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Christmas for Joshua
Life couldn’t be better for Rusty Dinwall—a heart surgeon, amateur pianist, and volunteer synagogue president. But when his daughter’s wedding takes an unexpected turn, life spins out of control, shattering everything he believes in. A dramatic story with memorable characters, Christmas for Joshua tackles the conflicts inherent to interfaith marriage, modern parenting, and religious intolerance, taking the reader on an entertaining and thought-provoking journey through a uniquely American Christmas experience. Praise for Avraham Azrieli’s previous novels: “The Jerusalem Inception is beautifully and superbly narrated.” Norm Goldman, Bookpleasures. “Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. “Protagonist Jerusalem "Lemmy" Gerster, is the quintessential recruit.” NY Daily News. “The Jerusalem Assassin is a thoroughly compelling portrait of humanity at its best and worst. Drawn straight from the headlines of living, breathing history, the action in The Jerusalem Assassin both entertains and enlightens the reader, an impressive task that not many authors can achieve.” Josee Morgan, Apex. “The Masada Complex brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!” David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. “Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!” Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award. About the Author: Avraham Azrieli served as an officer in the IDF Intelligence Corps before graduating from Columbia Law School in New York. His previous novels are The Masada Complex, The Jerusalem Inception and The Jerusalem Assassin. www.AzrieliBooks.com
- GenresBook Club
292 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2011
14 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Avraham Azrieli
21 books36 followersAvraham Azrieli writes books and screenplays. His first novel was The Masada Complex (a political thriller), followed by the Israeli spy novels The Jerusalem Inception and The Jerusalem Assassin, as well as Christmas for Joshua (an interfaith family drama), The Mormon Candidate (a political thriller), Thump (a courtroom drama featuring sexual harassment and racism), and The Bootstrap Ultimatum (a mystery involving the commercialization of Memorial Day). More recently, he has written a series of novels inspired by the true story of the first woman to lead a nation in human history, starting with Deborah Rising (HarperCollins 2016), which won the 2017 Illumination Book Award for fiction, Deborah Calling (HarperCollins 2017), and continuing with Deborah Slaying and Deborah Striking. A prequel to the Deborah series, The Elixirist, was published in 2020. The Plot to Save America, a mystery set in an authoritarian America, came out in 2022.
Besides fiction, he has also authored Your Lawyer on a Short Leash - A Guide to Dealing with Lawyers and One Step Ahead – A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws, an acclaimed WWII true story, which inspired the musical By Wheel and by Wing.
While growing up in Israel, Avraham received an extensive Talmudic education and performed his mandatory military service in the IDF. After attending law school, he served as a law clerk at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He later earned an advanced law degree from Columbia University in New York City, served as a law clerk at the Federal District Court, and started his legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He has advocated for clients before trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He currently lives near Washington DC. Like Ben Teller, the protagonist in The Mormon Candidate and The Bootstrap Ultimatum, Avraham often rides his motorcycle in the mountainous forests of western Maryland.
To learn more, visit www.AzrieliBooks.com
Avraham Azrieli's Books:
The Jerusalem Inception - "Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. "Protagonist Jerusalem Gerster is the quintessential recruit." NY Daily News.
The Jerusalem Assassin - "Action-packed escapade ... memorable cast of characters ... pages turn as fast as the plot twists and locales shift, taking the reader from Paris to Zurich to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv." Jewish News.
The Masada Complex - "Brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!" David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. "Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!" Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award.
The Bootstrap Ultimatum - "The real magic here is Azrieli's incredible ability to create well-developed characters as well as his skill in knowing how to draw in his readers." Examiner. “Fast-paced action thriller ... but also full of heart. Sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats." Hollywood Book Reviews. "Riveting. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!!" Sun Francisco Book Review.
The Mormon Candidate - "Plotted like a cinematic thriller, Azrieli has come up with a very powerful novel. At work here is his extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense. Sure to keep you up late against your better judgment. Don't say I didn't warn you." Norm Goldman, Examiner.
Thump - "A light-hearted romp through sexual proclivities ... the characters are lovable ... the irreverence is delightful. Thought-provoking. Interesting. Unconventional. Recommended!" U.S. Review of Books.
