New and Noteworthy Books

Hillel Goldberg, God Spoke Once, I Heard Twice: The Torah’s Lens on Fifty-Four Fields of Human Knowledge (Rowman & Littlefield)
The Torah addresses the full range of human experience: ethics and ritual, the lives of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, history, philosophy, and a philosophy of history. In this new book, our esteemed and prolific TRADITION colleague R. Hillel Goldberg offers a thoughtful and incisive Bible commentary, locating a unifying principle running through the weekly portions—the oneness of God. God grants human beings great power while setting clear boundaries: prohibiting murder, sacrilege, and injustice. Ultimately, He maintains supreme authority, establishing the ethical, ritual, and spiritual commandments that define the Torah. Goldberg likens the Torah to a kaleidoscope, interpreting its fifty-four portions as distinct yet interconnected facets of a single, underlying truth—the singularity of God.

Josef Mendelevich, The Cantonists: Jewish Boys in the Russian Military, 1827-1856 (Touro University Press)
Prior to 1917, the Russian Tsar exercised unchecked authority over a vast empire that included more than five million Jews, many of whom lived in isolation and under strict segregation. Under Tsar Nicholas I (1825–1855), the regime’s policies toward Jews became particularly harsh by undermining Jewish identity through encouraging conversion to Christianity and promoting assimilation through intermarriage. Among his most brutal tactics was the Cantonist system, which forcibly conscripted Jewish boys—some younger than thirteen—into military service. Torn from their families, these boys endured severe mistreatment and constant pressure to abandon their faith. Over the course of thirty years, about 75,000 Jewish children were taken in this way. Despite unimaginable suffering, a substantial majority resisted conversion, with only about 25% yielding. Josef Mendelevich, the heroic Prisoner of Zion and leader of the Soviet dissent movement, lays out this dark chapter of history and offers a glimpse into the resilience of a people facing relentless persecution under a despotic regime.

Aliza Lavie, Iconic Jewish Women: Fifty-Nine Inspiring, Courageous, Revolutionary Role Models for Young Girls (Gefen)
This collection brings together the inspiring life stories of fifty-nine extraordinary Jewish women, past and present, making it an ideal gift for young girls approaching their teenage years—and for the adults who guide them. Throughout history, Jewish women have stood out as leaders, innovators, educators, scholars, and activists. Their contributions have helped shape the world, offering powerful examples of what vision, courage, and determination can achieve. In Iconic Jewish Women, readers encounter figures like the steadfast Golda Meir, the incisive Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the devoted Queen Esther, and many others who left a profound mark on Jewish history—while being encouraged to engage with their legacies in meaningful, practical ways. Aliza Lavie, an educator and former Member of Knesset, offers an uplifting path for young women to connect with their heritage and inspire a new generation of changemakers.

Yitzhak Berger, Radak on Genesis: Creation, Humanity, and Torah (Bar-Ilan University Press)
In his commentary on the early chapters of Genesis—which recount the creation of the world and humanity’s earliest struggles—Rabbi David Kimhi (Radak) offers a notably rich and detailed interpretation, including a highly original allegorical reading of the Garden of Eden narrative. While Radak draws extensively on Maimonides, he also displays remarkable independence and creativity, especially in his handling of major theological themes, building upon Maimonidean ideas while forging his own distinct path. Yitzhak Berger’s study explores Radak’s theological approach to these foundational chapters, illuminating his views on the purpose of creation, the workings of the natural order, and the destiny of human beings. More broadly, it examines how Maimonides’ teachings on topics such as prophecy, the divine nature of the Torah, and the role of biblical storytelling inform Radak’s interpretation. The second half of the book presents an extensive introduction to Radak’s allegorical treatment of the Garden of Eden story, accompanied by a comprehensive annotated translation and a newly edited version of the Hebrew text, and an English translation of Radak’s general introduction to his Genesis commentary.

