For many Jews and non-Jews, religion (or spirituality) is a lifelong search or course of study. Personal reactions to events, crises or otherwise, coupled with appropriate readings and sound teaching moves the individual forward, toward some of the answers to some of "the big questions". The events and incisive reflections thoughtfully presentd in "Seventh Telling" activate the intellect and touch the heart. This is an excellently conceived book that weaves spiritual knowledge in the body of a reader-friendly novel, with many remarkable and accessable insights. The author, at times in a not so quiet voice, hints that God (or religion) is too deep and precious a subject to be left only in the hands of the religious. As a "good read", and a "can't put down page-turner","Seventh Telling" deserves at least a "Second Reading", and maybe more.

Certain books call to me. Most books I won't buy until I've read and analyzed all the reviews on Amazon, but this book I picked up in a bookstore, read til the store closed, and then at every opportunity until I finished it. The narrative is real enough to be believable, but strongly tinged with the mystical, and works at many different levels. The telling of stories to teach and heal is an art and science, and Mitch Chefitz has mastered both ends of the spectrum with this extraordinary work.

This is a powerful,beautifully written novel that has the ability to speak to the reader in many different ways. The first time I read it was for pleasure and I could not put it down. I literally finished the last page and went back to the first page to read it again. Each reading has given me a different level of understanding and I am sure that when I read it again I will learn on still another level. What a rarity for Kabballah to be made so accessible and what a surprise to have it in the form of a very readable novel. You will be swept up in the lives of the characters and captivated by the stories. I am looking forward to the sequel that is due out next year!

It is part of our culture to call those we consider to be lacking in culture a 'Philistine'. This, of course, is a derivative of a biblical reference, and for the past 4000 years of so, the Philistines have been a mysterious people about whom not much was known, save that they were supposedly uncultured.

This, however, is a very distorted view, primarily due to the fact that the Philistines, being in close competition with the tribes of Israel for the same piece of real estate, were viewed as foreign, alien, and the enemy. Eventually the united tribes of Israel won out over the Philistines, and wrote the primary historical references we have about their foe, and thus, we get the victor's view--and in Biblical times, it was quite traditional that any enemy be seen as devoid of redeeming features.

In fact, there are still no examples of Philistine writing that have been found--rather curious, considering the large settlements (cities, in fact) that have been discovered that would be of Philistine origin or population. Could it be that this group was, as a people, illiterate? This is very remote possibility, but still has to be considered.

There is a problem with determining the origin of the Philistines, too. There are two different origins ascribed to them. In the biblical record, the Philistines are included among 'the sons of Egypt' (Gen. 10:14) as well as in Ezekiel, the are linked to an obscure tribe called the Cherethites (Ez 25:16), which is related to the inhabitants of the isle of Caphtor (Jeremiah 47:4), which is unknown. Of course, it makes sense that the Israelites first encounter with the Philistines would have been in Egypt, for the Sea Peoples settled in various spots along the south-eastern Mediterranean, and there are references on Egyptian stelae and battle-monuments to Sea Peoples most likely kin to, if not in fact, the Philistines.

Of course, the Semitic root of the word Philistine (p-l-sh) also is the root of the words 'to wander' and 'to invade'. Pottery evidence shows similarities to technique and design for pottery making to that of other late Mycenaean peoples, pointing once again to a sea-origin for the Philistines. It is likely that the Philistines were invaders and marauders (similar to the Danes and Vikings of early English history) who eventually settled in relatively safe coastal lands (having been fairly definitively defeated in their attempts to enter Egypt by Ramesses II).

Interestingly, while most biblically-referenced Philistine cities have been located, not all have; likewise, Philistine settlements and even one city with no biblical references have been found. Trude and Moshe Dothan, both archaeologists of note with particular interest in the Philistines, put together this wonderful book based on their own researches and field work. High praise goes to archaeologists who take the time to publish their findings; it is a great scandal of the profession today that so much research goes unpublished, awaiting an archaeology of a different sort by future generations who try to resurrect the work using libraries rather than sand brushes.

