Reviews (2)

A profound exploration of Jewish History and JewishMemory
This work has four major chapters each of which deals with a certain period of Jewish history, and its approach to Jewish Memory. In the first chapter Yerushalmi explores the Biblical and Rabbinic Foundations for writing history, and remembering it. This is the stage when the process of remembering is connected with the recording of, and participation in history.
A classic
This book enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a classic in the field of Jewish studies. The author maintains that "Only in Israel and nowhere else is the injunction to remember felt as a religious imperative to anentire people." What follows is a brilliant discussion of the meaningand selectivity of memory in Jewish religious tradition. Yerushalmi thenshows how secularization radically transformed the meaning of memory andhistory for Jews. Writing of the rise of Jewish historiography in early19th century Germany, he notes: "For the first time it is not historythat must prove its utility to Judaism, but Judaism that must prove itsvalidity to history, by revealing and justifying itself historically." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Historiography    2. History - General History    3. History Of Jews    4. History: World    5. Jewish - General    6. Jews    7. Judaism - History    8. Religion    9. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    10. Islamic studies    11. World history   

Reviews (1)

Detail on the individual or story represented by each stamp
The Jewish World In Stamps: 4000 Years Of Jewish Civilization On Postage Stamps by Ronald L. Eisenberg is an amazing, full-color, 288 page volume that meticulously reproduces postage stamps portraying events and people throughout the whole of Jewish history. The Jewish World In Stamps ranges from biblical stories such as the tale of Esther, to the Diaspora, to rise of Zionism and establishment of the state of Israel, to Jewish traditions and values, to World Jewish Communities, to modern-day Jewish entertainers such as Groucho Marx. Succinct entries flesh out the background detail on the individual or story represented by each stamp, and the color illustrations are the next best thing to having an international stamp collection of one's own. The Jewish World In Stamps is an exciting and seminal work that makes both the world of stamp collecting and Jewish history itself come alive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. History    5. History / Jewish    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jews    8. Jews on postage stamps    9. Stamps    10. Jewish    11. Jewish studies    12. Stamps, philately   

Editorial Review

Pillage is one of the traditionalperks of warfare. But it took Adolf Hitler to systematize the decimation anddespoiling of cultures, and it took Hector Feliciano seven years to track fivefamous art collections stolen by the Nazis. He uncovered not only Nazi schemesbut also a well-oiled machine of collaborators, informants, moving companies,and neighbors, all with their fingers in the pie. Read more

Reviews (8)

A fascinating story poorly told
Those of you who read Lynn Nicholas' astonishing The Rape of Europa will be disappointed by this book, which is in many ways a necessary supplement to Nicholas' spine-tingling work.The record of greed, fear, coercion andbarbarism visible behind the glittering surface of the Parisian art worldin the 1940's is a truly moving human story.The photographs, all ofnow-vanished works of modern art, provide a valuable record for thehistorian, as many of the lost works have never been published. Unfortunately, the book is nearly ruined by a flat and pedestrian writingstyle.The author may have taken years to write this book, and conductedhundreds of interviews, but one would never know that.Feliciano writes asif he were a USA Today reporter - utterly superficial treatments of seriousissues and no sign whatsoever of any personal investment in the story.Theart and personalities of the period deserved a better historian than Mr.Feliciano, I am sorry to say.Useful for the documentary information only.

German arrogance and art dealer greed in WWII.
A repititious summary of art work confiscations by the Nazis, particularly from Jewish galleries, during World War II. Plentiful accusations of greed by cooperating art dealers, including some famous names, during and after the war.The French government to this day has performed questionably in returning works by famous artists to their pre-war owners.The Swiss government, in harmony with its management of Jewish refugee bank deposits, has performed even worse.Over-all, a depressing litany of evil deeds in a poorly structured account of art world activity during the German occupation of France.

German arrogance and art dealer greed in WWII.
A repititious summary of art work confiscations by the Nazis, particularly from Jewish galleries, during World War II. Plentiful accusations of greed by cooperating art dealers, including some famous names, during and after the war.The French government to this day has performed questionably in returning works by famous artists to their pre-war owners.The Swiss government, in harmony with its management of Jewish refugee bank deposits, has performed even worse.Over-all, a depressing litany of evil deeds in a poorly structured account of art world activity during the German occupation of France. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art and the war    4. Art thefts    5. Europe - Germany    6. European    7. Fine Arts    8. France    9. History    10. History - General History    11. Holocaust    12. Jewish - General    13. Pillage    14. World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (21)

An Emotional Journey
What can I add that hasn't already been said on this page? Except that I hope you will read this book if you haven't already and that you will share it with any young people you know. Mona Golabek has written a sincere, heartfelt memoir of her mother during World War II, enriched by both musical and family values. Ms. Golabek's memoir clearly shows how great music has the ability to sustain and nourish the soul in desperate circumstances. The spirit of Willesden Lane, of the young people who survived the war, and of their parents who sacrificed all, live on in this poignant, beautifully told story.

