The Murmuring Deep by Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg Schocken, 2009. 480 pages.
Review taken from BarnesandNoble.com.
From one of the most innovative and acclaimed biblical commentators at work today, here is a revolutionary analysis of the intersection between religion and psychoanalysis in the stories of the men and women of the Bible.

In her literary analysis of the Biblical text Avivah Zornberg draws concepts from Freud, Winnicott, Laplanche, and other psychoanalytic thinkers to give us a new understanding of the desires and motivations of the men and women whose stories form the basis of the Bible. Through close readings of the biblical and midrashic texts,

In her analysis of the stories of Bereishit, Ruth, and Esther, Zornberg examines how the characters communicate with the world around them, with God, and with the various parts of their selves. Zornberg offers fascinating insights into the interaction between consciousness and unconsciousness.

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Food for the Soul, Traditional Jewish Wisdom for Healthy Eating
Gefen Publishing House 2008, Chana Rubin RD
In the book Food for the Soul, dietician Chana Rubin offers good guidelines for a healthy lifestyle. We all know that this means eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight. That's fine in theory but how exactly can we accomplish this when leading a food-centered kosher/observant lifestyle. The focus on these issues makes this book a must-read for the kosher diner and homemaker.

Rubin addresses the issue of Shabbat and holidays with tips on serving foods that are healthier while retaining the traditional menus. There is a section on Pesach food preparation and even some tips for fast days. The pages are peppered with quotes from Jewish sources including the Rambam, Rav Kook, Rav Menachem Schneerson, the Mishna, etc. This is added incentive for following the suggestions.
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Why I am a Zionist by Gil Troy, Bronfman Jewish Education Centre, 2006. 257 pages.
In his fascinating book “Why I am a Zionist” Gil Troy a professor of History at McGill University, redefines the term "Zionist" for a new generation. This is the third edition of the book Troy initially wrote in 2002, in answer to virulent attacks on the State of Israel's right to exist in the wake of world-wide terrorism.

The book begins with a reprinted article Troy wrote in the Montreal Gazette celebrating Israel’s 53rd anniversary. The column entitled “I am a Zionist: A Twenty-First Century Manifesto” is an uplifting affirmation of Troy's belief in the State of Israel. The negative response to his article showed that our enemies regard Zionism as an act of aggression.
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Talk of the Table Urim Publications, 2006. Hardcover. 103 pages.
The charming little “Talk of the Table” cookbook from the Parents' Association of the Aseh Chayil School in Efrat Israel offers many tempting recipes that can be prepared with very little fuss, something any cook can appreciate. In addition to the recipes from the kitchens of Efrat locals, there are many lovely recipes from some of the most popular restaurants in Jerusalem such as Luigi’s, La Guta and Olive restaurants. The recipes from these restaurants are an inside look into their culinary world. In a way it is like watching a magician doing sleight of hand tricks with transparent tools.
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