The Dothans explore the tomb evidence, the ruins of settlements and cities, the pottery fragments, as well as reported histories and possible references from sources both biblical and extra-biblical. From these, we discern a culture quite different from the typical biblical diatribe.

+ The Philistines had a refined sense of art, that combined Greek, Minoan, and Egyptian styles with innovations of their own, in architecture, religious icons, pottery, and burial practices.

+ The artistic designs of the Philistines were actually quite beautiful by any standards.

+ As a city people, the Philistines were concerned for and maintained good economic relationship along trade routes (a common concern this part of the world) as well as among the people in the countryside, with whom they largely lived in peaceful cooperation.

+ Social stability remained high among the Philistines, and declined more or less with the general Mycenaean decline.

+ The Philistines were not a homogeneous group, but were used to diversity of ethnicities in their cities.

+ Most likely the Philistines were not finished off by the tribes of Israel, but rather the same rise of Assyria and Babylon which destroyed Israel and Judah sounded the death knell for the Philistines as well.

This fascinating book will cause the reader to re-evaluate all previous notions of who the Philistines were. Rich with detailed drawings, maps, and archaeological/architectural renderings, including plates of photographs (including my personal favourites, the bichrome pottery ware with typical bird motif from Ashdod), this book is a fun and educational tour of a largely ignored people who have more significance than would appear at first glance.

This small work is monumental in its implications. Trude and her husband Moshe (now deceased) summarize their work in excavating Ashdod in modern Israel. They draw upon their many years of hands-on, field work as well as the efforts of others.
Ashdod was one of the five cities of the Philistine "pentapolis" so-called.

Students of the huge turmoil in the Mediterranean of the 1300-1100 BCE period will find this a must read. The Dothan's work along with the work of others clearly suggest that this period in human history may have been the most significant in human time for Egypt, the Levant, Crete, Cyprus and all of the Aegean islands and the associated peoples. The Greeks, Hittites, Mycenaeans, Phonecians, Hebrews, Assyrians, Egyptians and not the least, the Philistines, were all dramatically effected. The impact of these enormous movements and cultural shifts is with us today.

The Dothans conclude that the Philistines, as one of the "sea peoples," --one that is not necessarily ethnically homogeneous-- settled peaceably in some parts of Palestine and farmed and produced crafts, both similar to and different from, those they brought with them; their locally produced pottery incorporated motifs from the entire region. Their entry was not a matter of brutal conquest and destruction of all the settled inhabitants they encountered. Philistine influence is clearly shown to have reached well beyond the immediate environs of the "five cities."

A special bonus incorporated into "People of the Sea" is the discussion of Yigael Yadin's ideas about a group of people from the sea that became one of the "tribes" of Israel or almost so. Most readers will find this discussion fascinating.

This is a highly readable account of the Dothan's research. Few can quarrel with the thoroughness of the work on which the findings are based. One might quarrel with what is surely one if not the most important conclusions only because it is too subtly stated! The Philistines were deliberately characterized by their neighbors as other than what they truly were. The Bible projects infamy, the facts otherwise.

The Philistines were both accomplished and sophisticated contributors to the cultures of the Levant. This reviewer suspects the work of the Dothans will stand for a long time. Their goal was surely not to expose the Judean writers and editors of the Old Testament as political propagandists. But there it is.

7-21-2002 psb

I never received the book. You farmed out my request to some other organization, but the book never reached me and my account was credited back. So if you can find it, I'm still interested. After 3/14 my address will be 1250 Humboldt St., Apt. 805, Denver CO 80218. I don't know what my e-mail address will be.

