Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews, February March 2011, page 25

1. Reviews of Nonfiction Titles for Adults
key players, who range from the ardent Zionist Chaim grandchildren. She is a successful artist, and some of her
Weizmann to the British officer T.E. Lawrence, aka work is included in the book, along with family photographs
“Lawrence of Arabia.” (There are wry references to that and charts, and a glossary of Yiddish and Hebrew terms.
famous film.) Apparently the nationalism of that era, laced The book is an important contribution to Holocaust memoirs
with opportunism, was the greatest catalyst, and the author and is recommended for Holocaust collections in synagogue,
soberly concludes that the end result was profound distrust high school, academic and public libraries.
among all the nationalities involved, which would have Susan Freiband, Library Educator (retired), Arlington, VA
ramifications in the days to come. This book is vital for all
adult Jewish libraries and Middle East collections. Schwartz, Morey. Where’s My Miracle? Exploring Jewish
Hallie Cantor, Acquisitions, Hedi Steinberg Library, Stern Traditions for Dealing with Tragedy. Lynbrook, NY:
College for Women, Yeshiva University, New York Gefen Books, 2010. 190 pp. $25.00 (9789652294845).
A truly unique book which should be owned by every
Schulweis, Harold M. Judaism: Embracing the Seeker. Jersey
Book review by Nathan Rosen synagogue library and any person who struggles with their
City, NJ: KTAV, 2010. 179 pp. $16.95 (9781602801417). perception of the “Jewish” tradition regarding suffering
Association ofsixty years, Rabbi Harold Schulweis has
For the past
Jewish Libraries and death. I have read nearly every English language
been a leader, 2011, page 25
Feb/March both within the Conservative movement and Jewish book published on death, dying and mourning and
for the larger Jewish community. Among his gifts has been
on this volume unmistakably stands out. It is not intended to
his willingness to seek out and work with potential Jews by replace a traditional “how to” guide nor the many stories of
Morey Schwartz's book, individuals coping with mourning. Rabbi Schwartz’s book
Choice.
Where's My book from Exploring Jewish Traditions
This short Miracle? KTAV is divided in two parts. opens to the layperson, and even the educated professional,
The first section, “Why I am a Jew,” contains 56 statements
for Dealing with Tragedy. the truly wide range of Jewish viewpoints. Many people
on both the process of conversion and what it means to grew up with relatively simplistic interpretations of the
the seekers. Most of the short essays are from the converts Jewish views of death and suffering which can lead people
themselves. They talk about their personal paths to Judaism, into challenging (or even rejecting) faith.
and the importance Judaism has in their current lives. There Schwartz highlights various alternative ways to look at
are also several comments from those associated with them. these serious topics and provides individual options that do
These contributions are by spouses and children, non- not require the person either to reject Judaism or be placed
Jewish parents and others. They provide their own points in a psychologically uncomfortable position.
of view and some surprising insights into their loved ones. Schwartz highlights the position of Maimonides, who
The second section includes thoughts from Rabbi Schulweis states that in disagreements between sages, where there are
and other leaders about the people who choose Judaism no practical ramification but rather issues of faith/belief, we
and their role in contemporary Jewish life. The book is also are not obligated to believe one tradition over another. He
interspersed with five short, powerful poems on the process concludes that our tradition preserved different approaches
and its importance, written by Rabbi Schulweis. to dealing with suffering and injustice so that each individual
Embracing the Seeker is highly recommended for can use the widest variety of positions to answer certain
academic and synagogue libraries and as a resource for questions one way and other questions another way.
rabbis and counselors. Its powerful message, that Judaism’s Rabbi Schwartz spent more than twenty years searching
power endures, can be used in many settings and with a within Judaism for answers to help him cope with suffering
wide variety of groups. and death, having been an only child who was orphaned at
Fred Isaac, Temple Sinai, Oakland, CA an early age. He is an American Orthodox Rabbi who lives
in Israel and is the Director of Curriculum Development
Schwartz, Lola Lieber with Alida Brill. A World After This: at the Florence Melton Adult mini-school at the Hebrew
A Memoir of Loss and Redemption. Jerusalem: Devora University
Publications, 2010. 278 pp. $19.95 (9781936068104). This is a must read book for everyone and is absolutely
This story of an Orthodox Hungarian-Polish woman, critical for anyone who has occasion to counsel people.
from a wealthy Jewish family who miraculously survived Nathan Aaron Rosen, New York, NY
the Holocaust makes for fascinating reading. It covers the
period from 1938 when Lola was 15 years old to 1946 when Shoyer, Paula. The Kosher Baker: Over 160 Dairy-Free
her first child was born. During most of this time she and Recipes from Traditional to Trendy. Waltham, MA:
her husband experienced the evil and horrors of the Nazi Brandeis University Press (HBI Series on Jewish Women),
killing machine and lost most of their families. They fled from 2010. 312 pp. $35.00 (9781584658351).
hiding place to hiding place several times, barely escaping It is always a challenge for the kosher cook to find a
capture. After her husband was arrested, Lola worked luscious cake recipe for the grand finale after a holiday
tirelessly to free him from prison. Her strong faith sustained meal. Most of the recipes include butter, milk or sour cream,
her through many trials. They were able to emigrate to the making it unfit to eat after a meat-based meal. But now this
United States in 1947. Today Lola’s growing family includes book offers a wonderful range of recipes that will delight
her three children, twelve grandchildren and thirty-six great both new and experienced bakers. The book contains over
25 AJL Reviews February/March 2011