Truly Inspirational
The Children of Willesden Lane is a compelling story about a Jewish girl growing up in a country overtaken by Hitler during World War Two. The Jura family, being allowed to send only one child to England on the Kindertransport, sent Lisa knowing that her musical talent would ensure her survival. When all is going wrong, and it seems as though she has nothing left to hold on to, Lisa lets all her feelings go through her music and holds on to her abilities. Inspiring
In The Children Of Willesden Lane, Mona Golabek writes an inspiring story about her mother's experiences through the rough times of the Holocaust. She tells a beautiful story about her mother's love for music. Ever since she was a little girl, growing up in Vienna, she has always had a passion for music. She has always dreamed of playing in concerts. At thirteen, Lisa Jura is put on a train to a camp separated from her family. With a numbered tag around her neck, Lisa can only think of the difficult times ahead of her. After a long journey, Lisa finally gets settled in one place, 243 Willesden Lane. There are many children that she is introduced to. Lisa tries to forget about the war and the separation of her and her family. Instead she enjoys precious moments with many of her friends and a guy she has started a relationship and loves very much. At this house, Lisa is able to do what she loves the most, plaing the piano. She has not forgotten about her music and the promise she made to her mother.Lisa plays and practices her music everyday bringing joy and happiness to the children on Willesden Lane. Her music truly lifts the spirits of everyone. Soon Lisa is given an exceptional musical opportunity. She soon begins to realize she is doing what her mother had always wished for her. She knew she was making her mother very proud because after eveything she has gone through she keeps her music. This book is extemley inspiring and well-written. It is moving and teaches important lessons in life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Composers & Musicians - General    6. Emigration And Immigration    7. England    8. Historical - Holocaust    9. History Of Jews    10. Holocaust    11. Jewish - General    12. Jews, Austrian    13. Personal Memoirs    14. Refugees, Jewish    15. Biography & Autobiography / Composers & Musicians    16. Biography: historical    17. Europe    18. European history: Second World War    19. Social history    20. The Holocaust   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (252)

One of the best you will ever read
This is an easy to read book, which managed to make profound points about life, pain, and fate.I enjoyed reading the first part of the book and learning about what it was like to be in such a hellish place (a concentration camp), and yet still being able to be positive about life.What more can I say than its an excellent book?

I learned: All the Auschwitz survivors, including the author, had something significant yet to do with their lives!
MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING
fascinating!
this is simply a must read for those interested in the human experience.Some of the positions concluded in this book may not be the only way to think on the issues involved, but still, this book is a great psychological workout with deep insights. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Jewish Holocaust Personal Narratives    3. Psychologists    4. Psychological aspects    5. Personal narratives    6. General    7. Jewish studies    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    9. The Holocaust    10. Biography/Autobiography    11. Austria    12. Psychological Movements    13. Biography    14. Frankl, Viktor Emil    15. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)   

Reviews (41)

Contains numerous factual errors
Unfortunately, there are numerous falsehoods in this book according to the most definitive book to date on gas chamber operation "Auschwitz: Technique and Operation of the Gas Chambers" by Jean-Claude Pressac.
An eyewitness to the horror
This is a brief but powerful description of the horror of Auschwitz.Dr. Nyiszli was witness to the efficiency of the Nazi killing machinery, and is one of a very few such witnesses to survive.His account is an important reminder of the magnitude of the barbarity that man is capable of inflicting on his fellows.Dr. Nyiszli was also required to work with Dr. Josef Mengele, Auschwitz's "Angel of Death," helping him collect evidence to support his pseudo-scientific beliefs in Aryan superiority.While this first-hand description of Dr. Mengele fails to shed any light on his motivations or behavior, it does show the level of attention he payed to every aspect of the horror that was Auschwitz.Taken together with other eyewitness accounts, this book helps paint a more complete picture of the enormity of the Nozi crimes and the horror they inflicted.