Sanford Watzman

The book I thought I wanted to read would have been called "Surviving Divorce." Throughout the long years of a failing marriage I often wished my ex-husband had died, and I expect he thought the same about me.
It was a surprise for me to discover how many of Esther's experiences had been like mine. Like her, I found myself living with loss, having to manage on my own, having to rebuild a life for myself and my adult children. I was going to write that I did not go through a period of mourning but that was not true. Recently I heard that there are creative ceremonies and ritual for divorce. Esther, as a widow and a clinical psychologist would understand how these could help.
For me, reading this book was like being taken on a boat trip along a stream of thoughts, memories, reflections and amazingly helpful and appropriate literary and biblical quotations.

I happened upon Esther Goshen-Gottstein's book on widows after two close friends' husbands died. I was searching for a helpful book to suggest. I read SURVIVING WIDOWHOOD before suggesting it and found it most useful. Goshen-Gottstein has a solid social psychology background which allows her to step away from her own experience of widowhood and relate to the larger issue of loss. She always returns to her personal story and in a most human way describes how her life has changed since her husband's death. Although I have never been widowed, I think reading the book has made me more sensitive to what my friends are going through and more able to be helpful to them.

Having sadly joined the ranks of widowhood, I found this book to be much more than a confirming description of my own situation. The book helped me to evaluate my own life at this juncture and to move on in a positive and productive direction. At the same time, Goshen-Gottstein points out pitfalls and validates emotions which only another widow can appreciate. It is an instructive on how to assess one's own reality and how to move on to a rich, fulfilling and independent life while never forgetting the circumstances creating that new reality. "Surviving Widowhood" is a positive "up beat" book which encourages an energetic approach to a new life. The book is a "must read" for a widow who needs to find her way in life devoid of self pity and full of promise for the future.

What would be the criteria for rating this book is not what is written in it but how ready are you for it ..... It is simply a step in the explanation of all . To some it might be perceived as pure fiction, to some it would be ridiculous, to others simply the truth. The truth sometimes stares us in the face, but we still fail to realize it simply because we are too fixated on the values and ideas that had been imprinted in ou minds (or our ancesstors minds) for the last thousands of years. but we have mentally evolved we now realize that the earth is not the centre of the universe, that the our plant is one amongst trillions of planets and not the only one ..... but we still fail to even question ideas and beleifs that were passed to us over hundereds of years cause of fear ..... fear of hell fear of being rates as superstituous , or any other fear ........ All I can say is that to the investigating individual, to the open minded student of the truth this is , the least to say, a revelation and enlightment that is a corner stone for more understanding for the human race. One complaint to the writer, or dictator, of this book .... it is simply not fair to keep the remiander of this with you ... it is your duty to give the whole truth so those who are ready can benefit from it .... five years is a long time.

As it says in the forward, this book has the ability to change your life and completley the way you look at things. I mean if this story is true ( I know at least some of it is true) then there really is something greater than this lifetime and toward which we are all ultimately striving to be a part of. Great book! I can't wait to read it again.

This book is supposed to be Vol. 1 of 4 Volumes. It shares with you answers to life as taught by an angel that most books hint at. You will want to read it several times.

..this book is very easy to read... and there are very very exercices to help in the learning, also the topics of structures data is sufficent vast!

good luck!

If you are interested in trees (Binary Search,Generic & Multiway ) & Graphs this book could be a very good reference. Common Data Structures are also dealt with very nicely.

This is a very good book to learn and master data structures and algorithms. The code samples in the book helps the reader to implement practical data structures needed in a computer industry project. The implementation of the exercises makes one confident in solving real life complex business application algorithm problems

Enjoyed it very much.
Zeidner and company did a wonderfull job explaining, refreshening and innovating EI.
Way to go.

As a Phd student in this field I find that although many words have been shed on that matter, few have bothered to take upon themselves the task of putting an order into this exciting yet very ambiguous concept.
This book, which I was eager to buy and read hoping for an updated and comprehensive review has far exceeded my expectations. To put it in simple words, the authors chose the prominent reserches to focus on, and they reviewd them in a critical manner. That sets the first milestone in the route of turning EI from an exciting yet evasive concept into a scientific discipline.
This book is therefore a must for both the scholarly and the popular reader who wish to expose themselves to what will soon become the cornerstone of this field.

