In We Jews; Rabbi Steinsaltz explores the most important issues that concern Jews today as Jews. He provides wise and uplifting answers to Jews everywhere; whether they are secular and assimilated or orthodox–Are we a nation or a religion? Are the stereotypes of Jews really true? Why are Jews so controversial? How can we navigate the opposing forces of diversity; culture; and politics? Can we survive intermarriage and the loss of tradition? Do we still worship the Golden Calf? In this book; Rabbi Steinsaltz sees causes and consequences; achievements and failures; looks at the contemporary world; and observes the dreams and longings of modern Jewish people. Written as an intimate and inspiring internal memo to the whole Jewish family; We Jews answers these questions and many more in a way that is at once insightful and inspiring.
#1257548 in Books 2002-10-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .97 x 6.30 x 9.04l; #File Name: 0786710500320 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Spectacular BookBy Nancy WilliamsonI had never heard of the Harlem Hellfighters. This is a book I could not put down. I have read a lot of books about slavery; racism and the plight of black people in America going back to their first arrival here; but I've never read one from the perspective of this book. I will definitely read it again and I am giving it to friends and family members for Christmas. I can't stop thinking and talking about it. It's about the achievements of a small group of African American musicians overcoming discrimination in the United States and in the military. It is a record of things the average American doesn't know and/or doesn't want to think about. If I were teaching American history; this would be at the top of my reading list. I cannot praise it highly enough. It's a jewel of historical reporting of a romanticized period in America. It brings to life a time in our history that was simultaneously excitimg; tragic; uplifting; creative; frightening and amazing. It is set during the jazz age in New York and World War I. New York was as exciting as the same period in Paris. Despite war people danced all night; filled the clubs until dawn and The Hellfighters marched down 5th Avenue on the way to joining the boys overseas. I've always wished I had lived during those heady days in Paris. This book is not fiction but it reads like the very best fiction. It is history; fiction and romance all between two covers. Anyone who loves these three genres should run to the closest library and grab this book. You won't get much sleep until you turn the last page but it will be worth it.17 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Slapdash treatment of an important subjectBy Amy KnappWhile Bill Harris should be thanked for writing about this topic; the treatment he affords it is weak at best. The whole story of the 15th NYNG (later 369th Infantry) as told here is riddled with factual errors; ranging from the date of the creation of the regiment confused with its actual implementation; to having Colonel Hayward associated with it 3 years before he actually assumed command. References to other events are also wrong; most noticeably; the Houston Riot of 1917 which happened in the 24th Infantry; not the 8th Illinois. Harris wrongly refers to the 69th New York as a division named the "Rainbow Division" (the 69th was a regiment in the 42nd Division which was; and still is the "Rainbow Division")and also states that the 15th NY (369th) was not allowed to participate in the parade with the 69th. Many other white New York regiments (7th; 12th etc.) did not parade with the 69 as they were not chosen to represent New York in the 42nd Division; andHarris is wrong when he refers to the 369th as being formerly the 15th New York. The 369th was not designated as such until after they were in France; at the time of the parade they were still the 15th New York. They were never a part of the 42nd division; although they had hoped to be included in it. Perhaps one of the most egregious errors is the continuation of the myth that Henry Johnson was buried in an unmarked potters field in Albany when in fact he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Conspicious by their abscence are any reference to primary source documents which exist both in this country and France; nor are any of the standard published works on African Americans in The First World War cited. Little's "From Harlem to the Rhine" is used; as is Scott's "History of the Negro in the World War"; but no other works on this period appear in the bibliography; and the former was written over 30 years ago and the latter at the conclusion of the war. There has been much scholarly work done since then. His overview of the African American experience in the US military is equally thin and again his bibliography omits many scholarly studies of this subject; focusing instead on unit histories or personal narratives.This book takes an important theme and does a poorly researched rush job to make it to press in time for the holidays. For a factual book on this subject one should still refer to Arthur Barbeau's "The Unknown Soldiers" or Bernard Nalty's "Strength for the Fight". The experience of African Americans in World War 1 and in the US Military is a crucial theme in American history; to which this book does not do justice. We can only hope that someone else produces a beter work on it in the near future than Bill Harris has done with this.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great birthday giftBy Keith WinesBought this as a gift for my dad for his birthday.He tore through it in one day and recommended it to me. Buying this one as soon as I am done reading the book I am reading now.
