The Schocken Guide To Jewish Books: Where To Start Reading About Jewish History, Literature, Culture And Religion

Barry W. Hollz has done readers a great service with The Schocken Guide To Jewish Books: Where To Start Reading About Jewish History, Literature, Culture And Religion (Schocken, 1992. $25.00). Chapter headings include “The Jewish Middle Ages,'” “Jewish Mysticism.” “Jewish Philosophy,” “Israel.” “Hebrew Literature.” and “The Jewish Novelist in America.” The chapter “Jewish Women’s Studies” by Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell comprehensively surveys the literature — including magazines, anthologies, how-to manuals, and essays — and conveys the role of women in traditional Jewish religious life and law, spirituality, feminist biblical scholarship, feminist liturgy, literature, and sexuality. Holtz’s guide is an excellent, up-to-date overview.