Book Review: Mysteries of Judaism by Israel Drazin

Mysteries of Judaism by Israel Drazin

Gefen (2014)

ISBN: 978-9652296511

Book Review: Mysteries of Judaism by Israel Drazin

In “Mysteries of Judaism,” prolific author Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin uncovers fascinating aspects of Jewish holidays, beliefs, and attitudes. Brims with deep and wide knowledge of Torah, Mishnah, Talmud and later Jewish writings, Dr. Drazin’s conversational style offers a frank and readable discussion of otherwise complex—and possibly troubling—subjects.

“Mysteries of Judaism” is divided into three parts: The evolving nature of each of the Jewish holidays from biblical times to today, the gradual transformation of Jewish laws, beliefs, and customs under succeeding rabbinical generations, and the onerous regression of the Jewish woman’s role and status under rabbinical laws.

This seminal work tackles a fundamental yet seldom discussed phenomenon in Jewish life – the continuing process of substantive change that had lasted from antiquity through modern times. In clear and dispassionate detail this book shows that observant Jews today practice a massive set of religious laws that were not, as many would believe, handed down by God on Mount Sinai, and were not, as most rabbis would insist, wholly rooted in the Holy Torah of biblical times; rather, Orthodox Judaism of today is an amalgamation of rules and regulations that have accumulated over centuries through rabbinical creativity.

While some of the ideas presented in this book might appear radical at first, the author’s breadth of knowledge allows him to substantiate each contention in unassailable traditional Jewish sources. As the author of a series of books covering the widely accepted “Onkelos” interpretation of the Torah, as well as an expansive, multi-volume study of Maimonides, Rabbi Dr. Drazin is uniquely positioned in both skills and knowledge to take on the challenge of uncovering the “Mysteries of Judaism.”

In summary, this highly credible scholarly work is easy to read, thoroughly interesting, and genuinely thought provoking.

* Avraham Azrieli writes novels and screenplays.  www. AzrieliBooks.com

Film Review: Noah (2014) - Biblical Myth Spiced up with Monsters, Magic and Family Conflicts

Noah (2014)
138 min  -  Action | Adventure | Drama
Tagline: A man is chosen by God to undertake a momentous mission of rescue before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world.
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writers: Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel
Stars: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson

Film Review: Noah (2014) - Biblical Myth Spiced up with Monsters, Magic and Family Conflicts

The original story, as told in the Bible, describes Noah as “ish tsadik tamim,” the Hebrew words for a man who is virtuous and innocent, or naive. In Russell Crowe’s interpretation, Noah is definitely not naive, hardly innocent, and not exactly virtuous. Rather, he is Russell Crowe as we know him from Gladiator or Robin Hood: a big and strong man who can take care of himself when things get nasty. He’s a man prone to violence, yet he is soulful in a self-doubting, spiritually-agonizing way that appeals to the leading lady. In other words, Crowe, as Noah, delivers on the promise of a mythical Biblical figure of super-human dimensions, but with the sensitivity that allows us to identify with him.

The movie does not follow the tradition of The Ten Commandments or other films that retell a Biblical story in a way that’s loyal to the scriptures yet dramatized to keep modern viewers captivated. While this movie, like the Biblical story of Noah, does feature a flood, an arc and the demise of humanity, save Noah’s family, it veers far from the original in multiple ways. Added to the story are rocky monsters that operate (and sound) just like The Transformers, bad guys who looks like the Death Eaters from Harry Potter, and magical events (i.e. supplemental miracles that the Biblical version accidentally omitted). The main characters have the same names as Noah’s Biblical family, but the abundance of marital, parental and reproductive conflicts could easily be borrowed from a good old redneck family in rural America.

However, despite its oddities, Noah delivers a captivating and enjoyable film, mainly because of its exceptionally talented cast of actors.

Supporting Crowe is Jennifer Connelly, who rises to the challenge and is truly believable as a long-suffering, yet deeply loving wife, not to mention her enchanting beauty even in a faux Biblical attire and poor hygiene.

Equally charming and believable is Emma Watson in a role of an adopted daughter and, later, a young mother. Watson is jettisoned from crisis to crisis requiring her to zigzag between extreme emotions, which she does without losing her edge even when the dizzying plot twists would have caused a lesser actor to break into uncontrolled giggling. Watson clearly has the making of a leading actor.

Outside the core of Noah’s immediate family, Ray Winstone plays the king of the evil masses, who is loosely related to Cain of the original sin. Though too charming to truly convince us of his badness, Winstone fills the screen with his gruff, dominant presence whenever he’s up for action, which he does with characteristic gusto. And last but not least, Anthony Hopkins in a relatively minor role (of Noah’s very, very elderly grandfather) leaves a major impression, as only Hopkins can do.

In summary, Noah is great entertainment. It brings to the screen a wonderful cast of excellent actors, embroils them in painful personal conflicts and exciting action, and charges the whole spectacle with the usual arsenal of breathtaking special affects. But all this might not be enough for everyone. For viewers seeking a faith-based movie to sweetly inspire the kids before Bible class, or those craving an emotional affirmation of the truthiness of theological dogma, this movie will cause severe apoplexies. Similarly, the movie’s frequent use of creationist lingo and the recurrent divine interferences (oh, the convenience of just-in-time miracles!) will make committed atheists lose their cool and hurl rebuttals at the screen. But for those who can leave politics and religion outside the theater and go in to watch a movie, suspend disbelief and have fun, Noah delivers aplenty.

Avraham Azrieli writes novels and screenplays. www.AzrieliBooks.com