This is a superbly scholarly work reviewing existing theories of emotional intelligence (and in passing social intelligence). The authors have carefully combed through various researchers' views on EI, often changing incidentally. They are quite critical of the popular uptake that followed Goleman's much cited work on EI. However, this is not a tarted up version of Golemans's work for a more high brow audience. Rather it is a sustained inquiry into the criteriology of EI. In other words are their scientific criteria separating EI from other human competencies and skills?

In many ways the meat of the book is taken up with the 'myth' aspect of EI rather than the alleged science. The book might have been better titled 'Emotional Intelligence: Fact or fiction?' And the authors are not shy to answer.

While the book is a review of relatively current research (some chapters appear not to reference almost anything after 1995), the authors main target is the lack of sustainable pyschometric tests. Their argument is that when one examines the variety of 'measures' of EI, one finds a variety of mismatched and often contradictory criteria which sometimes confute 'ordinary' measures of IQ with those of EIQ. Where IQ stops and EIQ begins is very unclear. A large number of test instruments are examined in this book and almost without exception found deficient.

The book concludes with a negative appraisal of EI as a distinct capacity that can be accurately measured by psychometric tests. Moreover, the authors are equally pessimistic about the validity of social intelligence as a distinct phenomenon. Perhaps gratutiously insulting to the the EI community are their later points to the effect that EI might be vacuous but we should still let the research run in the hope that something useful might arise in the future. It may be rubbish but sure let them at it anyway; what harm are they doing?

Overall I found the book provocative and one sided. The authors exhibit a form of analysis based on saying what EI is not, or could not be, without subjecting their own position (such as can be discerned) to sustained analysis. That is acceptable, but it is less informative. Secondly, lurking in the background is a strong IQ position, namely that all skills are ultimately manifestations of standrd IQ capacities. By this token the bright should be very socially skilled and the less bright not, but we know that society doesn't divide neatly on that point. Thidly, there is much in early child development about prosocial development that isn't covered in this book. Combining this with the absence of any discussion of conversational pragmatics, and a lacuna is exposed. To be fair however, the authors are taking on the EI community in terms of itself, hence they don't feel obliged to make arguments for them (presumably). However, it was something I noted. A final small point is that a few references in the text don't appear in the bibliography (e.g. Archer 1988 doesn't appear) which suggests the proof reading could have been more thorough.

Moshe Zemer's Evolving Halachah is indeed a late 20th landmark in liberal Jewish thought, for it is the first time a comprehensive philosophy of Jewish law has been in articulated in English. Zemer's position as Chairman of Israel's Reform Jewish Bet Din, or religious court, gives him the authority to speak on his subject. The book looks mostly at Halachah from the vantage point of Jewish issues in Israel, such as conversion, Sabbath observance, military service in the territories, women's rights in marriage, divorce and the synagogue; Jewish burial customs and issues; and many others.

However, the problem this writer sees with the work, is the nature of the author is up against. Solomon Freehof, the pioneering American Reform Halachist, compiled a series of Reform Responsa or letters of commentary on Jewish legal issues over the nearly five decades he was active in this field, and so has his successor, Rabbi Walter Jacobs. However, Freehof's vast compendium of published work is not once alluded by Zemer, and only 2 of his responsa are noted in the entire book, while the volumes Jacobs compiled are nowhere noted.

Further, the principle notion of Reform has always been accommodation to modernity, but the limits of that accommodation have never really been clearly articulated. From the earliest days of reform in Germany 200 years ago, convenience has played a large role in determining the Reform outlook, which is why for example the Reform movement has issued 4 major 'platform statements' on theology and Jewish Practice in the last 130 years.

