Leave it to the authors of this series to write another great book! "The New Kid," like the other books in this series, combines photos of real kids (instead of illustrations) with a great story, all in a format that the youngest or most stubborn of readers can read. My daughter really struggles with reading but this series has renewed her interest. Following the format of other Real Kids Readers, "The New Kid" also teaches compassion for others, a lesson we all want our kids to learn.

A brilliant analysis of the distinguishing characteristics of Rabbinic thought. The implications of the perspectives advanced here have great value not only for people interested in the ancient world, but for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Judaism, or even "Jewishness", today. The author depicts Rabbinic thought, as compared to ancient Greek, as indeterminate and contingent, paradoxical, and tolerant of ambiguity. Greek thought, of course, introduced rationalism: natural laws, unquestioned principles, and self-evident proofs. In this fascinating study, we can (ala Matthew Arnold) trace the roots of modern thought to both Greece and "Judea" (properly speaking, Babylonia). From Greece, rational thought; from Judea, a surprisingly modern "openness to hypothesis, to all aspects of a problem", "a relativization of generalization and conclusion" and "a search for alternative explanations," habits of thought that are integral to the practice of all natural and social sciences today.

Torah Of The Mothers: Contemporary Jewish Women Read Classical Jewish Texts is a remarkable and unique collection of essays and teachings culled from years of Bible and Judaic studies by highly accomplished Torah scholars and educators who are also women. Each contributor brings her own area of expertise to bear while providing novel and insightful perspectives into biblical and rabbinic texts, offering thought-provoking commentary on themes intrinsic to the Jewish people. Of special interest are their tributes and commentaries regarding those who mentored and inspired them in their studies and their lives as Jewish women. Torah Of The Mothers is informative, inspiring, reflective, erudite, engaging, and highly recommended reading for students of Judaic traditions and beliefs, as well as the non-spcialist general reader with an interest in the role of women in Judaism, both ancient and contemporary.