Recent Reads

I LOVE to read...and I thought I would share some of my favorite recent reads with you!

Quick & Kosher by Jamie Geller
Ok, I know it's a cookbook.  But I really did read it...all the way through!  That should tell you something.  I'm not usually into cookbooks, but my mom and I were planning our Passover meal for next week (ahhh...it's next week!) and she told me to look through this book.  I immediately fell in love with the author, whose number one criteria for any recipe is that it must take less than 15 minutes to prep.  I actually just read it today and haven't tried any recipes yet, but I definitely plan to this week.  I'm always looking for shortcuts in the kitchen.  I'm a gourmet-food lover, but hate all the prep.  I love reading my sister's old copies of Bon Appetite magazine as my mouth waters from just looking at the titles of the recipes, but one mention of "separating eggs" or using an "immersion blender" makes me turn the page.  My sis on the other hand, will make the most delicious  (and challenging) recipes, "just for fun."  Therefore, this book is perfect for me, and any other cook who would like some traditional Jewish recipes (and lots of non-traditional ones) that are EASY to create!

Passionate Housewives Desperate for God
If you are a woman, you need to read this book.  DEFINITELY.  It has been one of the most life/attitude changing books I have ever read.  I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give it away, but seriously...read this book.  Now.

Unspoken by Angela Hunt
This book is one of the most intriguing works of fiction I have ever read.  It is about a woman who works with a gorilla.  I have never fallen in love with a character as much as I fell in love with that gorilla.  I laughed, I cried, and I was encouraged.  It has a wonderful "redemptive" message, as most of the Angela Hunt novels do. 

So, what have you been reading lately?  Any recommendations?

Dude, Where's My Car?

Well friends, I'm sorry I have been pretty non-existent on here for a few weeks. Between Thanksgiving, a wedding (my sister-in-law's) and going out of my house one morning only to find that my car had been stolen...it's been an insane (but good!) couple of weeks. Honestly, I should have known it was coming. After reading Rabbi Lazer Brody's Garden of Emuna, I have been praying for HaShem to increase my emuna (faith) through the situations in my life. It sure has been a wild (but good!) ride, and I'm excited to see what HE has in store for us next. He is so good, so faithful and amazing. I'll be back soon, but check out my archives if you want! Miss you all!

P.S. Don't worry...He hasn't left me high and dry as a strict pedestrian! My awesome co-workers and husband have graciously been making sure I get around! I was even able to sneak in a CVS run this week to get the 15 ProMax bars for free...Yummy!

In Review: The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs

What happens when an agnostic writer for Esquire magazine decides to live the Bible, every single verse, LITERALLY for one year? A lot of funny stuff...mixed in with some very serious lessons learned.
I picked this book up recently at the library, and thought it looked interesting. Wow, once I started it, I was not able to put it down! Whenever I was reading it, I would literally be laughing out loud, which my husband thought quite humorous in and of itself.
Not only is A. J. Jacobs a very witty writer, but of course, the subject material was highly interesting as well. However, after reading this book, I think that Jacobs could be writing about the life of rocks and it would still be a best-seller on the NY Times list. This chronicle of Jacobs' journey into the world of Biblical laws, both well-known ("Thou shall not murder.") and a little less known ("Don't take a mother bird with the chicks.") is both entertaining and informative. His experiences include spending time with the Hasidics in Crown Heights, hanging out with a Jehovah's Witness and even a service at a snake-handling church!
Actually, I have to say one thing that truly surprised me. This book went beyond informative for me. It actually delved deep into the devotional realm, which was highly unexpected coming from an agnostic source. However, I found myself being challenged to see some of the more obscure Biblical commandments in a new light. I discovered that as much as I like to say that I take the Bible literally...sometimes my life does not portray that.
As you can probably tell, I highly recommend this book. To anyone. Anywhere. I never buy books, but this is one that I'd love to have on my shelf (hint, hint). Check it out!

In Review: Mudhouse Sabbath

Despite my initial misgivings about this book ("Is this just going to be a treatise on why Christianity is better than Judaism?"), the more I read Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner the more I enjoyed it. Ms. Winner is "an Orthodox Jew who converted to Christianity", and yet finds herself longing for the traditional/Biblical heritage she left behind. In the book, she picks a few of the "highlights" of the Hebraic lifestyle (Sabbath, mezuzot, mourning, etc.) and tries to reconfigure them for her new-found faith (or is it?).
What I particularly liked about this book was that is it not only highly anecdotal, but also very informative. Even I, who has been studying Jewish/Hebraic life for over 15 years, learned a few things! For example, in all my 15 years in this "Jewish stuff", I have never (that I can recall) learned that the shin (a Hebrew letter) that is on the mezuzah can also stand for the phrase "Shomer daltot Yisrael" - Guardian of the doors of Israel.
It is interesting to see Christianity from Ms. Winner's perspective, how someone who has lived their life (or at least part of it) based on the Torah and all the traditions surrounding it can go into a very different lifestyle, and yet still keep some of who they were before. As Ms. Winner points out a few times in her book, I do believe that Christianity does have a few things (if not a lot more) to learn from traditional Judaism, especially the joy of the Sabbath. I highly recommend this delightful, quick-read to anyone of any faith. As R. Ben Zoma is often quoted, "Who is wise? One who learns from everyone."

