By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
Biblical times
The debate continues in scholarly circles over whether the Exodus from Egypt actually occurred. For many writers that debate is irrelevant: the Exodus has inspired storytelling from ancient to contemporary times. Maggie Anton, whose novels focus on t…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
Ever really look forward to a book and have a mixed reaction after finishing it? That’s what occurred while reading “Smashing the Tablets: Radical Retelling of the Hebrew Bible” edited by Sara Lippmann and Seth Rogoff (Excelsior Editions). I find different int…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
What exactly is a ritual? Wendy A. Horwitz contemplates that question in the introduction to her book of essays, “Milkweed and Honey Cake: A Memoir in Ritual Moments” (Red Lightening Books). The difficulty for Horwitz is that most definitions see ritual as a rel…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
Some novels offer a simple plot, at least, at first glance. For example, readers might be excused for thinking that “The Anatomy of Exile” by Zeeva Bukai (Delphinium Books) is only a story of forbidden love between a Jewish Israeli and a Muslim Palestinian. Howe…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
An increasing number of books are offering female role models for Jewish tweens and teens to emulate. However, that doesn’t mean that adults won’t also find much to enjoy in “Chutzpah Girls: 100 Tales of Daring Jewish Women” by Julie Esther Silverstein and T…
