Friday, July 04, 2014

"Saturday Night, Full Moon;" Book Review

A not so funny thing happened on the way to writing this book review...

Saturday Night, Full Moon by Yerachmiel Michael Tilles, Menorah Books, Intriguing Stories of Kabbala Sages, Chasidic Masters and Other Jewish Heroes, has been sitting by the computer in the den for just over three weeks. I generally don't wait all that long before writing a book review. How long can one remember the facts about the book and how it felt reading it? But some very unpleasant things happened here in Israel to three wonderful families, which became the focus of my blogging of late. And you're probably well aware of them.

Teenagers Gilad Sha'ar, Naftali Fraenkel and Eyal Yifrach were kidnapped by Arab terrorists, then murdered and it took over two weeks for Israeli authorities (actually a group of civilians in the end) to find the bodies and then there was their massive funeral. Sorry, but I just couldn't think about reviewing the book, even though it was right next to me each time I saw here in the den.

Saturday Night, Full Moon, is a lovely compilation of stories, messages, full of Torah and the words of Jewish religious leaders. Each chapter has messages to make life better for us, to make us feel better.
Now you can enjoy, read and re-read, stories from Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles’ famed repertoire. Saturday Night Full Moon is a collection of thirty-three Chasidic stories of Kabbalah sages, Chasidic masters and other Jewish heroes dating from 16th Century Israel to 21st Century USA. Fully indexed with biographical information, as well as verses, names, dates and topics, this first volume of Rabbi Tilles’ stories is certain to become an oft-turned-to family treasure.
I particularly like the chart/guidelines at the beginning of each chapter with information about the people mentioned and suggestions as to when the chapter is particularly appropriate to read or use in a Dvar Torah or speech.

The Onion Plot, page 121

The stories are beautifully written and can be read or repeated at various sorts of occasions, or just read quietly to to give comfort or good ideas. Yes, it's highly recommended.

Product Code: SNFMYT
ISBN: 978-1-940516-07-3
Binding: Hardcover / 270 pages
Dimensions: 8.75” x 5.5”
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4 comments:

Leora said...

Oh, I like hassidic stories! I doubt I would like living in hassidic family - the dress code for one, but I would be happy to read about their families.

This has been an incredibly painful week for Am Yisrael - those three families have become like our own. It's hard to even write "May they find comfort" - how? Too painful.

Batya said...

Leora, I'm sure that you'd love the book. Who's hosting the book review carnival this month?

Anonymous said...

I read this book, myself, and enjoyed the stories, immensely. I enjoyed your review, also.

It has been a painful week, indeed, as Leora stated. And, of course, how could you think about reviewing the book...
-Lorri

Batya said...

Lorri, thanks
G-d willing we'll have some good boring times and I'll find the time to finish the books I have waiting to be read.
shavua tov