The Rabbi's Cat 2
by Joann Sfar
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Book Summary Information
Author: Joann SfarTranslator: Alexis Siegel
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-04-01
ISBN: 0375425071
Number of pages: 144
Publisher: Pantheon
Book Reviews of The Rabbi's Cat 2
Book Review: Meow! What a wonderful encore...
Summary: 5 Stars
They've been at it again, those three--the team of artist Joann Sfar, translator Alexis Siegel and colorist Brigitte Findakly have conspired to create a sequel every bit as delicious as the excellent first volume of _The Rabbi's Cat_. We return to the same Rabbi, now even less hesitant to reach beyond the limits of his traditional Jewish education as the situation demands, and the same free-thinking cat. We also learn more about some of the other people we've met in the first volume.
The first part, "Heaven on Earth," reveals the true character of the Rabbi's enigmatic Cousin Malka. Malka wanders the desert with a rifle and a lion, in the hope of becoming a legendary holy defender of the Jews. However, he and everyone else are powerless to stop the tide of modern antisemitism that, several years before the Holocaust in Europe, is also rising in Algeria. In the second and final part, "Jerusalem in Africa," the Rabbi, his good friend the Muslim Sheikh and several others embark on a quest across Africa in search of a mythical land untouched by racism and antisemitism. In doing so, the unlikely party becomes its own enclave of interracial, interreligious and interspecies ecumenism. "Jerusalem in Africa" is one of the most fascinating and consistently engrossing adventure stories I have read. Sfar is a master at taking events and scenes that initially seem to be digressions or side trips, adding creative twists and using them to enhance the texture of the plot, characters and themes.
Antisemitism is a pertinent issue today. Even after the Holocaust claimed the lives of one-third of the world's Jews, major atrocities against Jews have been committed. For example, some Arab countries were expelling their ancient Jewish communities as recently as the 1980s, and Communist countries instituted official policies of forcible assimilation and discrimination. In recent years, hate crimes targeting Jews have increased worldwide and more subtle forms of discrimination, such as social rejection and double standards applied against Israel, are pervasive.
Please do take the trouble to learn about this most interesting and enduring culture, which is currently threatened with assimilation and intermarriage and has produced many geniuses--a few of whom are Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Bob Dylan, Stephen Jay Gould and the author of this book, Joann Sfar. Familiarity with Jewish theology, law and values will also enhance your appreciation and comprehension of _The Rabbi's Cat_. For a background in the book's cultural context, the curious may want to read _Judaism for Dummies_ or its counterparts in the _Idiot's Guide_ series; in addition, _Jews, God and History_ by Max I. Dimont is my favorite overview of Jewish history and would provide an excellent perspective on the historical events in _The Rabbi's Cat_. _Jews, God and History_ reveals that even before modern times, Judaism was almost never static--to the contrary, and like most healthy traditions, it has continually evolved and developed many historical branches as it adapted to its ever changing environment. Today, moderate and liberal Jewish philosophies not unlike the Rabbi's can be found in the more progressive Conservative, Masorti, Reform, Reconstructionist and UK Liberal Jewish movements. Chabad Lubavitch, a branch of basically traditional Judaism that originated in Eastern Europe, is a bit different but is usually very open to answering questions and meeting with others, complete with worldwide "Chabad houses" for the purpose.
Explicit sexual scenes, violence and troubling themes may make this book unsuitable for some young children; older children and adults should definitely read this delightful volume!
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