European Association of Jewish Studies Asociacin Europea
de Estudios Judaicos
ISBN 0-9722900-0-1
256 pages
$25.00 Tradepaper (recommended)
HaMadrij is an ideal Judaism 101 companion for Spanish-speaking Jews interested in gaining a general understanding of Judaism, as well as for non-Jews. It is an essential resource for any Spanish-language and Jewish library or bookstore, and is ideal for classroom use as well as for home reference.
Another book on Judaism? While there is an abundance of titles on any Jewish-related topic, there is also a considerable lack of certain kinds of such books on the market. Most books are written in English, or at least not in Spanish. Those which are in Spanish tend to focus on a very specific and limited pool of readers (very specific topics for Jews who are well versed in Jewish studies), and also tend to be written from a very narrow perspective, whichever it may be (Orthodox, non-Orthodox, etc.), instead of giving a comprehensive overview of Judaism. There is a great demand for a book, written in Spanish, which gives a general, comprehensive idea of Judaism, seen from different angles. HaMadrij aims to fill this gap.
Although the author is a widely known Reform rabbi, HaMadrij offers explanations from all different points of view. This inclusive approach is more interesting to the reader, and more instructive. It is an invitation to understand Judaism for him or herself and arrive at his or her own conclusions and to choose the Jewish path which is most appropriate for him or her.
HaMadrij is a manual, offering in one user-friendly volume a very wide variety of topics, divided into short chapters which permit an easy reading. That way, the reader can start at the beginning or choose a chapter at random. Each page has highlighted texts in the margins, giving the reader an idea of whats on the page, and making the book more user-friendly and less imposing.
HaMadrij provides information in all the basic areas: history (general history, Iberian Jewry, contemporary approaches to Judaism), beliefs (basic beliefs and how they vary, views on God, and an introduction to the main texts: Tanakh, Talmud, Midrash, etc.), the concept of time (life-cycle, the Jewish year, Shabbat), conversion information (the process, advice, testimonies), transliterated prayers (for Spanish speakers!), glossary all in Spanish!
The manual idea is reinforced with the At a glance (Consulta rpida) section at the end of each general topic. This section offers quick reference to one of the topics covered in the preceding chapters. The reader can read it before reading those chapters as a warm-up, or afterwards, as a way of synthesizing and concluding.
At the back of the book there is an extensive appendix section. This section includes more specific information about Reform Judaism, the basic differences between Christianity and Judaism, transliterated blessings, and Jewish demography.
The Glossary deserves specific mention. It is possibly the most extensive bilingual glossary available. It does not only include Hebrew and Yiddish words used within the core chapters, but many others which can add information to topics not dealt with directly or exhaustively. The reader will never get lost, as words within definitions which have their own entries are clearly marked.
HaMadrij was written for readers interested in returning to Judaism as well as potential Jews by Choice, and its goal is to offer basic answers to the widest range of questions possible. It is comprehensive in two ways: in the wide range of topics dealt with in one easy-to-use volume and in its inclusive approach to Judaism. It demands that the reader think critically in order to choose his or her own path. More than a chosen People, Judaism will benefit if it becomes a People who choose.
Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn, ordained at Hebrew Union College (Cincinnati) is considered an expert on the so-called anusim, the descendents of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity but who maintained their Jewish identity secretly (in some cases, until today). He is an advisor for international organizations, such as Kulanu, and has been a key player in some of the most controversial mass returnings of Jews to the rest of the tribe, from the crypto-Jews of northern Brazil to the Abayudaba of Uganda. He is currently the rabbi of New Reform Temple in Kansas City and is the father of two daughters. This is his first book in Spanish.
Knowing Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn means sharing his contagious enthusiasm for Judaism and his passion for finding those who wish to become Jews or to return to Judaism in the most remote parts of the world. As rabbi, professor and spiritual leader, he is an expert in closing the gap between indifference and enthusiasm, ignorance and knowledge, the Jewish past and the Jewish future. All those who are thirsty will find nourishment at the table of his wisdom. ? Alan M. Tigay, Executive Editor, Hadassah Magazine
There has long been a crying need for a short authoritative handbook for Spanish-speaking Jews seeking a guide to essential Judaism.Just such a guide is now at hand in Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorns finely crafted HaMadrij. This book is no less than a guide for the perplexed, nonparallel for Jews seeking their way back into the fold. ? Dr. Ellis Rivkin, The Adolph S. Ochs Emeritus Professor of Jewish History at Hebrew Union College Cincinnati, OH
HaMadrij is available for sale directly from the author (tel: 1-913-485-7809, fax: 1-816-523-2454, email: rabbi94@hotmail.com).
Discounts for bulk sales to organizations are available. Please contact Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn at 1-913-485-7809, fax 1-816-523-2454, rabbi94@hotmail.com, to inquire for details.
To request a review copy for your magazine or website, please contact Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn at 1-913-485-7809, fax: 1-816-523-2454, email: rabbi94@hotmail.com.
The author is available for interviews, speaking engagements, or other information at 1-913-485-7809, fax 1-816-523-2454, rabbi94@hotmail.com.
For foreign rights availability, please contact Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn at 1-913-485-7809, fax 1-816-523-2454, rabbi94@hotmail.com.
Information forthcoming. Please contact the author. HaMadrij will be available online at major Internet bookstores soon.