Crash Course in Jewish History The Miracle and Meaning of Jewish History From Abraham to Modern Israel
By Ken Spiro AISH.com, 2010
Distributed by Targum Press
ISBN: 978-1568715322
Reviewed by Boris Segel - April 21, 2010
Discover 3,800 years of Jewish history in a Crash Course in Jewish History: From Abraham to Modern Israel, by Ken Spiro. This dynamic book provides a concise, yet expansive overview of Jewish history, beginning with history as presented in the Bible, up through 2009. This book was written to provide readers with a general introduction and understanding of Jewish history. It highlights the key points, explains why an understanding of Jewish history is so important, and it gives you vital insights into some of the most important issues of the day.
The book's author, Ken Spiro is a multi-talented individual. Not only is he a renowned historian, but he is also a Rabbi and a recognized authority on Jewish history who regularly lectures on Jewish history and values. He is also the author of the celebrated book, WorldPerfect - The Jewish Impact on Civilization. In writing this book, he brought together his in-depth knowledge of Jewish history, his expertise as an educator, and his love of the Jewish people. The end result is a book that is eminently readable and one which proclaims the resiliency of the Jewish people and the significance of Jewish history.
While a Crash Course in Jewish History will not make you a Jewish history expert, it will provide you will a general knowledge and overview of Jewish history and it will prepare you for more advance study. You can look at it as a Jewish History 101 course, a refresher course for those already familiar with Jewish history, or as an appetizer that will wet your appetite and inspire you to delve deeper into the exciting and vibrant realm of Jewish history. Spiro's endnotes and bibliography make an excellent starting point for further study into Jewish history. As well you can learn more about Jewish history on the AISH.com website. The book is also filled with edifying charts, maps, and illustrations that expand upon the text.
Related Reviews:
Jewish Literacy, Revised Edition, by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History. A comprehensive reference book on the essentials and essence of Judaism and Jewish history and culture.
Four Thousand Years of Jewish History: Then and Now, by Jack Lefcourt.
A vibrantly illustrated and engaging text that chronicles the broad themes of Jewish history and takes readers on a journey that will introduce them to the main cultural, social, religious, and historical factors that have helped to shape the Jewish experience throughout time.