Zemer's biggest problem though is twofold: the ignorance of his Reform laity on the one hand, and the deeply embedded charisma of a clear, and charismatic Orthodox worldview on the other. Of his 11 proposed principles to govern halachic change, only one reminds the worshipper of God or would provide even the slightest incentive to practice, which is the inherent holiness of the mitzvoth. In the Orthodox realm, they have 13 principles of halachic change, fist articulated in the Talmud 1500 years ago, and part of the daily prayer service every day to this day.

This writer would say therefore, that while Zemer's book is an outstanding pioneering effort, it bites off more than it can chew, essentially arguing it's principles without an adequate philosophic grounding. However, while the grounding of this work is week, that doesn't mean none exists; merely that it must come from another quarter. In "Jewish History and Divine Providence(available here on Amazon.com)," I supply the rationale missing from Zemer's text: namely an argument which examines the relationship between Jewish law, Jewish history and it's actual practice, shows how the mitzvoth have actual effect in the real world, and how Jewish practice or the lack of it has influenced modern Jewish history.

With "Jewish History and Divine Providence" and "Evolving Halachah," the reader will have a complete praxis of liberal Judaism, one by which to live and practice, not avoid.

Rabbi Moshe Zemer's 'Evolving Halakha' is a well presented, lucid explanation of the development and interpretation of Jewish law in many areas of human concern. In clear, articulate language Zemer describes the origins and development of Jewish law from its biblical origins through many centuries of rabbinic interpretation. Divorce, abortion, euthanasia, business ethics and environment are just some of the many contemporary dilemmas Zemer discusses from a modern Israeli Progressive Jewish perspective. As an educator, I have found this text very helpful for extending my own understanding of Jewish Law, as well as being a useful basis for informed discussion in my High School classes.

I found Evolving Halakhah to be a fascinating book. It covers everything fro converts to Judaism, to the peace process. Rabbi Moshe Zemer put a positive interpretation on Halakhah, enabling progressive jews to awake to the possibilities of jewish tradition. I strongly recommend it to anyone searching more about Halakhah.

Though I was raised in a Prostestant church, until quite recently, I had no belief in a God or a Higher Power. When I finally came to this belief, I came empty-handed, with nothing but the Lord's Prayer and the Serenity Prayer to pray. I searched for a non-denominational prayer book and finally found this wonderful little book. I use it daily, as a meditation book, and I use it as a source for particular prayers, as needed. This is truly an excellent gift to people like me, those just coming to faith and learning to pray.

Although this book is based upon prayers of a great Rabbi from 200 years ago, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, the sentiments expressed are univeral and are highly appropriate for all religions. When you are reflective and feel the need for a personal prayer, this book may well have one that fits your needs at that moment. I have been going through a very emotional period in my life as I prepare for possible major surgery as an organ donor. I found a perfect prayer for my mood, one that expresss my hopes that my children will be guided by my demonstrated values and behavior. There are many other wonderfully reflective prayers and I recommend this book for people of all faiths who are seeking a closer connection with God.

How compact these prayers are but how powerful! How direct, unflowery yet stirring! Proudly from the Jewish heritage but highly accessable to a diverse audience. Each prayer is categorized for a different need or purpose or issue to deal with, such as;"Learning to Wait","In God's Will", or "Anger" The brief but effective introduction really sets the tone for this collection. As Rebbe Nachman is quoted in the introduction, "Life makes warriors of us all. To emerge victors, we must arm ourselves with the most potent of weapons. That weapon is prayer." Gentle yes, but powerful beyond belief.

