ePub Forgotten Giants by Rabbi Yosef Bitton in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. as someone who cares deeply about Sephardi history and legacy I cannot recommend this book highly enough since it literally granBy Michelle CohenFor a long time I have been captivated by the idea that individuals have two lives - one the life they live; and one the life that is remembered by others. Very sadly; Sephardi scholars and luminaries often had only one life; having their memories fall into oblivion.As such; as someone who cares deeply about Sephardi history and legacy I cannot recommend this book highly enough since it literally grants a second life (a sort of modern resurrection) to Sephardic rabbis after the expulsion from Spain.The book is structured around individual biographies of rabbis from different countries and centuries. It focuses on their life experiences; their rabbinic work and their scholarship. The writing style is both erudite and inspiring - showing how Sephardi rabbis after the expulsion suffered tremendously but led with great dignity and courage; helping to rebuild destroyed communities. I'm very impressed by this book and grateful to the author for his hard work in bringing the lives and works of these rabbis to life!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Must Read for every Jew who wants to develop his understanding of JudaismBy Jon LiviFascinating accounts of Sefaradi Hachamim. No indidivudal account is more than a few pages long; so it is surely not too lengthy. Opened my eyes to opinions I didn't know were mainstream in the communities of Sefarad.Also learned a lot of general history along the way.I read it twice and I loved it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Rabbi Bitton is beautifully engaging in Tehiyat HametimBy Diego VidalAs someone who descends from those who were persecuted by the Spanish Inquisition; this book could not be more valuable to me. It is a small step to remedy generations of neglect of some of the greats from Sefarad; who shaped Jewish History; and yet were forgotten by Jewish Historians.In Forgotten Giants; Rabbi Bitton takes the reader through the tragic and inspiring lives of 26 rabbis; most of whom have been neglected by mainstream historians. Each of these rabbis would deserve buildings; schools and institutions named after him; and yet they have been tragically forgotten.After surviving the most cruel events; often losing their entire families; and yet thriving in scholarship and leadership; most of these rabbis have unfairly faded from our memories. Rabbi Bitton is doing nothing less that “Tehiat HaMetim” (resurrecting the dead). This is a well-written; eminently readable; book; that will alert any reader to the jewels that are being missed on by subscribing to mainstream Jewish history only; and not paying attention to the lives of some true giants.You owe it to yourself; to your posterity; and to each of these forgotten giants; to get and read this book. Hopefully; somewhere out there; someone will get inspired to revive all other giants that history has forgotten. It is a crime to pass on the inspiration that their lives and contributions signify.Congratulations to Rabbi Bitton for yet another fantastic; and very necessary; work—and may we continue seeing more and more works published about timely issues; as seen through the lenses of timeless values.