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The Lion Cub of Prague: Thought, Kabbala, Hashkafa from Gur Arye: The Maharal of Prague (Genesis)
By Moshe David Kuhr, MD
Devora Publishing
New York, 2008
240 pages
Dr. Moshe David Kuhr’s study of Maharal is a meticulous study and a labor of love. The volume under review is an adaptation of Maharal’s commentary on Rashi’s commentary on Genesis. The book contains selections from Rashi, Maharal and Dr. Kuhr’s summaries of these works. Let me give an example of an insight by Maharal: Maharal asks, in view of the fact that Hevel brought a proper offering, Why did he die? Why did God not protect him? The fascinating answer given is that Hevel’s intent was to upstage his brother. This is evident, says Maharal, from the phrase “Hevel haivi, gam hu,” meaning Hevel imitated his brother in bringing the offering and did not bring it of his own volition. Maharal is a most difficult study, and The Lion Cub helps to expose the depth and wisdom of Maharal to the English-speaking public. It is my hope that Dr. Kuhr complete the other four volumes in the near future.
For the Shabbat Table
By Rabbi Chaim Wilschanski
Gefen Publishing
Jerusalem, 1999
320 pages
For the Shabbat Table is a beautiful book, and though it was published nine years ago it is as fresh and fascinating as the day it was published (it is still in print and available). Rabbi Chaim Wilschanski’s book is a wonderful combination of serious thought, humor and anecdotes. The author, who offers insight into each parashah, begins each chapter with a humorous anecdote or joke, and then moves into a more serious analysis of the parashah. His use of humor, wit, stories and serious machshavah is charming, and more importantly, it’s effective. In recent years psychologists have discovered that humor helps foster intellectual activity and loosens the cognitive faculties. Chazal grasped this many years ago and advocated the use of humor (milsa d’bedichasa) as a prelude to Torah lectures. Thus, appropriate use of humor, rather than detracting from one’s message, can enhance it.
Matis Greenblatt is the literary editor of Jewish Action.