Children will enjoy the escapades of Moti the mouse as he tries to help his family and humans in the holy city of Jerusalem, Israel, while modestly keeping his help secret. They will delight in the story's humor, enjoy the fun drawings, identify with Moti, and learn about Passover. Moti has his faults, as do we all. But what he has also - and what other should learn from him - is courage and the desire to help.

The legendary Onkelos translated the Hebrew Bible into Aramaic similar to that spoken by the population of Israel around 2000 years ago.

Onkelos On the Torah: Understanding the Bible Text is a unique and remarkable translation and English commentary of the Targum Onkelos, the first and only rabbinically authorized translation of the Torah.

The Book of Leviticus, the third of this five - volume set to be published, contains the Hebrew Massoretic text, a vocalized text of Onkelos and Rashi, Haphtarot in Hebrew with an English translation from the Aramaic Targumim, a scholarly appendix, and a "Beyond the Text" exploration of biblical themes.

The prophet Hosea discusses topics that stand at the core of Jewish thought such as moral conduct, the correct mode of worship, the Jewish people's relationship with God, and repentance. The Talmud even credits Hosea with developing the idea of repentance, a concept that has become the central theme of the High Holidays. Yet the book is filled with obscure words and rich imagery, which make it particularly difficult to understand. Through a detailed analysis of the words of the prophet and his story, Dr. Drazin unpacks the book's messages for the modern reader.

Most people know little about the Hebrew Bible. They know what they were taught in grade school and perhaps what they hear in sermons. But sermons are designed to teach moral lessons, not disclose the Bible's true meaning. In this book, Dr. Israel Drazin, a noted Bible scholar, reveals insights from the Bible that many readers will consider unusual, ideas from both traditional and non-traditional scholars and the author's own views. He discusses over one hundred different subjects, covering history, philosophy, and practical information people should know, including thought-provoking questions like: Are all biblical laws rational? Did pagan practices influence biblical laws? Does God become angry? When did Judaism accept the idea of conversion? Are there errors in Scripture? Must religious people sacrifice themselves totally to God and not question God's will?

Most people suppose that the book of Judges is filled with tales of pious leaders called judges who performed acts that protected the Israelites and helped form them into a praiseworthy nation. A close reading of the book shows that the early history of Israel was just the opposite. By examining the biblical book of Judges with references to many classical, traditional, as well as modern scholarly sources, Dr. Israel Drazin reveals insights that many readers will consider unusual. His objective analysis of the book confronts challenging questions, such as: What does the story of Deborah reveal about the Bible's attitude to female leadership? Why didn't Jephthah annul his vow? Was Samson's act of martyrdom appropriate? Always open-minded, Dr. Drazin reveals a perspective on Judges that will enlighten and astonish.

Most people expect to find information about Joshua in the biblical book bearing his name. They will be surprised to discover that the book reveals nothing about him personally and that he was unable to accomplish the mission that God had set for him. Readers will find that a careful, open-minded study of this biblical book reveals not only a fascinating history of the initial entry of the Israelite nation into Canaan, but a story that is radically different, even the opposite, from what people think it states. By examining the biblical book of Joshua with references to many classical, traditional, as well as modern scholarly sources, Dr Israel Drazin reveals insights that many readers will consider unusual. His objective analysis of the book confronts challenging questions, such as: How much of the land of Canaan was actually conquered in Joshua's time? When was the book of Joshua composed? What scribal errors does the book contain? If God assured Joshua of victory, why did Joshua use surprise tactics rather than direct frontal assaults? What does the book tell us of the tensions between the tribes of Judah and the tribes of Joseph? Is Shiloh, rather than Jerusalem, the place God chose for the centre of Israelite worship?

The book addresses provocative questions such as: did the majority of Jews before Maimonides believe that God has a body? Why did Maimonides and many rabbis disparage women? Why did Maimonides extol intelligent non-Jews? Why don't Jews say a prayer before such activities as having sexual relations or giving charity? Why does not the Torah condemn the five suicides committed in its pages? Why were Jacob and David passive when their daughters were raped? should rational Jews observe mystical Jewish practices and say mystical prayers? This volume contains surprising facts, such as: not all Jews believe that people have souls. Rabbis know that we do not possess the original Torah text. Rabbis suggest that Moses staff had unusual magical powers. Jewish judges do not adjudicate cases according to Torah law. Many rabbis recognise that the ten plagues were not miracles. The Torah records how innocent people are killed for the misdeeds of their ancestors. dipping bread in salt is based on a superstitious fear of demons.

This engaging and informative book reveals unknown but true facts about the prophetical books of the Bible. Rabbis have avoided many questions raised by the seemingly improbable events in these volumes. This book addresses these questions and takes an open and rational look at the episodes. The book addresses provocative questions such as: What is the proper way to interpret the Torah? How does Maimonides understand the episodes of the Prophets? Did miracles such as the splitting of the Red Sea, the falling of the walls at Jericho, and the sun standing still for Joshua really occur? What assumptions cause us to misunderstand the Bible? Is there a biblical mandate prohibiting suicide? Does the Bible forbid ceding parts of the land of Israel for peace? Can children be punished for their parents misdeeds, and, if not, why does the Torah say that they are punished? Why does Shabbat begin at different times for men and women? Why did significant biblical leaders violate rabbinical laws? What really caused the adding of a day to holidays shortly after the time of Moses? Why does the Bible not always mean what it appears to say? Is it true that Judaism does not know what happens after death?

