph. Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People & History. New York: William Morrow & Co. Publishing, Inc., 1991.

Women's Studies

Biale, Rachel. Women and Jewish Law: The Essential Texts, Their History, & Their Relevance for Today. New York: Schocken Books, 1984.

Grossman, Susan & Haut, Rivka, editors. Daughters of the King: Women and the Synagogue. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1992.

Koltun, Elizabeth, editor. The Jewish Woman: New Perspectives. New York: Schocken Books, 1976.

Orenstein, Debra, editor. Lifecycles, Volume One: Jewish Women on Life Passages and Personal Milestones. Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publications, 1994.

Orenstein, Debra, editor. Lifecycles, Volume Two: Jewish Women on Life Themes and Cycles of Meaning. Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publications, 1996.

Plaskow, Judith. Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective. San Francisco: Harper, 1990.

Umansky, Ellen and Dianne Ashton. Four Centuries of Jewish Women's Spirituality: A Sourcebook. Boston: Beacon Press, 1992.

Jewish Parenting

Alper, Janice P., editor. Learning Together: A Source Book on Jewish Family Education. Denver: Alternatives in Religious Education, Inc., 1987.

Bial, Morrison David. Your Jewish Child. New York: URJ Press, 1978.

Cardozo, Arlene R. Jewish Family Celebrations. New York: St. Martins Press, 1985.

Diamant, Anita and Howard Cooper. Living a Jewish Life: Jewish Tradition, Customs & Values for Today's Families. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., 1991.

Kushner, Harold. When Children Ask About God: A Guide for Parents Who Don't Always Have All the Answers. New York: Schocken Books, 1995.

Salkin, Jeffrey K. Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1992.

Strassfield, Sharon and Kathy Green. The Jewish Family Book: A Creative Approach to Raising Kids. New York: Bantam Books, 1981.

Syme, Daniel B. The Jewish Home: A Guide for Jewish Living. New York: URJ Press, 1988.