Written and narrated by Rabbi Mark
Glickman
I've known about the Cairo Genizah for
so many years that I can't even remember where I first heard about
it. But my knowledge was slim. I knew that it was discovered by
Solomon Schechter. I knew it was one of the most important
discoveries of old Jewish documents in the modern age but I had never
heard an in-depth account of the discovery itself or of the details
of its contents and its significance. In fact, I am amazed that it
has taken a hundred years for such a book to be written. Thank you
Rabbi Glickman for undertaking the task and for choosing to write for
the mass market rather than a scholarly tome.
So, who should read this book--well
certainly not anyone who thinks that they are getting an Indiana
Jones adventure or a Dan Brown thriller. This is a history book. It
deals in fact, some of which is rather down to earth and just plain
scholarly. It is also a labor of love--and Rabbi Glickman's warmth
and enthusiasm turn a story that could be deadly boring into a
fascinating glimpse into the world of academic scholarship, ancient
texts and the effort to find them, preserve and study them.
Originally
published 7:00
pm 31 January 2012 on Booklikes.com