Interview with Derek Leman, Author of Feast

After having the opportunity to read this awesome new resource for anyone trying to learn about the feasts found in Leviticus 23, I was given the chance to ask the author, Derek Leman, some questions regarding this new Bible study. I should mention that although I went through the resources contained in the leader's kit individually, Feast looks like it would be so enriching and fun to go through with a group! Following is the interview....

What made you decide to write Feast?
I have been sharing Passover and the Fall Feasts of Israel in churches for years. I have always enjoyed the chance to share with Christians how the Old Testament and Jewish roots of faith in Jesus deepen our lives. Along the way, I had a chance here or there to write something for a Christian publication. A few editors out there thought of me as a go-to guy on Jewish roots. So one day I got a wonderful call from LifeWay, asking if I'd like to write a small group study for Threads, a division that publishes for 20's and 30's. I tried not to act like I'd just won a sweepstakes and accepted the assignment. Working with a big, professional publisher has been a joy.

I really like that you included your family's personal experiences with celebrating the festivals. How did your family begin celebrating the "feasts of the LORD"?
I was a new follower of Yeshua when I met my wife and was going to Bible college in Chicago. I did not yet fully understand the feasts and the Torah, but I was drawn to things like Passover and lighting candles on Friday night. Coming to Yeshua brought me to the Jewishness of Yeshua. Before I read the Bible, I actually thought Jesus was Catholic. Discovering his Jewishness by reading the New Testament filled me with questions. I met some Messianic Jews and started getting answers. My wife grew into them while dating me and they were part of our marriage from the beginning. Eighteen years and eight kids later, they are here to stay.

How do you think the various audio/visual materials enhance the study?
Many people have never seen a Sabbath meal. They have dozens of questions about Jewish traditions and what they would look like for their family. The video sessions show me and my wife with one Messianic Jewish couple and one Christian couple. The Christian couple asks us questions in an intimate setting about what these traditions mean to us and for our families. I think a lot of people would get a first glimpse at what the feasts could bring into their home.

Some Christians may feel apprehensive about studying something they have never experienced themselves. How would you respond to someone who thought that he/she doesn't know enough to go through the Feast study?
This book is for beginners and yet has insights for the initiated also. Beginners will find everything explained and no knowledge of Jewish customs assumed. Those who already know a good deal about the feasts will find interpretations, suggested applications, and personal notes that will enhance their celebrations.

What is your vision for how God may use Feast?
I think that numerous Christian families and small groups in churches can add the richness of physical celebration to their worship. I know that already in places all over people have used Feast to host dinners. I imagine teachers will use ideas in their teaching to better explain biblical passages. The beauty of Jewish roots and holistic worship is that they are God's ideas and not man's.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Passover, Firstfruits, and Weeks celebrate the death, resurrection of our Messiah and his imparting the Holy Spirit to us. Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and Tabernacles celebrate the return of Jesus, the coming judgment of God, and the World to Come where we will dwell with God. The themes and truths of the Jewish holidays follow God's complete plan for this world. They are the root from which Christianity sprang and the historical reasons the church had for leaving them behind were unsound. I hope a lot of people will come and discover the joy of God's calendar.

And there you have it folks! As I've stated on here before, I am very excited about this new study and hope that you will check it out at Threads, a division of LifeWay. (And knowing my readers, you will appreciate that you can download a free sample of Feast at the Threads website).

*Thank you to Threads and to Derek for this new resource and for giving us an interview here on Tavita's Purse!

Book Review: Rashi's Daughters, Book 1: Joheved

Recently, I read a semi-historical novel based on Talmudic lore about Rashi (Rabbi Solomon ben Issac) and his three daughters. Because this book includes some of my favorite subjects - Judaism and history - I was immediately drawn into the masterfully woven story surrounding Rashi's family. Of course, as a novel, not every part of the story is a fact. However, I was surprised at how much I really did learn about Rashi's (and his daughters) life and about the Talmudic literature that so gracefully weaves itself throughout the pages of this story. Joheved is someone I can imagine myself being friends with - she's caring, a leader, not one to be in the "popular crowd", but also is very brave. You see, Rashi decided to teach his daughters Talmud, which was a huge faux pas in his day and age. Being the oldest daughter, Joheved blazed a trail for the rest of her sisters as she studied Talmud with her father, much to her mother's chagrin. This book is filled with strong female characters, not only Joheved, but her grandmother, Leah, Rashi's mother who in real-life wrote letters to the government in Troyes, France concerning her vineyard. Yes, Rashi's family REALLY were vinters...that's why we have Rashi wine! (My husband and I love it so much that this is actually what we served at our wedding!)

