December 26, 2025
It is hard to believe that we have arrived at the last Shabbat of the year. It has been a long year—one that saw the release of all the living hostages, yet was marred by far too many Jews losing their lives in acts of terror simply because they were Jewish. At Congregation Beth Tikvah, Rabbi Karen Martin joined our community as Assistant Rabbi and has already touched the lives of many members through her wisdom and commitment to community building. We also celebrated with Morissa Freiberg-Vance as she married her beloved George.
As the year draws to a close, I wanted to reflect on the five most important Jewish books I read this past year. Perhaps, in the quiet remaining days of winter break, you might choose to pick one up. These books are listed in no particular order.
The Triumph of Life by Rabbi Yitz Greenberg
In a world filled with such darkness, we often wonder where God’s presence can be found. Rabbi Greenberg takes readers on a deep dive into some of Judaism’s most profound questions. As a post-Holocaust theologian, Greenberg—like many—wrestles with the question of where God was during the Holocaust. In exploring this question, we are reminded of the many miracles God performed throughout Jewish history. It might seem, then, that God could perform such miracles today. Greenberg teaches that we are now living in a third era of God’s presence. He reminds us that the covenant has two parts: God’s promise to us through divine teaching, and our fulfillment of mitzvot. Through the performance of mitzvot, he explains, we take on the responsibility of bringing God’s presence to life on earth. In a post-Holocaust world, where memories of depravity still shape our souls, it is the light of mitzvot that helps us encounter God’s light.
The Gates of Gaza by Amir Tibon
Amir Tibon lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz with his family. As a journalist, he and his wife wanted to give their young daughters a quieter life, far from the noise and chaos of Tel Aviv. Tibon tells the harrowing story of his family’s survival on October 7. Through the power of the pen, he weaves the events of that day together with the history of the kibbutz and the Gaza Envelope region. His writing carries readers through the battle and the tragedy that unfolded. We also learn about Noam Tibon, Amir’s father and a retired IDF general, who drove down from Tel Aviv with his handgun to rescue his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. Throughout the ordeal, Noam kept telling his young grandchildren, “Saba will come.” Somehow, those words helped keep them quiet through a day filled with terror.
Ghosts of a Holy War by Yardena Schwartz
An August day was a highlight for our community as we welcomed author Yardena Schwartz to teach us about her book. Inspired by the letters of a young man who was murdered in the Hebron Massacre of 1929, Schwartz traces the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict back to that pivotal moment. Through in-depth research and compelling storytelling, she follows the conflict from the Hebron Massacre through October 7. Her work is guided by on-the-ground interviews, as well as thorough research into Israeli history. Anyone seeking to better understand the roots and complexity of the conflict should read this book.
Having read Sarah Hurwitz’s first book Here All Along earlier this year (this book gets an honorable mention!), I became very excited when I learned a second book was on its way. Hurwitz helps readers navigate the ways external forces have shaped who we are as Jews. Her book invites us to reclaim our story and our identity. As we continue to face darkness, Hurwitz teaches that pride in our story is possible and that there is no need to hide within the shadows. Throughout Jewish history—whether during the Inquisition, the Enlightenment, or the Holocaust—Jews were often forced to conceal their Judaism. In some instances, depraved forces not only demanded silence, but also took lives. Hurwitz helps us rediscover Jewish pride and Jewish joy.
Eli Sharabi was taken hostage on October 7. While in captivity, he held on to the hope that he would see his family again. What he did not know was that his wife and daughters were murdered on October 7, and that his brother was also murdered while in captivity. Sharabi’s story is one of hope and resilience. When reflecting on the Jewish story, it is often said that in every generation a new enemy rises up to destroy us. While that is certainly part of our history, we are also reminded that we are the never-dying people. Despite everything, we have survived. Sharabi’s harrowing account of his time in captivity reminds us that it is possible to find something to be grateful for each day, even in the darkness of the tunnels of Gaza. He also reminds us of our extraordinary resilience. Sharabi’s story is our Jewish story.
Next up on my list:
- Heart of a Stranger by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
- A Call at 4 AM by Amit Segal
- While Israel Slept by Yaakov Katz
- Antisemitism: An American Tradition by Pamela Nadell
I hope these remaining days of 2025 are filled with blessing. May the new year ahead bring more light to the world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Rick Kellner