I am what some people call a “compulsive reader.” If it is printed, and in front of me, I will read it. Flyers. Cereal boxes. Newspapers. Blogs. And most of all, books, books, and more books. [Donald H. Harrison]
Observing, Reading, and Kvelling Over Grandchildren Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison
By Alex Gordon HAIFA, Israel — Ernst Jones, one of Sigmund Freud’s few non-Jewish students, wrote in an obituary that his teacher’s achievements would not have been possible without his national characteristics, among them “a special national insight” and “a skeptical attitude toward illusions and deception.” Psychoanalysis shaped a new way of thinking that made
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Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Opinion
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — Many Jews are convinced that the laws and customs that originated with the rabbis were taught at Sinai to the Israelites during the days of Moses and are called “Oral Law,” even though the Torah itself states that only the Decalogue that people call The Ten
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
This family biography traces the Sassoon family from its 19th century roots in Baghdad and its migration to Bombay, where it developed into an important merchant family specializing in such commodities as opium, textiles, and oil. The family also had banking operations in various cities, real estate holdings in China and other parts of Asia, and an international customer base centered on England. [Donald H. Harrison]
The Sassoons: The Rothschilds of the East Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Middle East
Here is a novel by a Jewish author that is built upon a male and female character who each suffer from a form of sexual dysfunction. Rebecca had been unable to achieve orgasm in lovemaking, and Kyle was forced, against his will, into a long-term sexual relationship by Jane, a powerful publisher of a popular fashion magazine who controlled his and many other people’s livelihoods. [Donald H. Harrison]
Novel Built upon Delicate Sexual Issues Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — The question of when did Jews begin to observe the practices and prohibitions of biblical laws is one of the most important yet thorniest questions that has bothered scholars for centuries. While traditional Jews believe their ancestors accepted and practiced Torah laws since the time of
When Did Jews Begin to Observe Biblical Laws? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish ReligionBy Alex Gordon HAIFA, Israel — In 1922, Hugo Bettauer, an Austrian writer of Jewish origin, published a satirical anti-utopia, the novel The City Without Jews. The book was published 47 times in seven languages. The author wrote: “The people have chosen a political savior, Dr. Karl Schwertfeger of the Christian Social Party.” The writer
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Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Opinion
If you look at the menorah on the cover of Hanukkah Nights, you’ll see that each candle flame is of a different color. What you can’t see—until you read the actual book—is that each flame was created with a different artistic technique. [Donald H. Harrison]
A Primer on Hanukkah and Art Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual ArtsBy Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — In Maimonides’ Guide for the Perplexed, book 3, chapter 51, in the easy-to-read translation by Michael Friedlander, Maimonides tells readers: “The present chapter does not contain any additional matter that has not been treated in the (previous) chapters of this treatise. It is a kind of
How Does God Want People to Behave? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
Robert Schechter is a master of word play and rhyme and he uses these talents to enchant children and adults alike in this collection of poems that are sometimes silly, sometimes profound, but always interesting. [Donald H. Harrison]
Poetry Book Will Delight, Inspire Children and Adults Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison
Rachel’s name was extracted from the records of USC’s Student Health Service. An official letter informed her that a lawsuit had been brought successfully against Tyndall, and that she was entitled to damages depending on the extent of her injuries. She was required to fill out an explicit questionnaire. One question at the end of the questionnaire brought back another suppressed memory: “Have you had any experience prior to your visit(s) with Dr. Tyndall that you felt constituted inappropriate sexual behavior or abuse? If so, please describe.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Memoir Tells of Sexual Abuse, Mental Trauma Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, Science, Medicine, & Education
The mind-numbing amount of expletives-deleted in this book dim whatever appreciation the sex-and-money plot might generate among readers seriously interested in the abuses and corruption of the legal system. [Donald H. Harrison]
Sexploitative Novel Not for Serious Readers Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — The Chaim Grade masterpiece, “The Yeshiva II,” is subtitled “Masters and Disciples” because it tells of dozens of lives of people in a manner unequaled by other writers. Each of the many people who populate this story has interesting and exciting lives that will fascinate readers.
‘The Yeshiva’ Volume II: Interesting and Exciting Lives That Will Fascinate Readers Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
Told in free verse, this novel for children 8-13 follows a girl who is the only Jew in her school during the early 1960s. Trudie Hamburger is teased by a neighbor boy about her last name, calling her “chopped meat.” He also makes fun of the German accent of her father, who was the only member of his family to escape from the Nazis. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Book Teaches Being Proud of One’s Identity Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison