I get many surveys to fill out being a Jewish educator. I just filled out one from Tablet, an online magazine and the last question was a one word fill in the blank how do you feel. I wrote in SAD. Since October 7, our world has changed. The destruction of that one day physically and spiritually to Am Yisrael, the Jewish people is incalculable. We will be trying to put back the pieces of the destrution for at least the rest of my life. The upsurge of antisemitism all over the world, especially in the US and on our college campuses is unbelievable and even sadder to witness. I did this article for my synagogue, Makom. If you need some books to read, movies to watch take a look. Some of them are oldies but goodies and some of them are new.
I continue to find joy in my family, my children, grandchildren and husband. Thankful for my mom and my sister and her family for celebrating Thanksgiving with us. The one holiday I don't work, well not at the synagogue.
Thanksgiving 2014
Bulletin Article December 2023
In a world dominated by 24-hour news cycles and the constant flow of information on social media platforms, it's easy to become overwhelmed, especially about the war in Israel. When it comes to understanding a complex and nuanced country like Israel, relying solely on TV news or social media does not provide the depth and context needed. I encourage you to look at vetted sources, articles, books and even videos, for a more comprehensive and informed perspective on current events in Israel.
Reading allows for a more in-depth exploration of Israel's history, culture, and politics. It is not always easy to find well-researched materials, but it will allow for a more comprehensive picture of the country. Israel has a rich and complex history that cannot be fully captured in brief news segments. The sound bites we see on television do not give us the insight into the roots of the Israeli-Arab conflict.
Reading also exposes individuals to a diverse range of perspectives and opinions. Unlike the often-polarized narratives presented in news broadcasts or on social media, books written by different authors provide a more balanced view, allowing readers to form their own informed opinions. TV news and social media are driven by the need for high ratings and engagement, as I mentioned, and this results in sensationalized reporting.
In a world where information is often reduced to soundbites and headlines, taking the time to read about Israel provides a valuable opportunity for a more nuanced and informed understanding. So, the next time you're tempted to rely solely on TV news or social media, consider picking up a book or find a well-researched article for a more comprehensive view on Israel. Also, novels about Israel give you a more nuanced view as well and maybe easier to digest. There are not books about this war but there are many books and novels about Israel.
Don’t know of any books to read about Israel? Here are just a few. I have also added some movies as well. Check out our library for many of these books and more.
Books
NON-FICTION
· Soldier of Peace: The Life of Yitzhak Rabin by Dan Kurzman
· Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor By Yossi Klein Halevi
· Israel by Noa Tishby
· The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan
• Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation: Yossi Klein Halevi
• The Story of Israel: Sir Martin Gilbert
• Israel, a History: Martin Gilbert
• Letters to Auntie Fiori: The 5,000-Year History of the Jewish People and their Faith: Martin Gilbert
• A History of Israel from the Rise of Zionism to Our Time: Howard M. Sachar.
• The People on the Street: A Writer's View of Israel by Linda Grant.
• One Palestine Complete: Tom Segev
NOVELS:
• Exodus by Leon Uris
• The Source by James Michener
• The Family Orchard by Nomi Eve• Exodus by Leon Uris
• The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land by Omer Friedlander
• The Yellow Wind by David Grossman
• The Seven Good Years by Etgar Keret
• Jerusalem by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre.
• A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz
• To the end of the Land by David Grossman
• Waking Lions by Ayalet Gundar Goshen
• Second Person Singular by Sayad Kashua
Young Adult Novels
• A bottle in the Gaza Sea by Valérie Zenatti,
• All the rivers by Dorit Rabinyan
• Next Year in Israel by Sarah Bridgeton
Movies:
· Exodus with Paul Newman
· Golda with Helen Mirren
· Oslo, 2021
· Maktub, from 2017 dark humor
