IJII

Rabbi Marc D. Angel has just come out with a new novel--THE SEARCH COMMITTEE, published by Urim Fiction. This is a powerful story about two rabbinical scholars who seek to become head of a leading Lithuanian-type yeshiva. The novel unfolds as a series of presentations to the Search Committee--by the candidates, their wives, colleagues, students, and philanthropic supporters. The struggle is not just between two men, but between two very different views of Judaism, Torah education, modernity, the role of women, and freedom of thought and expression.

The best-selling novelist Naomi Ragen has written: "I have never read anything quite like The Search Committee, a fascinating novel....The author leads us with breathtaking insight through the maze of religion and politics that is at the heart of the Orthodox Jewish world. This novel is a true contribution to Jewish-American literature." Dr. Ezra Cappell, author of American Talmud: The Cultural Work of Jewish American Fiction, has stated that The Search Committee "should be required reading of every divinity student as well as anyone interested in the future of our pluralistic culture. The Search Committee is a modern mystery novel for the theologically inclined."

Copies of The Search Committee are available through the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. Members of the Institute as of May 15 will receive a free copy. Others may order copies at $25 per copy (includes postage and handling) by sending their checks to Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, 8 West 70th Street, New York, NY 10023.

Bulk rate orders of 25 or more copies receive a 30% discount. To arrange a bulk order, please email info@jewishideas.org with your request.

MEET THE AUTHOR BOOK PROGRAM:  The American Sephardi Federation, in cooperation with the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, is sponsoring a meet-the-author book program on Tuesday evening June 3, at 7 pm, at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16 Street, New York City. Rabbi Angel will discuss his book and read some selections from it. Admission is $5 per person; free for members of the ASF and the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. For more information, and to make a reservation, please call the ASF office  212 294 8350.  Books will be available for purchase, and the author will be happy to autograph them for purchasers.