a different perspective
Till date I have probably read well over a hundred books about holocaust. These survivors have been able to tell their story vividly but sometimes there is guilt in their voice - it is like the guilt of survival. It is not different here but just from a different perspective. Most of the other books I have read are from Levi, Weisel etc, but this is from somebody who was not in the direct line of fire. So Dr. Nyiszli could give a different perspective which is not available in the other books. He gave us a small detour from the camp to the heart of Dr Mengele and the Nazi pseudoscience. The strange fact is that even some Nobel Prize winners took part in analyzing the results of these experiments conducted by Dr. Mengele.
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Subjects:  1. Atrocities    2. Auschwitz (Concentration camp)    3. General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Holocaust    8. Human experimentation in medicine    9. Jewish Holocaust Personal Narratives    10. Nyiszli, Miklos    11. Personal narratives, Hungarian    12. World War, 1939-1945    13. History / General    14. Jewish studies    15. Mengele, Josef    16. Nyiszli, Miklós    17. Oral history    18. Poland    19. The Holocaust   

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Antiquities    3. Antiquities & Archaeology    4. Archaeology    5. Bible    6. Biblical Archaeology    7. Encyclopedias    8. Excavations (Archaeology)    9. Middle East - Israel    10. Palestine    11. Reference    12. Sociology    13. Asian archaeology    14. Israel    15. Jewish studies   

Reviews (10)

I hate thinking of titles
It's rather hard to describe this enormous book in one short review. It's not a book really, but rather a chunk of life that sits quivering on your bookshelf. Other readers have summarized the plot well enough - it's a book about relationships, both political and personal - husband and wife, father and son, Israeli and Arab. I won't repeat.
Interesting story but problems in execution
I found there was much to like and much to dislike about this book. The story of Rivlin, a Middle East scholar whom we follow as he embarks on several related quests -first, to understand the breakup of his son's marriage, second, to understand how the history of Algeria is related to the current violence in that country, and third, to explore the relationship of Jews and Arabs in Israel - is interesting and thoughtful, and all the players in all the relationships are treated with respect and empathy. Having lived in Israel for several years in the mid-80's, I enjoyed the descriptions of daily living,the sights, sound, and style of the place. I also liked the fact that the title of the book could apply to almost all of the women in the novel - Galya, the ex-daughter in law, Samaher, Rivlin's long-time Arab student pursuing her M.A., Hannah Tedeschi, the wife of Rivlin's former teacher, as well as many others. Contrived and lengthy
While Yehoshua has proven himself to be an excellent writer in the past, his latest does not measure up to his standards. Not that it's a bad book: it's definitely readable and somewhat enjoyable. However, its basic premise - which is the engine that drives most of the story - feels very contrived, and the story itself is at times slow, not to say boring. The political aspect, as always a major facet of Yehoshua's work, feels tacked on to the story instead of being an essential part of it. And all in all, there is just too little story here to support such a long book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Hebrew (Language) Contemporary Fiction    4. Literary    5. History / Jewish   

Reviews (78)

intelligent view
Rabbi Berger wrote a thoughtful analysis on a hype which has developed over the last 10 years. He also shows what is mostly kept underground and which is, nevertheless, of great importance for Jews elsewhere, especially in smaller communities, where Chabadniks are often the ones in charge. Although admittedly, I at first thought :"this can't be true"when reading the book for the first time, experience has shown and is still showing that it IS true.

The dangers of extreme bias
If you are looking at the this book, it is clear that the entire framework is of some interest to you. In order to provide yourself with balance on this issue you MUST read the response to this book entitled:
Thesis Wrong, One Good Point
In response to Levi Perlman...The Rebbe, OBM (ZT''L) is
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Controversial literature    3. Eschatology, Jewish    4. Habad    5. History of doctrines    6. Judaism    7. Judaism - History    8. Judaism - Orthodox    9. Judaism - Theology    10. Messiah    11. Religion    12. Religion - Judaism    13. Jewish studies   

Reviews (61)

Interesting first person account
This memoir is pretty well written and as such is a very quick read. I won't go into the details of the story, as the book is inexpensive and you really should just pick it up to read yourself, since nothing a reviewer could tell you will match up with the actual memoir. Suffice to say that her story is as heartbreaking in some regards as you would expect a narrative like this to be. My only complaint is that it is perhaps lacking a little depth in some areas, specifically in regards to what happened to her after the war, how she reintegrated herself into a post-WWII Europe. I also would have liked more on what she learned about the experiences of people she knew and loved, as well as how her views of events have changed over the years since they occurred. Still, like every survivor's story, this is a valuable addition in my journey to understand the holocaust and its effects on individuals, families, and communities.

