In 1980; the University of Oklahoma Press published a ten-book series titled Newcomers to a New Land that described and analyzed the role of the major ethnic groups that have contributed to the history of Oklahoma. The series was part of Oklahoma Image; a project sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Oklahoma Library Association and made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.In response to numerous requests; the University of Oklahoma Press has reissued all ten volumes in the series. Published unaltered from the original editions; these books continue to have both historical and cultural value for reasons the series editorial committee stated as well.“Though not large in number as compared to those in some states; immigrants from various European nations left a marked impact on Oklahoma’s history. As in the larger United States; they worked in many economic and social roles that enriched the state’s life. Indians have played a crucial part in Oklahoma’s history; even to giving the state her name. Blacks and Mexicans have also fulfilled a special set of roles; and will continue to affect Oklahoma’s future. The history of each of these groups is unique; well worth remembering to both their heirs and to other people in the state and nation. Their stories come from the past; but continue on the future.â€
#623786 in Books 2010-09-14 2010-09-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x 1.02 x 5.29l; .81 #File Name: 0805242813272 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. "Why We Need Hillel!" And; Some Other Observations. HILLEL: A Biography: A Critical ReviewBy Andre LawrenceWhen Rabbi Joseph Telushkin remarked; "Why We Need Hillel Now More Than Ever!;" it was not an attempt to make an exaggerated proclamation. I suggest; Telushkin was calling out to the Hillel who resides in each of us.This book is Rabbi Telushkin's quest to open a discussion on the extraordinary life and ideas of The Talmud's most famous teacher.Hillel lived in the 1st century BCE and during the reign of King Herod. Under the dominion of Rome and still the object of interest from the Greeks. Roman and Greek citizens living side by side with Jews in Jerusalem. This was the focus of the priests' wrath: foreign culture; foreign language; foreign education and foreign religious beliefs. Add to that; you had the migration of Babylonian Jews back to Jerusalem (and often victims of disparaging remarks from "native" Jews; as were the citizens of those imperialist nations.)This was the environment that Hillel and Shammai had to work in.We often typecast Hillel and Shammai as polar opposites in terms of understanding and ruling--halakha--the Truth as Telushkin lays out in his book that the issues are not cut and dry; it's not exactly liberal and conservative. These were two men who looked at their country's situation; had the responsibility of teaching Torah and had varying interest in Judaism from foreigners. What were they supposed to do?Now; the early chapters; Telushkin discusses the issue of conversion and observation. For Shammai; to make it easy for conversion *may have* thought that the problem of Jewish observance (which had always been an issue) would become exponentially worse if the community was integrated with foreigners and perhaps their lack of interest in what they'd deem as benign.Hillel; also understanding the landscape; looked at the possibility that there'd come a day when Jews wouldn't think it necessary to marry another Jew. His decision was practical and balanced with optimism. He felt; as Telushkin reminds us; that there'd be a possibility that when converts experienced the beauty of Judaism; they'd be less likely to throw it away and any offspring would have the benefit to be reared in a household where Torah is observed and loved.There's also the issue of divorce. Here; it seems as if Shammai is more appreciative of women's rights. For Hillel; divorce was a man's domain. If; as Shammai ruled that in the case of infidelity a divorce was granted to either party; something that later rabbis considered a balance in terms of remuneration for the injured party. Hillel left the decision of separation as a matter of a husband's right to be happy or satisfied. Telushkin surmised that Hillel takes Deut. 24:1 as the line which determines that a man is seen as the aggressor in forming the union and as such he has the *right* to renounce that decision if he finds anything "unseemly" with his wife.The issue of education was also an issue of division of between them. Education for the affluent only? Or; teach everyone at every opportunity?I understand Hillel a whole lot better. With few exceptions; Hillel's thoughts and rulings are indeed life changing.With all of the contemporary concerns involved with Jewish intermarriage which seems to be the mainstay of our luminaries' (like Alan Dershowitz') national dialog ; Hillel's hope in the power and the glory of Torah will withstand any threat--real or imagined--to the Jewish people.And; Jewish people of all stripes.HILLEL: IF NOT NOW; WHEN? By Rabbi Joseph Telushkin... 5 stars.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great; comprehensive book!By DiegoBPRegardless of your religious background; this book is sure to grab your interest if you want to get to know some of the rabbinic teachings that have molded modern judaism (and some of christianity). I picked it up to gain a deeper understanding of Hillel's influence on Jesus' and the New Testament as a unit. This book delivered satisfactorily.I have not read anything else from Telushkin; but in this book his tone is so warm and friendly that you feel like the one teaching you everything is a close friend. I definitely recommend it to everyone!4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. where gentle wisdom beganBy R. FarrHerod the Great was king; a suspicious and dangerous king. In that time two great lights shine in Judaism: Shammai and Hillel. That we easily know; but Rabbi Telushkin brings Hillel out of the dim past so we can look at the man and also his teaching. He would not only establish a dynasty but also carry influence further down through the centuries of Judaism. Christianity also would soon appear from a cild born during his life time. Could he have influenced the thinking coming from that?May Rabbi Telushkin be blest for making Hillel more alive for us in our violent time.
