Book Reviews


  

  

Torah Rediscovered by Ariel and D'vorah Berkowitz . Sub-titled "Challenging Centuries of Misinterpretation and Neglect", this is a thought-provoking book that exposes the misinterpretations of the Torah which have guided the thinking of many over the centuries. Topics addressed include: What is the Torah, and what is its role today? How do the scriptures define and relate to; Jews, Gentiles, Israel, the Church? What is "The Remnant", "The Bride"? Also addresses controversial and confusing passages of scripture concerning the "Law", such as Galatians 5, Galatians 2:16, Romans 10:4, Romans 7 and others. Ariel Berkowitz is on the faculty of an Israeli Messianic Bible College, has served on the staff of First Fruits of Zion Ministries, and co-leads a Messianic Jewish synagogue in Jerusalem. D'vorah has taught and discipled women in women's groups and seminars for the past 22 years. The book is available from First Fruits of Zion. See our FFZ Resources page for ordering information.

 

 

 

Take Hold by Ariel and D'vorah Berkowitz. "Take Hold" reveals the profound equality in the relationship between Jewish and non-Jewish believers in the body of Messiah. The resulting unity brings together His holy bride - the ancient people of the Book and those grafted in from among the nations. It describes the inheritance that non-Jewish believers have in the covenants of Israel. Learn how the Prophets of old foretold of this time - a time when men from every nation would look to the God of Israel seeking out His ancient paths. This book seeks to demonstrate the biblical continuity woven throughout the Scriptures - from the revelation of Torah through its culmination in the "New Covenant". This book is also available from First Fruits of Zion. See our FFZ Resources page for ordering information.

 

 

 

 

"Too Long In The Sun", by Richard Rives, is a straightforward presentation concerning the historical origins of many non-biblical customs practiced throughout much of professing Christianity today. Rives goes on to clearly present what the Bible says concerning these customs. The book also discusses the Sabbath, the Law, and addresses the question of "what is legalism?". An excellent resource for your study library. The 256 page paperback book is currently available from: Partakers Publications, P.O. Box 23031, Charlotte, NC 28227. It retails for $13 plus $1.50 shipping. (Multiple copies are available at $7.80 each for 10 or more, plus $7.00 shipping for each 10 copies). A condensed (28 page) summary of the book can be read on the web site at http://web.infoave.net/~toolong.

 

 

Through our associations within the Home Schooling community in the Middle Tennessee area, we came across an interesting book about the Holy Days written by a pair of local (Nashville, TN) authors and Homeschooling moms. The title of the book is "A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays", written by Robin Scarlata and Linda Pierce. It is a large paperback volume (8 1/2 x 11) of 583 pages. Originally intended to be a "unit study" for use by home schoolers, the project developed into a much larger work than first envisioned. The book covers the seven annual festivals of Leviticus 23 and also contains sections on Hanukkah, Purim, and the Sabbath. Each section of the book covering one of the Holy Days is broken down into subsections including: "Purpose of the Holiday", "The Holiday in Bible Times", "Jewish Customs of the Holiday Today", "Messianic Significance of the Holiday", and "Suggestion For Celebrating the Holiday". The authors do a good job of presenting and promoting the rich meaning contained within the Biblical Holy Days. The book is supplemented with materials and ideas for a variety of activities that can be done with children or as a family. The back of the book contains several interesting and useful appendices, including resource listings for further study into the topic of "The Hebrew Roots of Christianity", as well as resources for Home Schoolers. The book is $39.95 plus $4.00 shipping (TN residents also add sales tax) and is currently available through "Heart of Wisdom" at http://www.heartofwisdom.com/ . To order, call 1-800-266-5564. For information, call 1-703-897-8890 or learn more about the book on Robins web site at: http://biblicalholidays.com/.

 

 

 

"The Sabbath Rest - Saturday Sabbath or the Esteemed Day of the Sun", by M. Moshe, is an excellent little booklet put out by First Fruits of Zion, a Jerusalem based Messianic Jewish ministry. This 36 page 8 1/2 x 11 format booklet examines what the Sabbath is (and is not), the importance of the Sabbath to the body of Messiah (Believers), and the historical developments that have lead to modern confusion concerning the Sabbath among most Christians today. The booklet goes on to examine Sabbath observance in New Testament times, and also includes a detailed chronology of the events of the crucifixion week. The final chapter addresses some of the common arguments used to challenge the validity of Sabbath observance for today. Chapter headings include: The Sabbath Rest, Constantine and the Church of Rome, The Last Week, The Resurrection - A Fulfillment of Firstfruits, Arguments that Presume to Challenge. The booklet can be obtained for $7.95 (plus $4.50 shipping and handling) from their U.S. distribution center at: First Fruits of Zion, PO Box 620099, Littleton, CO 80162-0099. (Or call 1-800-775-4807 to order by credit card). (Also check out our FFZ Resources page for more info.)

 

 

 

 Sunset To Sunset - God's Sabbath Rest is a publication of the United Church of God, an International Association. Coverage of many questions relative to the Sabbath is packed into this 63 page booklet. Topics include: The Sabbath - In the Beginning, When Is the Sabbath to Be Kept?, Which Day Is the Sabbath?, Jesus Christ and the Sabbath, Just What Is Legalism?, Was the Sabbath Changed in the New Testament?, Was Sunday the New Testament Day of Worship?, Was God's Law Abolished in the New Testament?, Why Is the Sabbath Commandment Not Repeated in the New Testament?, God's Sabbath in Today's World, What Is True Worship?, The Sabbath in the Age to Come. This booklet is available free upon request by writing to: United Church of God, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027. Or, you can access the booklet directly on UCG's web site at http://www.ucg.org/booklets/SS. (Also see our UCG Resources page).

 

 

 

  

Who Is Israel? - and why you need to know by Batya Wootten. This book puts together the whole story of Who and What is Israel. Explores the role of Israel in the master plan of God from the formation of the nation in The Land, to its division and the captivities of both "Houses", to its ultimate reunification as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:15-28. Addresses and clarifies questions such as the roles of Israel and the Church, the mystery of the "fullness of the Gentiles", the "blindness of Israel", and the "Olive Tree" of Israel. Will help you move from religion to relationship, unmuddle the muddled doctrines of Christianity, and to recognize and resist "Christian" anti-Semitism. This book will enrich your relationship with the God of Israel, and will help lead both Jewish and non-Jewish Believers (Judah and Ephraim) to become the promised "one new man". Available from: House of David, P.O. Box 700217, Saint Cloud, FL 34770-0217 for $14.95 plus $3.75 P&H. (Also see our HOD Resources page).

 

 

 

 


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