Wonderful … so much more than its title implies. A must read for every serious student of Jewish history and culture."—Dr. Norman Cohen, provost, Hebrew Union College, and author of Hineini in Our Lives: Learning How to Respond to Others through 14 Biblical Texts Personal Stories
"Poignant and masterful, concise and provocative … depicts the rich inner life of the masses of Jews in the Ottoman Empire who, despite hardship, lived a quintessential Judaism with an enviable naturalness.”—Jane Mushabac, professor of English, City Universityof New York, and author of Mazal Bueno: A Portrait in Song of the Spanish Jews
“The wisdom of the Sephardic tradition, its breadth and spirit and song, beautifully distilled for the general reader. A whole world of Jewish spirituality comes alive in this book.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of Floating Takes Faith: Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World
“An excellent guide by one of the foremost interpreters of Sephardic civilization. For scholars as well as anyone seriously interested in Sephardic culture, history and society.”—Avigdor Levy, professor of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Brandeis University
“Captures the essence of the Sephardic Ottoman world with sensitivity, nuance and love. Exudes warmth and pride as well as much valuable information. No cultural expression of the Sephardic Jew is ignored in this enduring work of great charm and learning.”—Professor Jane S. Gerber, director, Center for Jewish Studies and the Institute for Sephardic Studies, Graduate Center of the City Universityof New York
“A loving, critical and wistful look at the inner life of the Sephardim. Will be cherished by Sephardim and Ashkenazim alike. Indeed, Ashkenazim will note the intriguing parallels to their own history.”—Dr. Norman Lamm, chancellor, Yeshiva University
“A great read and important book illuminating the post inquisition destiny and rich spiritual development of the Judeo-Spanish Sephardic community in the Ottoman Empire—an essential and often neglected integral part of the overall Jewish experience.”—David E. R. Dangoor, president, American Sephardi Federation
