New York | 05/25/1996
This booklet evolved from a series of lectures that I presented at Seudah Shlishit during 1992-1993. Each month I spoke on an important work that has helped to shape Judaism throughout the ages. The lectures were followed by lively discussion about each book. During the series, I felt that many in the audience wanted to explore these books in greater depth. At the urging of several members of the congregation, I have decided to write a synopsis of each of the lectures. In order to facilitate the use of this booklet, I have divided the presentation of each book as follows: After giving the name of the author and the date, I present a summary of the contents of the work. This is followed by a discussion of the importance of the work and a list of the different editions that are available. Finally, I have included a selection from the work in the hope that it will generate further study and interest.
I would like to thank all of those people who attended my lectures and helped make them such a success and I would especially like to acknowledge the assistance of the Kehilath Jeshuain Men’s Club which organized and helped arrange sponsorship of Seudah Shlishit. I owe a special debt of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. E. Magnus Oppenheim and the Kehilath Jeshurun Couples Club, whose generosity in sponsoring this booklet has allowed the project to become a reality.
