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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian sacred works & liturgy > Sacred texts
Louis Ginzberg's great compendium of Jewish legends, myths and
ancient lore challenge readers to understand the civilization
behind the greatest prophecies and holy writings ever written.
Volume One begins with the years of creation, detailing God's
creation of the Earth and all the lands and creatures upon it.
Man's creation, and the story of Adam and Eve, are duly related, as
are the ten generations which separated Adam from Noah. Volume Two,
roughly corresponding with the Biblical Books of Exodus and Job,
begins with the life and death of Joseph. His life and the lives of
Jacob's sons - the founders of the Jewish tribes - are likewise
told. Volume Three commences with Moses finally deciding to lead
the Jews out of Egypt, the oppression of the Pharaoh having become
too much to bear. Volume Four opens with the story of Joshua, who
was the servant of Moses and one of the twelve spies who scouted
the lands of Canaan at Moses' behest.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew
Congregations of the Commonwealth in the United Kingdom offers a
refreshing and insightful commentary to the Koren Haggada, together
with illuminating essays on the themes and motifs of the Festival
of Freedom. Sensitively translated, the traditional texts are
carefully balanced alongside the Chief Rabbi's contemporary ideas,
in a modern and user-friendly design. With new interpretations and
in-depth analyses of the Passover liturgy and ritual, Rabbi Sacks'
style is engaging, intelligent at times daring in its innovation
and always inspiring. With essay titles as diverse as Pesah, Freud
and Jewish Identity and Pesah and the Rebirth of Israel, as well as
explorations of the role of women in the exodus, and the philosophy
of leadership and nation-building, the Chief Rabbi's Haggada is a
thought-provoking and essential companion at the Seder table.
A trial lawyer by trade, a Christian by heart - author Mark Lanier
has trained in biblical languages and devoted his life to studying
and living the Bible. Living daily with the demands of his career
and the desire for a godly life, Lanier recognizes the importance
and challenge of finding daily time to spend in God's Word. His
study of the first five books of the Bible - the Torah, the Law -
has brought Life to his life. In Torah for Living, Lanier shares a
year's worth of devotionals - one for each day of the year. In each
devotional, Lanier reflects on the biblical text, relates the text
to the struggles facing faithful readers of the Bible, and
concludes with a prayer for the day.
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