Book_FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about
the Tikvat Israel Africa Project

1. What was the primary goal of the Book Project? The goal was the establishment of “starter” collections of basic books about Judaism, books that would be suitable for adults with little background and, in some cases, low levels of literacy, as well as books that were more challenging, suitable for people with intermediate to advanced knowledge of Judaism and with university educations. These collections are to be housed in synagogues scattered throughout the country. In addition, a sizeable number of titles was donated to the Imo State University library, in Owerri.

2. In what language were the books written? The books were in English; some (Jewish Bibles, for example) were in Hebrew with English translations. Nigeria was a British colony, so English is the official language there. Hebrew literacy is not widespread, although it is greatly desired.

3. Were there specific subjects that were sought? We tried to choose as broad a range as possible. The following areas were included:

·Basic Judaism ·Biblical Commentary ·Encyclopaedias ·Ethics ·Hebrew language ·Historical Fiction ·History ·Holidays

·Introduction to Jewish Sacred Texts ·Midrash, Mishnah and Gemara ·Mitzvot, Customs, Rituals and Practices ·Prayer ·Reference ·The State of Israel and Zionism ·Thought, Philosophy and Theology ·Words of Wisdom and Inspiration

4. Were all books accepted? No. We did not accept books with a lot of underlining or highlighting or books that were not in good condition; missing covers or torn pages were automatic disqualifiers. We limited the number of books about the Holocaust. The religious outlook of the books was primarily mainstream Conservative to Modern Orthodox. Artscroll books were not accepted, because of the “ashkenazis” Hebrew transliterations.

African Jews are very traditional in their orientation. Ideologically, they are right-of-center Orthodox, with a strong affinity for Kabbalah. They strive to be as strict in their observance as their circumstances permit; few have yet to include women in synagogue leadership roles. For these reasons, only a limited number of books written from a Reform or Reconstructionist perspective were included; what many of us would consider progressive would be too liberal to be credible. As for Humanistic Judaism, they would find the very notion to be preposterous, if not blasphemous.

Many find the notion of Jewish diversity to be threatening. How can there be one God and one Torah, but multiple schools of Judaism? For now, they are concerned about learning THE “right way” to practice Judaism. Philosophical sophistication may come later.

5. Now that Phase 2 has begun, What kind of books are you looking for? Books that are “timeless.” Evelyn Garfiel’s Service of the Heart has been surpassed by books like Reuven Hammer’s Entering Jewish Prayer, but the former still has value. The same applies to Harry Gersh’s The Sacred Book of the Jews. Barry Holtz’s Back to the Sources is, in my opinion, superior, but Gersh’s makes a worthwhile edition to a library collection.

To let others get a better idea of what we are looking for, a book list has been created. Also, check out the “Collectors’ Journal” as well as the list of what was shipped in February.

6. Where do you obtain your books? Ideally, from synagogue and community libraries. We have received books from congregations in Alabama, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. It is a win-win proposition: we get books for the project, the libraries get extra space on their shelves. The Friends of the Montgomery County Library operate two bookstores in our area; books are rarely more than $3 each. Book sales that benefit non-profits are terrific resources. The books are usually in good condition, and the prices are excellent. The local chapter of the Brandeis University National Women’s Commitee has been wonderful, but nothing compares in scope and quality to the Stoneridge School of the Sacred Heart’s annual sale. (Stoneridge is not for the faint-hearted. People, especially book dealers, begin to line up the night before the sale opens. As my dear friend Louis Winthorpe advised me: “Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the absolute carnage you are about to witness.”)

Of course, there are used book stores. This is the most expensive source of books. However, there are some very generous managers out there who will be happy to reduce their asking price by anywhere from 20 to 50 percent. God bless them.

Good deals can be found on eBay; an occasional seller can be persuaded to donate a book that has not attracted any bids. I also check the new arrivals section at Book Closeouts; the books are in great condition, save for the black line on the bottom of each book to indicate that it was sold as a remainder.

I have saved the best for last. The Jewish Publication Society has been consistent in its support of this project. Every six months or so they grant us access to their warehouse in Virginia. Retailers return damaged books to the warehouse, and JPS
allows us to take what we need, with the proviso that said books go only to needy recipients and not to organizations that already have budgets to buy books.

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