3 comments about Symbols of Judaism (Symbols).

1. Ouaknin. Marc-Alain. "Symbols of Judaism," Barnes and Noble, 2003.
   
   Beautifully Done
   
   Amos Lassen
   
   "Symbols of Judaism" by Rabbi Marc-Alain Ouaknin is the English version of the book that has been a bestseller in France. We get a very good look on different aspects of the Jewish religion including the customs and rituals of the Holy Days and a guide to the holy texts and objects that play a part in the observance of the faith. The book consists of 30 chapters each concentrating on one symbol and accompanied by a beautiful full color photograph. Objects such as the Brit Millah (the circumcision ceremony), the synagogue, and the holidays are beautifully explained. It is pure pleasure to look through the book and the commentaries are excellent.
   The text is studious but fundamental and the introduction to the basic aspects of the religion answers many questions readers may have. It is a pleasure to both the eyes and the mind.



2. This book is wonderfuly done. It is full of beautiful photographs depicting the symbols described. The accompanying passages are simply written, easy for someone not familiar with Judaism to understand.



3. This book has two advantages : first, it is so magnificently illustrated that it will be a pleasure to your eyes and second, its text is well writen and provides good information about Judaism and its symbols, although mostly at a beginner's level.

   I do have a quite large library on the topic, but after I read it, I decided I had to buy a copy, for this book is really a must have for everyone interested in Judaism.

1 comments about High Gothic: The Age of the Great Cathedrals (World Architecture Series).

1. This is a beautiful book; the quality of the graphics, color-coordination, typeface, text, and organization is first-rate. It's a delightful book to browse but an even better one to study, as it's full of marvelous things.

No comments about Great Couples of the Bible.

No comments about The Murals of Eugene Delacroix at Saint Sulpice (College Art Association Monograph).

No comments about The house of God: A history of religious architecture and symbolism.

No comments about Buddhist Sculpture in Clay: Early Western Himalayan Art, Late 10th to Early 13th Centuries.

No comments about The Iconography of Islamic Art.

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1 comments about Luminous Art: Hanukkah Menorahs of The Jewish Museum.

1. The rich collection of New York's Jewish Museum houses wonderful historical menorahs.I treasure this beautiful work and have found it invaluable in writing my own book Lighting the Way to Freedom: Treasured Hanukkah Menorahs of Early Israelthat provides an intense focus on Israel's early days and the 'golden age' of hanukkiot.

1 comments about Borobudur.

1. For those who have been there or those who are planning to go this book is a must. It's amazing how publishers are able to realize author's and reader's dreams when they want to. Here you will find: schematic drawings, historical background, maps, breathtaking pictures and all the symbolism associated with this cosmic mandala. "The architectural traditions of India and Java"; "The mystery of the hidden base"; "The mudras or gestures of the hands"; "Borobudur as a pilgrimage site"; "The indonesian Cult of Ancestors"; "The sacred texts behind the reliefs" etc. are just some of the contents. The appendix brings little black and white photographs of hundreds of reliefs. Almost as a buddhist comic-strip. I hope Angkor and Bagan could get a devoted tribute like this one.