Marc B. Shapiro, Renewing the Old, Sanctifying the New: The Unique Vision of Rav Kook (Littman Library)
Rav Kook remains a towering figure whose visionary ideas helped shape the foundations of Religious Zionism. His theological influence continues to guide the beliefs and values of later generations. Recently published writings, however, reveal aspects of his thought that have not yet become widely known. In this study, Marc B. Shapiro engages with these challenging Hebrew texts, highlighting themes he considers vital for contemporary Orthodox Judaism. Among the significant developments in Rav Kook’s thought brought to light here is his recognition of religious value in non-Jewish faiths, even suggesting the possibility that non-Jews could have experienced genuine revelations. Shapiro also highlights Rav Kook’s assertion that basic moral integrity is often better preserved among the simple, pious populace than among the scholarly elite; offers a reexamination of heresy and dogma (a perennial topic of interest to Shapiro); and clarifies Rav Kook’s position on the role of animal sacrifices in the future Third Temple. [Read our review of the book by Yoel Finkelman.]

Yitzhak Conforti, Zionism and Jewish Culture: A Study in the Origins of a National Movement (Academic Studies Press)
Zionism and Jewish Culture offers a fresh angle, arguing that Zionism was not merely a political movement but also a profound cultural force in modern Jewish life. To trace its development and eventual success in founding a modern Jewish state, the book delves into the cultural world of pre-state Zionist activists, shedding light on the core ideological challenges they confronted (many of which remain unresolved in Israel today). Conforti, of Bar-Ilan University, explores key questions: How did early Zionists understand the relationship between the State and Jewish tradition? How did they seek to balance the well-being of the Jewish people abroad with their connection to the Land of Israel? What stance did they take on the tension between Western and Eastern values in shaping the identity of the State?

Joel Padowitz and Jonathan Sassen, The Science Behind the Mishnah (Mosaica Press)
The Science Behind the Mishnah offers an educational and engaging journey through Massekhet Berakhot (other tractates are promised to follow in the series), where the wisdom of Torah intersects with the wonders of scientific discovery. Rabbis Joel Padowitz and Jonathan Sassen uncover the natural phenomena embedded within the mishnayot, providing a fresh perspective that bridges rabbinic teachings with the workings of the physical world. Readers—and we imagine the target to be young adolescent learners; this will be a great resource for educators—learn about natural phenomenon and their impact on halakhic realia: from the mysteries of twilight and the physics of sound waves to the chemistry behind wine fermentation and the biology of digestion. Why does the sky appear blue, how is lightning created, and what makes bread a unique nutritional staple are all explored in the service of unpacking the Mishnah’s teaching. The handsome volume is enhanced with vivid illustrations, detailed diagrams, and a useful glossary.

Joel Bigman, The Second Journey (Earnshaw Books)
In this, “the world’s first Chinese-Jewish historical fantasy,” author Joel Bigman offers a quirky but effective exploration of the moral, spiritual, and emotional dimensions of teshuva. According to legend, a monk, along with the anthropomorphized “Monkey and Pigsy,” brought the Buddhist scriptures to China; in Bigman’s imaginative tale the trio now set off in search of the Hebrew Scriptures, facing monsters, challenges, and adventures along the way to discover the One true God. Interweaving classical Jewish sources he portrays repentance not merely as a path back from wrongdoing, but as a transformative journey toward greater authenticity and closeness to God.

Aharon Kampinsky, Rabbinism and Politics in Religious Zionism (Academic Studies Press)
Kampinsky explores the complex relationship between the rabbinate and politics in the early years of the State of Israel. He examines the challenges faced by Religious Zionist rabbis, highlighting their ideological differences and the fluctuating dynamics between religious and political leadership. The book delves into key questions about rabbinic influence, the shifting role of religious authority, and the potential for future impact on the State. The book uncovers the tensions and debates that shaped Religious Zionism’s development and will be worthwhile for readers interested in Jewish thought, Israeli history, or the intersection of religion and politics.

Aryeh A. Frimer, Departing Egypt: Passover Haggada (Urim)
With apologies for not getting this in under the wire, nowyou have almost a full year to get your hands on this for next Pesach: Departing Egypt: Passover Haggada by Aryeh A. Frimer (no stranger to readers of TRADITION) represents the culmination of decades of teaching and study. His focus on the post-meal Hallel-Nirtza portion, often rushed, overlooked, or slept-through, reveals its significance for both young and old, enriching the Seder experience. This Haggada offers profound reflections on themes of servitude and liberation, promising to enhance and rejuvenate your Seder.

Compiled with the assistance of Ellie Glickman and Mia Harris.
Appearance here does not preclude review in our print journal or on TraditionOnline.org. Publishers can contact our editor to submit titles.