The Travelling Chassidim

Monday, January 21, 2008

The War of Western Europe Against Israel

The War of Western Europe Against Israel
by Joseph Carmi and Arie Carmi
Both Europe and the United States have large and active Moslem communities devoted to their compatriots in the Middle East. Both, too, have visible Jewish communities. Yet according to the Anti-Defamation League, there has been no increase at all in anti-Jewish incidents during the past two years in the US, while in Europe such incidents are sharply on the rise.
This book takes a close look at the disturbing upswing in anti-Semitic violence in Europe by investigating European attitudes towards the State of Israel since its inception; by paying close attention to statements made by leading politicians and opinion-makers; and by following trends in European media.(160 Pages)
Publisher: Devora Publishers, 2003
Product details
* Hardcover: 96 pages
* Publisher: Gazelle Book Services DUMP LIST (1 Sep 2003)
* Language English
* ISBN: 193014377X

Everybody Has Somebody In Heaven

Everybody Has Somebody In Heaven
Essential Jewish Tales of the Spirit
For science fiction lovers - especially those who have followed the career of Avram Davidson - this is a special treat. Everybody Has Somebody In Heaven is a posthumous collection of the award-winning science-fiction writer's complete Jewish works. It includes some of his most famous short stories, such as "The Golem, " and many of his short nonfiction pieces which shed light on the vicissitudes of his own life, as well as the lives of the people he describes. In addition to Davidson's work, there are biographical sketches about the author by science fiction editor Jack Dann and several other writers and editors who knew him well. This will probably become a collector's item for sci-fi fans.
Leslie Cohen, The Jerusalem Post May 10, 2002
Nonpareil Fantasist Avram Davidson left our world - a world he magnified and enhanced with glimmering tales constructed according to his peculiar slant of intelligence and vision - in 1993. But since then, he's been well served by a host of loyal friends determined to keep his work alive. First came The Avram Davidson Treasury (1998), followed the same year by The Boss in the Wall, and shortly afterward by The Investigations of Avram Davidson (1999). Now we have the current book, subtitled Essential Jewish Tales of the Spirit, and edited by Jack Dann and Grania Davis. (And soon to come is another collection, The Other Nineteenth Century.) Not a bad legacy, and better than many other authors fare after their deaths.
The volume under discussion today is divided into several sections. First comes Davidson's early works: sketches, poems, and short stories printed from 1947 to the start of Davidson's fully professional career. Serving as a break at midpoint is a small symposium wherein fellow writers reminisce about Davidson. Next up: a selection of Davidson's mature work. Finally, to close: some previously unpublished gems found among Davidson's effects after his death.
Each item is perceptively introduced by one of the editors, or in the other cased by Davidson's son Ethan or by his literary custodian, Henry Wessells. These fact-filled paragraphs set everything firmly in historical and literary context. Additionally a biographical essay by Eileen Gunn rounds out the book.
Because Davidson's religion was so essential to his art, having a chance to read his apprentice work centering on Judaic topics is invaluable, offering insights into all his later work. These stories by a young man just finding his stride are themselves well crafted and entertaining, albeit not of the magnitude of later work, although the brief parable "The Fisherman … A Tashlich Legend" packs a certain punch. But the fully formed stories are just glorious. "The Golem, " "Goslin Day, " "Dr. Morris Goldpepper Returns, " and "The Crown Jewels of Jerusalem" all exhibit the unique Davidson blend of erudition, goofiness, and pathos. And the brand-new finds tease with dreams of what might have been had Davidson lived longer.
Taken as a whole, this book is a crucial piece of Davidson monument still abuilding.
Realms of Fantasy Ocotber 2, 2001
I Have Someone In Heaven And So Do You!
Do you ever get that tingly feeling between your shoulder blades? You know, the one that makes you feel like someone's watching you? Well guess what. Someone IS watching you. But it's not anyone here on Earth. According to the title of this book, it's someone up in heaven. Well, this doesn't have anything to do with the book except the title, but I thought it might give you a laugh.
Now read about the book and enjoy! In this collection of stories and poems written by Avram Davidson, you'll find laughter and tears, happiness and sadness within pages of one another. I found laughter even in the introductions! This book will give you something that you can pick up in whatever mood you're in.
Let's take for an example, the first story in this book, "The Golem". In the Table of Contents, written under "The Golem" is "Avram's Favorite Story". Now, I have to say, from what I've heard on golems before now, I was expecting something with a magician, lightning, fire, something scary. You know what I'm talking about of course. Well, that's not what I got at all! I got something that make me think of my visits to my Russian friends' homes, listening to their parents as we conversed in Hebrew and broken English. I laughed so hard at this story, my mom looked over at me with one of those "have-you-gone-mad?" looks. So I read her a paragraph and she started laughing too!
But now, you must be asking yourself, "Didn't she say she cried at parts too?" And the answer to that is "Yes" I did say that. And I DID cry. When I read the story "Dan Cohen" I cried, but I laughed too.
Avram Davidson's Everybody Has Somebody in Heaven is an incredible collection that is lots of fun to read, and something to pick up when you're in between books and just want something to page through. Or, if you're like some of my friends, you might pick it up and read straight through. As I look at the book in front of me now, I have to smile to myself, remembering things I've read in it, but I'm not going to tell you everything because then it'll ruin the book for you!
Suffice it to say, I enjoyed this book immensely, not just the short stories, or the introductions, but also the poetry that is so beautifully written. Even the cover is magnificently drawn with bright, fun colors, easy on the eye and something light for the heart when everything around you is going crazy. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and keep it on your bookshelf along with all your other favorites and not hidden in the back with the books you don't plan on reading again! I give Avram Davidson's Everybody Has Somebody in Heaven four stars, but you might rate it differently. The only way to know is by reading the book! Have fun!
Rebekah James, Teen to Teen Website, January 8, 2003

