SUGGESTED READING |
Suggested Reading
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: Experience the miracle that is Israel!
History
The Sacred Bridge: Carta’s Atlas of the Biblical World by Anson Rainey.
This extraordinary and unique (and expensive) 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 by Howard Sachar.
This is one of the best, most comprehensive single volumes on the development of the modern state of Israel.
The Zionist Idea by 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 by 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! by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre.
The classic moment-by-moment retelling of the war of independence.
Novels
The Source by James Michener.
A sweeping portrait of Judaism and the land of Israel from the earliest beginnings to modern times.
Exodus. by Leon Uris
A passionate story about the founding of the State of Israel.
Only Yesterday. by S. Y. Agnon
An epic novel about the Second Aliyah (1904-1914) by one of Israel’s greatest writers.
The Hill of Evil Counsel.by Amos Oz
Less romantic about Israel than American novelists such as Michener and Uris, Oz explores some of the darker underside of life in this tale about the last days of the British Mandate.
See Under: Love by 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 by 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 by 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.
By 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 by 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
For ages 9 to 12
