A reader comments: I was disturbed by your condemnation of the entire State of Israel and all its inhabitants on p. 27 and in footnote 38. This is a gross over-generalization, inaccurate at best, and a slander of Klal Yisroel (the Jewish people) at worst. The reader is referring to the following passage and footnote: […]
Motives for the conquest of Canaan
A reader comments: One thing with which I must take issue, though, is your point on page 26, that the ban that was placed on the spoils of Jericho in some way indicates that the conquest of Eretz Yisroel (the Land of Israel) was not materialistic. Surely you know that Jericho was an exception and […]
The Jewish Press: Eli Berger
“Is the Good Book Bad? is a great primer for anyone looking to explore some of the deeper moral quandaries of Judaism…” Read more on the Jewish Press’ website.
Rabbinic Review: Rabbi Dr. Yitzchok Breitowitz
This is a very important book addressing some very important questions. Judaism posits a G-d that is moral, good, compassionate and just, and we are commanded to emulate those qualities. And yet at first glance there seems to be much in the Torah that contradicts these values. Rabbi Michoel Stern has taken on the daunting […]
Rabbinic Review: Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz
This book attempts to answer many of the challenges raised in the modern mind by Torah values. In truth, these questions arise only because we inhabit a paradigm that is foreign to Torah. Nevertheless, answers should be given where that is possible. The answers given here will appeal more to those who are within the […]
Contents
IX Foreword X Preface XII Acknowledgments 1 Introduction The Point and the Premise / Exclusive Focus on the Jewish Scriptures / Mesorah, the Integral Nature of the Oral Tradition / Not All Violence in Scripture Is Endorsed by the Divine / The Importance of Acknowledging a Spiritual Reality / The Verses Covered Are Comprehensive,but Not […]
Introduction
The Point and the Premise This book is very specific in the particular issues it addresses. There is a wide variety of literature regarding the topics of “Is Religion Dangerous?” or “War in Religion,” with some defending the enterprise of religion against claims that it leads to violence, and many more attempting to make a […]
Video: Rabbi Dovid Orlofksy
Is the Good Book Bad? was recently highlighted on Rabbi Dovid Orlovsky‘s weekly video podcast, “The Rabbi Orlofsky Show.” Born on Long Island, Rabbi Orlovsky directed the region’s NCSY program for nine years before moving to Israel, where he has continued his work in Jewish education and outreach. His web site offers both live and […]
Haskama: Rabbi Zev Leff
Dear Friends, I have read portions of the book “Is the Good Book Bad?” by Michel Stern. The book, as its subtitle relates, is “A traditional Jewish response to the moral indictments of the Bible.” Our sages enjoin us “to know how to answer the heretic” many times. This is not in order to convince […]
Review: Paul Copan
Michoel Stern has written a fascinating and worthwhile book that addresses a number of the troubling texts in the Hebrew Scriptures. Taking a traditional Jewish perspective, he brings together numerous reflections and insights from within the oral rabbinical tradition. While readers may not necessarily agree with certain interpretations presented, they can be grateful for Stern’s […]