Budget Cooking Elegant Dining: The Kosher Experience

Budget Cooking Elegant Dining: The Kosher Experience
by Sue Epstein
Edition: Hardcover
Product Details
Hardcover: 235 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.75 x 8.32 x 9.70
Publisher: Pitspopany Press; (September 1, 1996)
ISBN: 0943706629
Book Description
For the balaboosta (homemaker) who runs the kitchen on a budget, or would like to! Dozens of Kosher recipies for Hanukkah, Shabbat, Purim, and all year long. Common sense information on how to budget meals, the best ways to use leftovers, and how to create menu plans that work.
For serving up affordable holiday feasts , July 20, 2003
Reviewer: Midwest Book Review from Oregon, WI USA
Budget Cooking Elegant Dining: The Kosher Experience by cooking expert and teacher Sue Epstein, is an exquisitely written guide to cooking within kosher directives while on a budget, and yet creating an elegant and delicious culinary experience. From Baked Bologna; Carrot Bread; Baked Nile Perch; and Beverly's Brisket; to Cream of Cucumber Soup; Veggie Bake; Pecan-Praline Bread Pudding; and Strawberries in Orange Juice, Budget Cooking Elegant Dining is excellent and economical resource for serving up affordable holiday feasts or fine daily cuisine for a kosher household.

Sources for Funding: The Israel Foundation Directory

Sources for Funding: The Israel Foundation Directory
by Eliezer D. Jaffe
Edition: Hardcover
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.71 x 10.14 x 6.64
Publisher: Devora Publishing; (September 1, 2001)
ISBN: 1930143281
From Booklist
Designed for nonprofit organizations and individuals seeking grants, this directory provides detailed profiles of hundreds of philanthropic foundations working in Israel. The book is a companion to Giving Wisely: The Israel Guide to Nonprofit and Volunteer Organizations (Gefen Publishers, 2000). The profiles can also be found on the Web at Givingwisely.org]. Mary Ellen Quinn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
From the Publisher
For the tens of thousands of people who are looking to fund their Israel-related projects, and for the hundreds of organizations affiliated with Israel, this is an invaluable guide to the sources for funding that they must have. Each foundation has reviewed the material entered in this volume and agreed that the contents are up-to-date and accurate, thereby assuring the reader of undiluted, precise information on the potential sources for funding their project.
Book Description
A detailed description and analysis of the hundreds of foundations that are prepared to fund projects that relate to the State of Israel. This book also gives the reader an insight into what each foundation is looking for, and how to reach these foundations both in the United States and in Israel.
Jews

