Adam and Eve

The Rest of the Story - Secrets from the Ancient Wisdom of the Jews

Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
174 Pages
Reviewed on 11/18/2022
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite

Adam and Eve by Rabbi Boruch David identifies the choice between good and evil as fundamental to the human experience, with the creation of Adam and Eve representing the first day of anthropological history. The author makes a significant distinction between the subjugating relation of humankind toward the resources of the earth and the ruling relation of humankind to animals and birds. Naming the animals was designed as a process of education for Adam, leading to his desire for an appropriate companion. The process of rationalization led to disobedience, but “G-d” wants us to emulate Him using free will. After Adam and Eve sinned, they lost automatic entitlement to “G-d’s” protection and had to live with the consequences. The second chance “G-d” has promised appears very remote as they leave Eden.

Adam and Eve by Rabbi Boruch David is designed to be used in a meditative manner. The relaxed discussion and challenging questions to ponder were interesting. I was fascinated by the suggestion that humanity was initially hermaphroditic and found the implications for equal opportunity astounding! I especially relished the Talmudic recommendation regarding reflecting every day that the world was created for us, thinking the words sounded like an amazing affirmation! The distinction between “shame” and “guilt” was shrewd and also relevant for counseling practice. The basic Bible story seemed familiar, but what I really liked were the unique concepts drawn from Jewish tradition. Adam and Eve by Rabbi Boruch David would make a great devotional for individual use, or study aid for small group use.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Adam and Eve is a retelling of a popular story with conversational elements and supporting scripture from the Torah. Rabbi Boruch David leads the reader through the creation of Adam, the addition of Eve, the serpent, the temptation to touch and then eat from the Tree of Knowledge, and the repercussions of their first sins.

The author has written under a pen name to remain protected under the blanket of anonymity, as the subject of the book could be ridiculed. However, Rabbi Boruch David has chosen to release the novel to open-minded individuals who will view the words with a mind free from the constraints certain religions impose. Whether the book was written by a seasoned religious leader or someone well-versed in theology, the material shows signs of dedicated research. Three sets of fonts make it easier for the reader to distinguish between scriptural texts, discussions, and presumed conversations. Adam and Eve included clearly marked sections of scripture, the author’s interpretation of the scripture, a dissection of the material, and questions that challenge the reader to relate the thoughts from the story to everyday life.

Without fully outright stating it, God is described as a multi-dimensional being, and the author makes a strong case for that possibility. The writing was clear and easy to follow, and the author’s work will leave you thinking about it long after you read the last page. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy philosophy, religion, and exploring new possibilities behind the meaning of a portion of the first book of Genesis.

Trevor Otieno

Rabbi Boruch David’s Adam and Eve: The Rest of the Story examines Adam and Eve’s background and story using the Torah for Nations. Rabbi Boruch David discusses fundamental concepts of traditional Jewish thought, including creation and the meaning of life, while incorporating traditional Jewish philosophy. He does this by using historical and biblical text and narrative conversations developed based on the information between God, Adam, Eve, and the Serpent. The theological background of the tale of Adam and Eve’s origins is carefully examined, which is what makes Adam and Eve: The Rest of the Story so closely tied to the Bible’s long-standing reputation in a better part of the universe. For first-hand information, grab a copy of Adam and Eve by Rabbi Boruch David.

Rabbi Boruch David’s book is not only understandable but also challenging on a theoretical level. I was able to start a fruitful conversation about how the Bible gives us direction and a better grasp of the divine, thanks to the discussion questions that were provided with each part. Adam and Eve: The Rest of the Story is a very well-balanced book that captured my attention from the start because of the way it strikes a balance between imaginative storytelling and the instructive and teachable teachings found in long-standing religious scriptures. I appreciate Rabbi David Boruch’s time and effort in creating such a useful resource. I heartily urge fans of religious literature to read Adam and Eve: The Rest of the Story. Every other reader can also read the book to gain fresh perspectives.

Essien Asian

The original story of what transpired in the garden of Eden between Adam, the first man, and Eve, his companion, as it concerns their encounter with the serpent at the tree of knowledge, has been told and retold so many times that there is practically no living person on this planet who cannot recite a version of the events of that day. But what if I told you that the story you heard is not exactly what transpired? What if I told you there was a lot more going on at the time that some conventional record keepers did not consider noticing because they felt it did not warrant a second look? Adam And Eve: The Rest of the Story - Secrets from the Ancient Wisdom of the Jews by Rabbi Boruch David is a completely different take on the fire and brimstone version with an eye-opening revelation.

Rabbi Boruch David's account of events is quite thorough, and there is enough of a backstory to the accepted versions for a reader to follow and understand what is being explained in Adam And Eve. The explanations are detailed and arranged in a chronological fashion, making it quite interesting to read. The question and answer section at the end of each chapter does far more than ask a reader what their reaction would be if they were the ones placed in the same situation. I was enthralled by the chapter on understanding the freedom of choice as I have never considered it from this approach. This is an interesting book, a theological marvel worth top marks for the effort that went into it.

Diana Lopez

Adam and Eve faithfully narrates the original history of the Bible. But Rabbi Boruch David enriches the story content by adding essays, and additional material. He offers an interpretation based on the Hebrew texts with complete contents. He adds clarifications between the original translations and interpretations of some terms. Also, he handles three different text styles to clarify the explanations. Rabbi Boruch David marks textual quotations from the Bible, creates conversations of support and comments through essays. At the end of each point he makes, there is a section where he adds a couple of questions for the reader to seek to apply the ideas in daily life. Rabbi Boruch David thus creates a reading that reinforces critical thinking and encourages interest in knowledge.

I liked Adam and Eve because the content is very well structured. Despite the depth of the topics, the explanations are in simple language. The arguments are in favor of traditions. And although there is a mixture of three types of writing, it is easy to follow the ideas. It helps to make it easier to remember so much information. All this serves to identify the strong relationship between the holy scriptures and personal development. Rabbi Boruch David presents a work that requires a lot of research. It saves the reader study time, but the narrative itself encourages the reader to continue searching for answers on their own. Adam and Eve seeks to give a practical aspect to the story so we can relate it to our ordinary lives. Thus, this reading shows us that we have a creative nature and should seek a purpose for our free will.