The Book of Numbers, the fourth out of five- volume set to be published contains an English translation of Targum Onkelos, Commentary, Appendix, Onkelos Highlights, Beyond the Text and translation of the Haphtarot from the Aramaic Targumim with Introduction

Now it is possible to discover the uniqueness and importance of the Targum, which remains the most popular translation of the Pentateuch in Jewish history. Contains a new English translation of Onkelos, with a popular commentary

and scholarly appendix. Everyone who loves the Bible will want to own this set.

This volume explores the biblical prophet Samuel as presented in the eponymous scriptural book. Rabbi Dr Israel Drazin examines the scriptural verses dealing with Samuel and refers to traditional and scholarly sources in ways that many readers will consider unusual and insightful. His objective analysis raises challenging questions. He presents logical explanations to issues that have perplexed readers of the Bible for centuries and discloses insights that will astonish readers, such as: Although the scriptural book of Samuel contains 1506 verses, only about 200 speak about the prophet Samuel. The book repeatedly portrays him during his old age in an unattractive, belligerent, outspoken, and vindictive manner. Like many of the other biblical books, Samuel shows no familiarity with the laws in the Five Books of Moses. Despite the Torah allowing the crowning of a king, Samuel does not want to do so, because the people's demand for a king represents their rejection of Samuel's service to his people, and the service of his sons whom he hoped would carry on his legacy. Scholars stress that it was Samuel's personal enmity to Saul, not Saul's behaviour, that was the real reason why he declared so violently that Saul's kingdom would end and the monarchy transfer to another, better person not of Saul's family. The book presents differing accounts of the same events, including the manner in which Saul becomes king, the reason Samuel tells Saul his kingdom will end, David's introduction to the history, and the slaying of Goliath. The book of Samuel is one of the most well-liked books of the prophets and is frequently taught to children in Jewish day schools, yet despite its importance as a biblical book it is generally misunderstood. Readers will enjoy Dr Drazin's analysis of Samuel and learn much from it, not only about Samuel but also about how the Bible tells its tales.

The fifth volume of the Unusual Bible Interpretations series explores the books of Jonah and Amos. The books of these two prophets are filled with obscurities, generating hundreds of questions, which have provoked misunderstandings and made it difficult to understand the prophets intentions. Noted biblical scholar Dr Israel Drazin has prepared new translations of Jonah and Amos, included an extensive easy-to-read commentary, and related eye-opening discourses through which he uncovers and explores the books ambiguities: Is the story of Jonah true, or a parable? What is the significance of Jonah being saved by a large fish, and why was a miracle even necessary? Why does the word repentance, which many assume to be the message of the book, not appear in it even once? Amos prophesies to the Israelites that the Ethiopians are as loved by God as God loves the Israelites. He states that God performed miracles for other nations comparable to the exodus from Egypt. What is he teaching? Citing dozens of sources as well as his own views, in a clear and logical manner, the author presents a compelling case for a new understanding of Jonah and Amos, and moreover, that contrary to popular assumption the message of these prophets is that God is interested in the proper treatment of our fellow man above all other forms of worship, even sacrifices, festivals, and prayers. Dr Israel Drazin, a noted biblical scholar, answers these and over a hundred other questions in this in-depth, easy to read, fascinating volume.

"Judaism today is radically different from the Judaism described and mandated in the Torah, writes Rabbi Israel Drazin, a noted authority on Jewish life, history and thought. Around the time of the destruction of the Temple, rabbinic reinterpretation changed both the observance and the religious significance attributed to the festivals. Thus, the biblical day of Passover on Nissan 14 was totally eliminated and the seven-day holiday called the Festival of Matzot, beginning Nissan 15, was renamed Passover. Likewise, the biblical holidays Yom Teruah and Yom Habikurim were transformed into Rosh Hashanah and Shavuot. The practice of building huts during Sukkot is likely more tied to the lack of lodging space in Jerusalem during the harvest festival than any biblical origin, says the rabbi. This book challenges some of the basic assumptions about Judaism, showing how many of them are nowhere to be found in the Hebrew Bible, and some even have their origins in pagan cultures. It will surprise readers to hear, for example, about bizarre wedding practices, the Queen of Sheba myths, or the fact that classical religious sources are not always right. At its core, , the book stridently challenges discriminatory practices against women, such as the seclusion of women during religious services and the problem of the aguna, women held in failed marriages by husbands who will not provide a religious divorce. With topics spanning the range of religious practice, Mysteries of Judaism will astonish and enlighten readers as it reveals the complex relationship between biblical and rabbinic Judaism."