Back to the story, I was not in love with all of the book, however. Unfortunately, the book does become a little too graphic for my taste as Joheved gets married to a young, shy Talmudic scholar named Meir. Meir is a likeable character, and even kind of charming at times. I just didn't need to know the intimate details of their wedding night and struggles to conceive children (which they become quite good at later on!).

Issues aside, I am glad that I read this book and I can say I recommend it, but just watch out for the graphic parts. I also would like to tell you that I am reading the second book now, which focuses on Rashi's second daughter, Miriam. Honestly, I have almost jumped ship on this second book at least a dozen times. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that Book 2 has been a major disappointment after seeing what Maggie Anton has to offer from reading Book 1. I will finish it, not because I really need to, but rather that's how I am with my reading fetish. I just HAVE to finish a book that I begin. I can't wait to see what Book 3, which I'm assuming will be called Rachel, after Rashi's third daughter.

Turn every meal into an act of worship!

Ever wanted more spiritually out of your family meals?

Ever wondered what the first believers' times of "breaking bread" looked like?

Well, now there is a whole series of resources that just came out called

"Breaking Bread"

Rarely do I recommend something before I have even tried it, but I have to say, that I just ordered 6 copies of the Deluxe Table Edition for our home and I am so excited. Check it out!

What a great resource to have for your home, especially for joyful Shabbat dinners with friends and family!

Another great idea from our friends at First Fruits of Zion...

Oh, that's only rabbinical...

When my family and I first began studying Torah, I would hear the phrase "Oh, that's just rabbinical..." repeated constantly. I really didn't understand what it meant, but after a few years I got the drift that the speaker was trying to discount whatever topic was being discussed due to the fact it was "rabbinical" because it was a talmudic topic.

For those who might need a little introduction, Torah means the first five books of the Bible and the Talmud is a compilation of commentary on the Torah. Basically, in the Talmud the rabbis and sages go through each commandment found in the Torah and discuss what it means and how to apply it to daily life.

For example:

ME: "I was reading that some Jewish people stay up all night on Shavu'ot (Pentecost) to read the Torah. I was thinking of doing that myself..."

SOMEONE ELSE: "Oh, that's only rabbinical."

For the first few years of this, it didn't bother me. I guess I believed that since something was "talmudic" or "rabbinical", it didn't have anything to do with me or my life.

That all changed when I went to Israel for the first time, however. I felt something different as I watched all the yeshiva boys hurrying to their Torah classes and the young modestly-dressed girls walking around with their prayer books. I thought maybe there was something I was missing...

So I bought the Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding the Talmud. It was a wealth of information, and very surprising to me. What I didn't find was the "scary" and "boring" Talmud that I had been warned of, but a surprisingly witty book of proverbial wisdom and interesting logical thoughts.

Now, am I saying that we should follow the Talmud or that it is equal to the Bible? Of course there is no other book like the Bible! The Bible alone is the inerrant, inspired Word of the living God!

However, does the Talmud hold valuable information and traditions worthy of study? I say, "Certainly!" As with anything, we must always, always do the "Scripture litmus test." If something lines up with God's Word, then keep it. If it goes against or detracts from the Scripture, then don't.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a similar post on this subject on Messianic Musings.

Shalom!

And I will bring them back...

A few days ago I started, for the fifth time, re-reading Israel My Beloved by Kay Arthur. It is my favorite novel, and probably my second favorite book after the Bible. Although this book reads like a great work of fiction, full of passion and suspense, it is based on reality which makes it all the more relevant!

Using metaphors, Kay Arthur tells the story of history, between God and His people. Although the historical section of the book is amazingly detailed yet interesting, the part that I most treasure is regarding the present. In the book, the main character Sarah (Israel) is promised that although she has been unfaithful to her Husband, with great love He will draw her back.

This is so exciting, as we are seeing this exact thing happen before our very eyes. Actually today was dubbed "International Aliyah Day" because so many new immigrants from all over the world will be landing on Israeli soil today! Baruch HaShem (Praise God)!

Last night, my husband and another friend went to a major music festival in our city. The music artist we were watching was singing, "Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do," a refrain that comes straight out of the Psalms. As he was singing, I looked around at the hundreds of people that probably don't even consider themselves "religious" mouthing those ancient words. Wow...

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In Review: The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis

This charming piece of fiction is a delightful picture of life in a sleepy Southern Orthodox Jewish community, namely, Memphis, Tennessee. At first glance I knew I had to read it - who ever heard of fried chicken and black-eyed peas for Shabbos dinner? The author gives a colorful display of characters set in this close-knit community that thrives on tradition. However, their homeostasis is thrown into tumult when Batsheva, a free-thinking convert moves into town. Her character even challenged my own thinking of why we do what we do, and getting into the spirit of the commandments. The only thing negative I have to say about this book is that one could get the idea that tradition and rules are "bad" and rebellion and "new" ideas are better than being "old-fashioned." However, I do not believe that this is the direction that the author was trying to take the story, and honestly, I gained much from this easy-to-read book. I rarely read fiction any more, but this was well worth it. I recommend this book to anyone that has any curiousity about what a Jewish community in the South looks like. In the words of Levar Burton, "But you don't have to take my word for it!"