Biblical Literacy : The Most Important People, Events, and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible

Rating:
Summary: Great book, misquotes aside.
Review: I was delighted to find this book in our library. I read it and found it enjoyable. Except for the defensiveness with which it approaches Christianity. It marks the split between Judaism and Christendom (which he calls a sect) in some obscure comment from Paul about circumcision. It also says that Christ, like any other "cult" leader ordered his disciples to -hate- their families. Not to mention the meandering ways in which it explains the prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ. In order to make Judaism and the Old testament look "better" than the New one, Rabbi Telushkin has fallen into unforgivable scholarly sloppiness. However, the book is commendable and worth reading because it doesn't shy away from most religious dilemmas. Even when the explanations seem a little bit contrived, they follow a logic and a flexibility that is rarely seen in this sort of books.

Rating:
Summary: A thoughtful, decent work
Review: I'd like to add my vote to those who rate this work highly. The author has gracefully summarized insights into the Bible, and has made it seem one of the most human of books. These insights were not achieved cheaply, but by observing the Infinite, while listening to the gentle voice within the maelstrom. I have never failed to create amazement when I have raised Rabbi Telushkin's points in my (Christian) Bible Study Group. If you are thinking about reading this book .... Do It.

Rating:
Summary: A thoughtful, decent work
Review: I'd like to add my vote to those who rate this work highly. The author has gracefully summarized insights into the Bible, and has made it seem one of the most human of books. These insights were not achieved cheaply, but by observing the Infinite, while listening to the gentle voice within the maelstrom. I have never failed to create amazement when I have raised Rabbi Telushkin's points in my (Christian) Bible Study Group. If you are thinking about reading this book .... Do It.

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate in undertanding of the Old Testament
Review: If you ever wondered what the Old Testament is all about, this book is for you. With all the respect to Christianity, there is nothing like going back to basics, which in this case means returning to the Jewish heritage and the essence of human experience. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the origin of our Western culture, ethics and the way of thinking in general.

Rating:
Summary: Biblical Literacy
Review: Incredible volume. A superb, easily read book that hits on most of the significant people, places, and events. It can be read from cover to cover, or used as a reference to look things up. Writing style, use of analogies, humor, and personal insights make this an enjoyable book to read. It complements Rabbi Telushkin's other volume, Jewish Literacy, very well. I highly recommend both.

Rating:
Summary: Biblical Literacy
Review: Incredible volume. A superb, easily read book that hits on most of the significant people, places, and events. It can be read from cover to cover, or used as a reference to look things up. Writing style, use of analogies, humor, and personal insights make this an enjoyable book to read. It complements Rabbi Telushkin's other volume, Jewish Literacy, very well. I highly recommend both.

Rating:
Summary: Love This Book
Review: Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Telushkin is very comprehensive while also being concise. All the important aspects of Jewish literacy, as well as Jewish life, are compiled in this great, albeit large, book. Each entry is easy to understand, and also leaves you wanting more information - a teaser to get one to read more about Jewish history, not to mention the Bible! Further, what a great price for such a big book!

Rating:
Summary: Love This Book
Review: Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Telushkin is very comprehensive while also being concise. All the important aspects of Jewish literacy, as well as Jewish life, are compiled in this great, albeit large, book. Each entry is easy to understand, and also leaves you wanting more information - a teaser to get one to read more about Jewish history, not to mention the Bible! Further, what a great price for such a big book!

Rating:
Summary: Who's Who and What's What for the world's greatest book.
Review: Latest in the series of encyclopedic works by America's best known author of such books. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin takes us on a journey through the entire Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to recount the best known and also some of the more obscure events and characters. In his successful brief essay format, Telushkin offers the essence of Biblical narrative in a style accessible to all.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece...
Review: Ok.. So I am a little biased, being that I am Jewish, but I do believe that most would agree. This book presents the "important" aspects of the "Hebrew Bible" with Telushkin's use of excellent language. I have tried other Biblical interpretations from various Rabbis and have often found myself creeping into a steady decline to sleepy-land. But this book is an exception! I have read the author's other works and decided to give this one a try (despite the 700 page factor being a mild intimidation). This book ultimately has lead me to appreciate my Jewishness. Thanks Rabbi Telushkin!