This book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date textbook on nutrition available! The 9th edition has 115 (one hundred fifteen) chapters and multiple sections of an Appendix, updated by 169 authors in 10 countries and from many scientific disciplines. Nutrition science has an extremely broad scope with relevance to all basic and applied biologic sciences, medicine, dentistry, dietetics, nursing, pharmacy, public health and public policy. In one very thorough edition (approx 2,000 pages), this text succeeds at integrating Nutrition science into practical knowledge. For around $100, the price equals 20 cents per page ... making it an extraordinary value! ENJOY :)

This is one of the most comprehensive and valuable textbooks in the field of nutrition, covering major topics in basic and clinical nutrition. The 9th edition combines the two 8th edition volumes and includes new chapters. Topics covered in new chapters include alternative nutrition therapies, vegetarian diets, regulating food and dietary intakes and food labeling and dietary supplement legislation. I recommend this text for anyone in the field of nutrition and it is especially essential for anyone in a graduate nutrition program. If you are to buy one nutrition text, this should be it!

This is one of the most valuable textbooks in nutrition, with comprehensive coverage of basic and clinical nutrition topics. The 9th edition combines the two 8th edition volumes into one, and contains new chapters. Topics covered in new chapters include alternative nutrition therapies, regulating food and dietary intakes and food labeling and dietary supplements legislation. I recommend this text for anyone in the field of nutrition and it is especially essential for anyone in a graduate nutrition program. If you are to buy one nutrition text, this should be it!

Despite the title, this book is not really a biography of Moshe Dayan. Rather, it is a remarkably thorough, extremely well-written historical account of the background, execution, and consequences of Israel's major military conflicts.

This book begins biographically, as Dayan gives the basic details of his family's immigration to Israel and his early life at Deganiah and Nahalal. However, once the author comes to the point where he becomes involved in military affairs, he concentrates solely on that subject, leaving all other matters behind. However, since Moshe Dayan is perhaps the most important military figure in the modern history of Israel, this focus and perspective is most welcome. Dayan is so focused on recounting military matters that he glosses over even his time as Israel's Minister of Agriculture.

Those reading this book will find it to be one of the most fascinating and engaging military histories ever written. Dayan has a true knack for storytelling, and keeps his readers interested despite the wealth of details and analysis that he manages to convey. He does so in a frank and clear manner, making this book accessible even to readers with only a basic background in the history of Israel.

The only major flaw in this book is its ending. Dayan spends the final few chapters defending his actions during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, resulting in a defensive, even bitter tone. Perhaps this is to be expected, as the book was written shortly after Dayan's acrimonious exit from public office. In his defense, however, Dayan does frame this book as a personal account, and not an objective history.

All in all, this is one of the best books on the subject of Israeli history available, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.

This is the best book I have ever read about Israel and the Middle East. Dayan's clarity of vision, his professionalism, his magnetism and quality of leadership have been brought to bear in creating a vivid account of a crucial period of Middle East history.

The book recounts the history and anecdotes of the re-creation of the state of Israel from its new roots in 1915 through to the war of idependence 1948-1952, in which Dayan played a key role. Other sections cover his role as Chief of Staff(1953-1957), his particpation as government minister and then his return to private life (1958-1967), The Six Day War (1967), the reconstruction and bridge building efforts (1967-1973), The Yom Kippur War (1973) and finally the aftermath (1973-1975).

Moshe Dayan was a great general who served his country with honor, dignity and courage in the hours of their most dire need. As a soldier he was brilliant and as a caring human being he was exceptional. This unsentimental book written in a refreshing and informative style, says as much about the man as about his history - brilliant!...

From cover to cover you'll find this book hard to put down. It is fascinating reading from one who rose from the ranks of an ordinary individual to one one who became a great military leader. Dyan gives a personal perspective of the growth of Israel from 1948, first independence, to the battle skirmishes in the 50's, to the "Six Day War," to the Yom Kippur War of 1973 and what Israel will be in the future. Included are insights on Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Gen Ariel Sharon, (one of the hero's of the Six Day War) and etc. Great insight, personal perspective, historical docudrama of the real life exploits of a tiny nation fighting for it's life against incredible odds and winning everytime. Truely this is one book hard to put down.