From the Jewish library: ‘The Mountains of Israel’

The Mountains of Israel – A Taste of Heaven by Britt Lode and Rabbi Yitschak Naki, Gefen Publishing House, 2015

By Sheila Orysiek

Sheila Orysiek
Sheila Orysiek

SAN DIEGO — This is quite simply – a beautiful book.  The silky pages are filled with photographs in full color of the mountains and hills of Israel.  Opposite each picture are excerpts from various Books of the Hebrew Bible as well as short thoughtful and instructive vignettes of philosophic Biblical midrash.

For the most part, the photographs are not of grand vistas or awe inspiring landscapes.  They are less dramatic, but much more spiritual – peaceful.

Walls of Jerusalem stone.  Pebbles in a stream.  Sheep grazing.  A vineyard. An olive tree.  A religious study hall.  A panoramic view of The Western Wall.  A city street scene.  Flowers on a hillside

After a day of  hurry and hustle, I can see that one might sit in a quiet corner with this book and allow it to bring peace to a turbulent mind.

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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in arts and literature.  Comments may be made in the space provided below this article or sent to the author at sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com