To modern man, the Middle Ages is a distant, mysterious and forbidding period. It is primitive in technology, brutal in violence, and superstitious and servile in society. But it was also a time of pageant and grandeur, of discovery and wonder, of great achievements and lasting progress, when men of genius and industry laid the foundations for our modern world. Those who have preceded us have in the main been neglected in our assessment of current life. Jews in the Middle Ages achieved great heights of power, wealth, scholarship and creativity - the Golden Age of Spain, of Rashi and the Tosafists, R' Yehuda Halevi and Maimonides. The Jews were part of the Renaissance, the catalysts for the Reformation, sponsors of arts, exploration, and commerce. But it was also a terrible time for Israel. The Almohad persecutions, the Crusades, the Black Death, the burning of the Talmud in Paris, the bitter rivalries, and quarrels within Jewish society itself all combined to paint the era in blood and despair. Rabbi Berel Wein, in this book, has woven an informative tapestry out of the events of the Jewish Middle Ages. Its historic figures come alive and we appreciate their greatness. The Sephardic world and the Ashkenazic society, the longing for Zion and redemption, the intrigues and truths of history are here faithfully explained. The story of the Jewish people in the Medieval Era is told with wit, knowledge, accuracy and emotion. As in Triumph of Survival, Rabbi Wein has not settled merely for a history of the Jews. Herald of Destiny will make our modern Jewish milieu and its problems more understandable by illuminating for us the great medieval Jewish world that preceded us.

Herald of Destiny: The Story of the Jews 750-1650

History

Wein, Berel

World

Mesorah Pubns Ltd

RABBI BEREL WEIN has become a household word on six continents, as a foremost rosh yeshivah, rabbi, lecturer and historian. His scintillating presentations of Jewish history have won him a host of admirers -- and deservedly so. Perceptively, wittily, wisely and accurately, he presents an ancient story as if it were happening before our eyes. He relates old dilemmas to today's problems and shows how Jewish history is an endless and inspiring continuum. In this, his third masterwork, Rabbi Wein takes us from the end of the First Temple Era to the times of the Geonim. He transports us to the eras of Alexander the Great; the miracle of Chanukah; the creation of the Mishnah and Talmud, and how they saved Jewish life for all time; the Roman Empire and the courageous rebellion of Bar Kochba; the rise of Christianity; such great Geonim as R' Saadia, R' Sherira and R' Hai, and how they led the monumental Torah centers of Babylonia and North Africa; the emergence of Islam and the Jewish response; Jewish life taking root in the then barbarous lands of Europe. Rabbi Wein places Jewish history in the context of the times. Just as important, he tells it from the perspective of the Jews, not through the eyes of Jewry's enemies and conquerors, as history books commonly do. The author has a voracious appetite for history and even the places where it happened. When he tours the world, he sees it as the locale of Jewish eternity, the settings where our nation took shape, the building blocks of today. His broad experience lets him paint the picture of yesterday with the broad strokes of scholarly insight. In this new volume, Rabbi Wein introduces us to times that were exotic, exciting, dangerous, triumphant. This book does them justice. Seldom is a must reading so enjoyable.

Echoes of Glory: The Story of the Jews in the Classical Era

There is no more exciting story anywhere than the Jewish People's march through the menaces of history. It's a gripping, absorbing story, peopled by great names and arch-villains, full of courage and cowardice, and leavened with the conviction that the Chosen People must survive come what may. Complete in two volumes, SAND AND STARS traces the story over 19 centuries, from the Second Temple Era to our own times. These books are the work of two great names in today's Jewish literary world: YAFFA GANZ the acclaimed, award-winning author of children's literature; in collaboration with RABBI BEREL WEIN rosh yeshivah, rabbi, historian, and lecturer, whose history cassettes are the primary basis of the book. Lavishly illustrated and filled with maps and time charts, SAND AND STARS brings the story alive. Especially recommended for young readers aged 10-16, it is fascinating reading for all ages. A perfect gift for bar or bas mitzvah, graduation or any special event

Sand and Stars

Teen & Young Adult

Ganz, Yaffa

Literature & Fiction

Through his hundreds of lectures, Rabbi Wein has brought the Torah perspective on history to thousands of listeners. In this original work, he paints a magnificent, panoramic picture of our people in the centuries that shaped us and our world. This major work has the touches of luxury you expect in books of this magnitude, including a ribbon place-marker and embossed foil-stamped jacket. Large 8-1/2" x 11" "coffee-table" format. Beautifully written and illustrated, it is accurate and incisive, yet personal and passionate. It is informative, provocative, and inspiring. Seldom is must reading so enjoyable.

Triumph of Survival: The Story of the Jews in the Modern Era 1650-1990

Second Thoughts: A Collection of Musings and Observations

Religion & Spirituality

Judaism

Whether it's history, Pirkei Avos, a general look at the Jewish and general world - Rabbi Berel Wein's voice, outlook, depth, and breadth are unique. And now he shares his Seder with us - and he shares them with us in his inimitable manner, as only he can. It's truly an enlightening experience. The Wein Seder is a delightful combination of classic commentary and stories, of background and history, of a bright light and piercing perspective, of provocative and enlightening ideas. This Haggadah is unique. It sparkles, stimulates - and it makes delightful reading not only on Pesach, but all year round.

The Pesach Haggadah: Through the Prism of Experience and History: The Orlofsky Edition

Buy Green Bananas: Observations on Self, Family and Life

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

One of Rabbi Berel Wein's finest works, this innovative commentary on Pirkei Avos/Ethics of the Fathers belongs in every Jewish home. With an astute eye ever fixed on the complete traditional text, Rabbi Wein explains and interprets its contents in terms relevant to today's Jews. Revealing great insight into human behavior and replete with illuminating anecdotes, the work applies the words of the Sages to current Jewish experience. Did the Sages write Pirkei Avos specifically for our times? Rabbi Wein makes it appear so - for in his talented hands, the deep meanings of the text shine with new radiance. A noted historian, Rabbi Wein liberally punctuates his commentary with enlightening historical references and demonstrates his firm understanding of our era. The lessons of the Sages are enhanced by explanations of their original context, yet they seem to glide right into the twenty-first century. Pirkei Avos offers guidelines for successful living and the values it teaches are timeless. Secure in Rabbi Wein's scholarship, inspired by his meaningful examples (and even amused by touches of the rabbi's legendary wry humor), every reader will treasure this contemporary reading of one of Judaism's classics.

Pirkei Avos: Teachings for Our Times : Birnbaum Edition

Shaar Pr

Rabbi Berel Wein once again exhibits his admirable talent for clear, lucid explanation in this highly informative work. Though each chapter is brief, the sweep of the book is broad - exploring life-cycle events from birth through death, the Jewish view of family life and values, character refinement, Sabbath, holidays and specific religious practices. An enriching reading experience, Living Jewish enables every reader to find deeper meaning in Jewish traditions and reconnect with the ancient values that have found new expression in the modern era. Rabbi Wein is well known as a historian, raconteur, lecturer and author of numerous works on Jewish history and Jewish thought. His enlightening and entertaining style will captivate your interest, and his inspiring insights will add meaning to your life.

Living Jewish: Values, Practices and Traditions

In Vision &amp; Valor, Rabbi Berel Wein traces the development of the Talmud, the record of the Oral Law of Sinai as refined, debated, and discussed over four centuries in the great Torah academies of the Land of Israel and Babylonia.This beautifully illustrated, footnoted, oversized volume is a necessity for every Jewish home interested in the soul of Judaism, its rituals, values and practices.

Vision & Valor: An Illustrated History of the Talmud

Maggid

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