A MUST read for people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs
If this fascinating tale weren't true, I don't think I wouldbelieve it!
Non-fiction that reads like a novel
Normally I am not a fan of non-fiction, in fact I normally avoid it completely, but a friend of mine suggested this book and I am very glad I gave in and read it.This book is wonderful and provides an interesting view into the sociology and psycology of Germany before and during WWII.It is hard to believe that this amazing story is about a real person and not a fictional one.I highly recommend this book to not only people who love history, but also those who are interested in stories about life changing events and triumph over adversity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Historical - Holocaust    3. History    4. History: World    5. Holocaust    6. Jewish - General    7. Women    8. Biography & Autobiography / General    9. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (10)

Entertaining and inaccurate
A good book for casual crime readers who don't need heavy details, but amazingly inaccurate in several areas. Seems to repeat old myths told in other books rather than do research.
Will buy again.
Prompt delivery of my order.Would recommend this seller.Book as advertised.

great book and a fun reading
this book is a great academic book mixed with fun storytelling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. History    5. Jewish - General    6. Jewish criminals    7. Organized crime    8. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    9. True Crime / Espionage    10. United States    11. Biography: general    12. Jewish studies    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

When 'Jewish Studies' was nefarious
Many colleges and universities now have programs or departments in ethnic studies, or specifically in Chicano Studies, Jewish Studies, etc.And we think that is fine, although some twenty or thirty years ago some academics questioned such fields.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Antisemitism    3. Europe - Germany    4. Germany    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Holocaust    9. Jewish - General    10. National socialism and intellectuals    11. National socialism and scholarship    12. European history: from c 1900 -    13. History / Germany    14. Inter-war period, 1918-1939    15. Jewish studies    16. Second World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (5)

Interesting but Not Compelling
THE JEWS OF LITHUANIA serves well as a general introduction to one of the most diverse, vibrant Jewish communities to have flourished anywhere at any time. This is a general History with a lot of errors.
This is a poorly written general History.The title of the book is misleading.The book concentrates on the modern era.There is alot of imformation on the old Kehilla era of Jewish History.This is a periodfrom 1400 - 1700 at least.This book gives only the minimal description ofthis era.The authors idea of Jewish History in that pre-modern era, whichin Lithuania extended until the mid 1800's was to tell about therelationship that the ruler of that area had with the Jews.The reasonthat I gave this book such a low rating is that it is full of Historicalerrors.For example she writes that the Decembrist revolution happened in1827, it really happened in 1825.While many of her Historical errors areminor, like saying that the infamous, 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion',was written in 1928.When it comes to the History of the Orthodox and theYeshivot, the book is full of gross errors and misunderstandings. As anexampe, her attempts to explain the reason why there was a rebellion inSlobodka against the 'Alter' and his form of Mussar is so wrong that it iscomical.The 'Alter' had no official position in his own Yeshiva.A partof his form of Musar was allowing each student to develop on his own. Tight control was not part of this system.Saul Liberman, who later becamethe head of JTS - the Conservitive Seminary in the USA, learnt in Slobodka. Even though it was already known at that time that he had some liberalideas.One of the Alter's most promenant students, R. Avrohom Elya Kaplen,later became head of the Rabbinical School in Berlin and was one theRabbinical leaders of the Mizrachi movement.Another one of the Alter'sstudents was R. Aharon Kotler who founded the most promenant 'Torah' onlyYeshiva in the USA in Lakewood NJ. This is not the only gross error in thebook.Another example is that she only gives the last un-official chiefRabbi of Vilna, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky only one comment, and it isn'ta positive one.R. Chiam Ozer was once offered the official title, butturned it down.He was one of the leaders of Lithuanian Jewry for over 40years, and a fascinating and brilliant man.You would think that hedeserves more than one negitive comment.

A good introduction into the history of the Jews in Lithuani
I found this book to be a very good introduction into the history of the Jews in Lithuania.I would recommend it to anybody who is interested in the subject.Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern Europe - General    2. Ethnic relations    3. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History Of Jews    7. History: World    8. Jewish - General    9. Jews    10. Lithuania    11. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    12. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    13. Jewish studies    14. Modern period, c 1500 onwards    15. c 1000 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (2)

Like nothing I have ever read before
I had the honor of hearing Mr. Salsitz speak recently.I was amazed by his story and I wanted to know more so I bought this book.He has a keen memory, and he paints a clear picture of life during his childhood in the backwards town of Kolbuszowa.The book is always interesting and the story it tells is fascinating.I encourage everyone to read this first-hand account of this little slice of life as it existed before the Holocaust.

