The Timechart History of Jewish Civilization, edited and designed by Meredith MacArdle, World Press Ltd., 2010, Consultant: Judy Gold, Director, London Jewish Cultural Center
By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO — This is a large coffee table sized book that opens with a spectacular full color, sixteen page, unfolding panel which is eleven feet long. It is a timeline chart of Jewish History from 3761 BCE to 2010 CE. But – it is much more than a series of dates.
The panels include pictures and relevant facts which are interwoven with the context in which events occurred. The quality of the paper would allow this huge panel to be opened out fully and displayed.
On the back side of the panel is a map of ancient Palestine, and other subjects such as: Sacred Texts, Practices and Beliefs, Calendar, Festivals, Holy Days, Movements and Schools of Thought, Scholars, Glossary, etc. This, too, is presented in a bright, inviting manner.
The second half of the book is a History of the Jewish People. The Table of Contents includes: The Ancient States of Israel, Persecution, The Arts, Science and Philosophy, Diaspora and Migration, and many more areas of Jewish activity.
This publication is an opportunity to access Jewish history in an easy to see, read and understand chronicle. It is displayed both as a span of time as well as a force of influence and how it was in turn influenced by the history of the larger communities within which Jews lived – and continue to live.
An excellent way to gain a surer view of past events and how they have given us what we see today. Definitely a very worthwhile addition to any library – at home – or in a classroom.
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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in arts and literature. She may be contacted via sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the U.S.)