Temple Israel Congregation Israel Trip, June 22-July 3, 2009

Suggested Reading Recommendations
From Rabbi Moskowitz

In preparation for our congregational trip to Israel next year, I am providing a list of some of my favorite books about Israel. These include novels, histories, guide books, poetry, and more. Through these books enjoy a taste of what awaits you, and then consider joining us on our congregational trip.

History

The Sacred Bridge: Carta’s Atlas of the Biblical World. Anson Rainey.

This extraordinary and unique volume provides maps, interpretive texts, and chronological tables providing an in depth view of the Near East from about 3,500 BCE to the second century CE.     

A History of Israel: From the Rise of Zionism to Our Time. Howard Sachar

This is one of the best, most comprehensive single volumes on the

development of the modern state of Israel.

The Zionist Idea. Arthur Hertzberg

A classic reader containing writings detailing the development of Zionism. Arthur Hetzberg’s comments are quite helpful.

Myths and Facts: A Guide to the Arab-Israel Conflict. Mitchell Bard

This second edition, published in 2002, has a very well organized examination of the roots of the conflict, along with extensive documents and maps.

O Jerusalem! Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre

The classic moment-by-moment retelling of the war for independence.

Novels

The Source. James Michener

A sweeping portrait of Judaism and the land of Israel from the earliest beginnings to modern times.

Exodus. Leon Uris

A passionate story about the founding of the State of Israel.

Only Yesterday. S. Y. Agnon

An epic novel about the Second Aliyah (1904-1914) by one of Israel’s greatest writers.

The Hill of Evil Counsel. Amos Oz

Less romantic about Israel than American novelists such as Michener and Uris, Oz, a great contemporary Israeli writer, explores some of the darker underside of life in this tale about the last days of the British Mandate.

See Under: Love. David Grossman

Born after World War II, Grossman explores in this novel the impact of the Holocaust on the next generation.

Murder Duet: A Michael Ohayon Mystery. Batya Gur

One of a series of murder mysteries whose central character is Michael Ohayon, a Sephardic police detective. Each volume focuses in depth on a different sub-culture of Israeli society. I love these!

Poetry

Open Closed Open. Yehuda Amichai

Israel is rich in poetry. If you are going to explore one volume, this is the one to get. Amichai displays the Israeli sensibility that ancient and modern times, the sacred and the mundane, life and faith are unavoidably intertwined.

Guide Books and Maps

Frommer’s Israel.

A very good basic travel guide.

Fodor’s Israel.

Israel A Spiritual Travel Guide: A Companion For The Modern Jewish Pilgrim.

Lawrence A. Hoffman

Written by Rabbi Hoffman of Hebrew Union College, this is not your typical travel guide. It contains meditations, prayers, and journaling exercises.

For Young Readers

Israel: The Founding of a Nation. Maida Silverman

For ages 8 to 12. This accessible history of the Jewish people covers 3,000 years, beginning in Biblical times and concluding with the birth of the independent Jewish state in 1948. Silverman brings her account to life through the lives of various key figures in Jewish history.

Daily Life in Ancient and Modern Jerusalem. Diane Slavik

For ages 9 to 12. In 64 pages Slavik manages to cover 3,000 years of the history of Jerusalem. Includes a time line, full-color photographs, and drawings.

Jeremiah’s Promise: An Adventure in Modern Israel. Kenneth Roseman

For teens. Part of a do-it-yourself Jewish adventure series, Jeremiah's Promise presents Jewish history in a format that allows readers to direct their own adventures. Put in the role of a young Polish Jew who has survived the Holocaust, the reader is presented with choices to make as he or she creates a new life in Israel.

Food (…and more)

The Food of Israel Today. Joan Nathan

A good cookbook is always about more than food. And this is a good cookbook! It has recipes for mish mish jam, burekas, the goulash soup from Fink’s Bar on King George, chocolate bread, and shakshuka. The book is also sprinkled with stories about Israel and tips on the best restaurants.

As we begin to whet our appetites for a trip to Israel, let’s make this tasting more of a potluck. Share with me your favorite books about Israel. In later issues of our bulletin I’ll report back on your recommendations.

Together we can: Experience the miracle that is Israel!

Suggested Reading Recommendations
From KESHET, our tour provider

There are no required readings, testing, or grades, but coming to the program with some background and knowledge and awareness will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the experience.  Your local library, video or bookstore, and the Internet are excellent resources. Here are some suggetions:

The Case for Israel   by Alan Dershowitz (John Wiley & Sons 2003)  

From Time Immemorial:The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict Over Palestine by Joan Peters (J Kap Publishing) - 

Israel: A History     by Martin Gilbert    (Doubleday 1998)  Martin Gilbert is a prolific writer. He is an historian whose style is clear, comprehensive and interesting. Includes lots of maps.

Jerusalem in the Twentieth Century      by Martin Gilbert  (Pimlico 1996)

The Routledge Atlas of the Arab Israeli Conflict   by Martin Gilbert  Routledge 2003   Tells the story with clear, easily understood maps

O Jerusalem  by Larry Collins, Dominique LaPierre   (Simon & Schuster 1972) This is a classic and gives a great overview of Israel's War of Independence, before, during and after. 

Six Days of War:  June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Dr. Michael B. Oren. Oxford University Press, 2002. 

Hannah Senesh:  Her Life and Diary.  Jewish Lights Publishing, 2004. 

NOVELS

• Exodus by Leon Uris.
• The Source by James Michener.
• The Hope and The Glory by Herman Wouk.