There's No Place Like Jerusalem

There's No Place Like Jerusalem
by Samson Levy
Edition: Hardcover
Product Details
Hardcover: 220 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.67 x 11.02 x 5.76
Publisher: Pitspopany Press; (September 2001)
ISBN: 1930143303
From the Publisher
Taken from his carefully kept diaries, Mr. Levy writes in the short, concise, readable sentences that echoes the style of Hemingway. He was a ”Jewish “Everyman” maintaining his religious attitudes and practices in the army, under difficult circumstances and in many of the countries of the Middle East. Like his illustrious grandfather, Rabbi Hirsch, he feels the need to be near the smell and touch of books, and his understated wit is evident on every page.
About the Author
Samson Raphael Levy is the great-grandson of the illustrious 19th Century biblical scholar, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch. Like his namesake, Levy has assiduously sought to defend his religious beliefs both in his writings and by personal example. In this memoir, which takes us from 1918 through today, Samson has recorded many of the great moments of the 20th Century, especially those that led to the creation of "The State of Israel.
Book Description
A scion of the great 19th Century biblical scholar Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsh, Samson Raphael Levy is an active bibliophile living a quiet, ordered life in his beloved Jerusalem. But his life was not always quiet and ordered. Samson was in the RAF during the “Great War” and was present during the pivotal days of Jewish independence in 1948 and onward.

The Nebbish Principle

The Nebbish Principle
by Alan Unger , Allen Unger
Reading level: Young Adult
Edition: Paperback / Hardcover
Product Details
Paperback: 96 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.46 x 6.20 x 9.74
Publisher: Pitspopany Press; (January 1, 2002)
ISBN: 1930143362
From the Publisher
1) Clever, humorous illustrations that will make anyone chuckle. 2) Nebbish is a Jewish word like “shlemazal” which means if it can go wrong it will go wrong, and it will happen to me. 3) Jewish buyers above 40 years old will instantly recognize and laugh at this word. 4) Some of these illustrations have appeared in The Jewish Chronicle in England and met with great success. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
About the Author
Allen’s first illustrations were of Sioux Indians, which he drew obsessively as he grew up in London’s East End. Needless to say, there was no market for such “foreign subjects” and so, taking off his bonnet and putting his war paint aside, Allen began to cultivate these talents that would make him a striking example of the Nebbish Principle.
Completing a five year apprenticeship learning composites for printing books and newspapers – an art that was quickly supplanted
Book Description
In the Yiddish language, a nebbish is a person whose life is dictated by the simple proposition: "If it can go wrong it will go wrong, and it will happen to me."
These clever, humorous illustrations perfectly describe those secret moments in all our lives when we wished that the earth would open up and swallow us, whole.
This Will Keep You Laughing!! , July 10, 2002
Reviewer: motzneys from Netanya, Israel
The author has captured the true meaning of "nebbish" and from the moment you pick up this book you will not stop laughing. He has managed to capture on each page, each beautifully illustrated, the true essence of the human species and circumstances that makes life interesting and very funny. You will definitely see someone you know, if not yourself, in this humourous book. Absolutely loved it and recommend it highly. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition

Turbulent Times/Prophetic Dreams : Art from Israeli and Palestinian Children

Turbulent Times/Prophetic Dreams : Art from Israeli and Palestinian Children
by Harold S., MD Koplewicz , Gail, Phd Furman , Robin F., Phd Goodman , Gail C. Furman
Edition: Hardcover
Product Details
Hardcover: 88 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.43 x 9.72 x 6.86
Publisher: Pitspopany Press; (November 1, 2000)
ISBN: 1930143095
From the Publisher
Urgent reading based on the current situation festering in the Middle East. This book is the brainchild of Dr. Harold Koplewicz, founder and director of the New York University Child Study Center. It is a timely and revealing book of drawings done by children that captures the hearts of young and old. It reveals the wellspring of emotions that flow through the Israeli and Palestinian children who represent the next generation of their people.
About the Author
Harold S.Koplewicz, M.D. is the founder and director of the New York University Child Study Center. He also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry the Arnold and Debbie Simon Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the New York University School of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Koplewicz is the Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Bellevue Hospital Center
Book Description
The 9 to 14 year old children who made these drawings have things in common with children everywhere. They want what all children want: education, family, security, peace, predictability. Their drawings offer us a glimpse into how and what children subjected to conflict are thinking. Some children depict the future with peaceful scenes, others pockmark their illustrations with scenes of war and disaster. However, it is the words of the children that is most amazing. The simple words that accompany the illustrations of the Israeli and Palestinian children echo each other; revealing the tensions and hopes that are part of their every day lives.
Israel