Loved it.
I really enjoyed this book!It is an intriguing story and vivid depiction of a place that no longer exists except in memory.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Ethnic Cultures - General    4. Historical - General    5. History Of Jews    6. Judaism - General    7. Religion   

Reviews (5)

Great book, but watch out -- it's got two titles!
FYI, for those of you who have been to the Anne Frank House:
WOW THIS BOOK ON ANNE FRANK WAS SO GOOD
Look at the subject it says it all. Basically its about the history beyond her, hiding place, diary. The text and photos wre good. Basically knew everything about her, but the main reason bought book is the photos that I haven't seen it yet. Thank you.
An Illustrated Journey
I have long been interested in the story of Anne Frank.Over the years I have read many books about her and I continue to reread the diary every year.Recently, this book came to my attention and I gave it a read.There is much about it that impresses.
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Subjects:  1. Amsterdam    2. Documentary Photo Collections    3. General    4. Hidden children (Holocaust)    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Holocaust    9. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    10. Jewish Holocaust    11. Jews    12. Netherlands    13. Persecutions    14. Pictorial work    15. Pictorial works    16. Western Europe - Benelux    17. History / Jewish   

Reviews (3)

Alright for its time , far from adequate today
This is an outline history concisely and clearly written. But it does not truly cover the last fifty years of Jewish history. The changes have been so great, including all those connected with the Shoah and the rise and development of the state of Israel that what is contained here certainly is inadequate to conveying where the Jewish people are today.

Well balanced account of Jewish History.
Although I found Paul Johnson's "A History of the Jews" much more indepth surrounding the early history of the Jew Mr. Roth does blend the long history of anti-semitism with Jewish History.Although the former writer speaks of George Washington and the Civil war, which was not in the "Middle Ages" or "Dark Ages" but of rather recent times.During the rise of Catholocism, Lutheranism and Orthodox Christian sects there was little more then persecution of this small minority of individuals not accepting of their diverse Messianic beliefs.As a matter of fact Mr. Roth tends to leave out many further examples of discrimination, "gettoization" and instituted pogrom.This book is worth the money and written from a very liberal position.Mr. Roth tends to use "Palestine" with referance to Israel/Judea/Sumaria a millenia prior to the existance of the renaming Israel to "Philistina": Palestine.There are better books on Jewish History but this work is worth the read for a well presentation of the the history of the Jew.As a matter of fact, due to the present political situation, it would be good if Jews would take the time to learn their own history instead of helping those whom wish to distroy them.A good account of Jewish History, I'd suggest "From Time Immemorial" - Joan Peters, "The Dhimmi" - Bat Yaor and anything by Barnard Lewis is very creditable. Enjoy.

There's More to the History of the Jews
Though Roth's book has been around for a number of years, I still come across it on the bookshelves of various bookstores. I can not offer much of an endorsement for his book. For the times surrounding the turn of the era, Roth depends upon the traditional sources and usually interprets them uncritically. However what concerns me is that for other time periods, specifically the Middle Ages, Roth writes little more than about Jewish persecutions.A history of George Washington or the Civil War or whatever should paint more than one side of the story. Yes, there were persecutions, but there is more to the history of the Jews than that.Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History: World    4. Jewish - General    5. Jews    6. Sociology    7. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    8. Jewish studies    9. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (2)

Fantastic
This book is a perfect introduction to Yiddish film. Very little has actually been written about Yiddish film. Hoberman compiles the extant scholarship and couples it with astute and original analysis of the films. He brings Yiddish film away from being a novelty; he contextualizes Yiddishfilm in such a way as to show its general importance in mainstream film andAmerican and European life. Yiddish movies portrayed the experience of Jewsin the world; but more interesting is the effect Yiddish film had in theAmericanization of Yiddish-speaking immigrants. For scholars interested inYiddish film, this is a good first stop. For non-scholars, it is the onlybook you could want on the subject: entertaining, wonderful pictures andanecdotes, and interesting to browse through.

Fantastic
This book is a perfect introduction to Yiddish film. Very little has actually been written about Yiddish film. Hoberman compiles the extant scholarship and couples it with astute and original analysis of the films. He brings Yiddish film away from being a novelty; he contextualizes Yiddishfilm in such a way as to show its general importance in mainstream film andAmerican and European life. Yiddish movies portrayed the experience of Jewsin the world; but more interesting is the effect Yiddish film had in theAmericanization of Yiddish-speaking immigrants. For scholars interested inYiddish film, this is a good first stop. For non-scholars, it is the onlybook you could want on the subject: entertaining, wonderful pictures andanecdotes, and interesting to browse through. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinema/Film: Book    2. Film & Video - History & Criticism    3. History    4. Motion pictures, Yiddish    5. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    6. Films, cinema    7. Jewish studies    8. Social history   

Editorial Review

Out of seemingly small events are so