Christmas for Joshua - "In its own gentle way, the book is as much a page-turner as Azrieli's thrillers - pulling the reader into complex personal and familial conflicts." The Jewish Journal.
Besides fiction, he has also authored Your Lawyer on a Short Leash - A Guide to Dealing with Lawyers and One Step Ahead – A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws, an acclaimed WWII true story, which inspired the musical By Wheel and by Wing.
While growing up in Israel, Avraham received an extensive Talmudic education and performed his mandatory military service in the IDF. After attending law school, he served as a law clerk at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He later earned an advanced law degree from Columbia University in New York City, served as a law clerk at the Federal District Court, and started his legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He has advocated for clients before trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He currently lives near Washington DC. Like Ben Teller, the protagonist in The Mormon Candidate and The Bootstrap Ultimatum, Avraham often rides his motorcycle in the mountainous forests of western Maryland.
To learn more, visit www.AzrieliBooks.com
Avraham Azrieli's Books:
The Jerusalem Inception - "Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. "Protagonist Jerusalem Gerster is the quintessential recruit." NY Daily News.
The Jerusalem Assassin - "Action-packed escapade ... memorable cast of characters ... pages turn as fast as the plot twists and locales shift, taking the reader from Paris to Zurich to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv." Jewish News.
The Masada Complex - "Brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!" David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. "Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!" Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award.
The Bootstrap Ultimatum - "The real magic here is Azrieli's incredible ability to create well-developed characters as well as his skill in knowing how to draw in his readers." Examiner. “Fast-paced action thriller ... but also full of heart. Sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats." Hollywood Book Reviews. "Riveting. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!!" Sun Francisco Book Review.
The Mormon Candidate - "Plotted like a cinematic thriller, Azrieli has come up with a very powerful novel. At work here is his extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense. Sure to keep you up late against your better judgment. Don't say I didn't warn you." Norm Goldman, Examiner.
Thump - "A light-hearted romp through sexual proclivities ... the characters are lovable ... the irreverence is delightful. Thought-provoking. Interesting. Unconventional. Recommended!" U.S. Review of Books.
Christmas for Joshua - "In its own gentle way, the book is as much a page-turner as Azrieli's thrillers - pulling the reader into complex personal and familial conflicts." The Jewish Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 123 reviews
September 25, 2014
Azrieli returns with another stellar piece of work, less political in its outward sense, but equally as powerful. When Rusty Dinwall learns that his daughter has chosen to marry an Orthodox Jew, he finds himself in a bind. At the wedding, things take a turn for the worse and his Reform Jew lifestyle is put into question. While he struggles with this, he is bombarded with a number of decisions he's made over the past three decades and how it affects his everyday life. Crises of faith abound and Rusty returns to his roots to find himself, taking those around him on an adventure few will forget. Azrieli examines powerful parallels and paradoxes within the Jewish religion and its relationship with Christianity in this novel whose premise sounds cute, but whose content runs deep and passionately on three sides. A must-read for Azrieli fans and those who want to think ahead of their holiday celebrations.
Azrieli has become my go-to author on the plight and struggles of the Jews, in a fiction setting. He illustrates the struggles within the various forms of Judaism and does so in a scholarly way, without preaching or inculcating. While I am used to his political backdrop, the story here flows well in a familial setting, filled with its own family politics that pushes the story along in a powerful and yet sentimental way. Struggles abound and while there is no international war in the making (see Azrieli's previous work), the plot and narrative make it, perhaps, his best work to date.
Kudos, Mr. Azrieli for this completely different and powerful work. I am so glad to have stumbled upon you and hope to be blessed with the rest of your work.
Azrieli has become my go-to author on the plight and struggles of the Jews, in a fiction setting. He illustrates the struggles within the various forms of Judaism and does so in a scholarly way, without preaching or inculcating. While I am used to his political backdrop, the story here flows well in a familial setting, filled with its own family politics that pushes the story along in a powerful and yet sentimental way. Struggles abound and while there is no international war in the making (see Azrieli's previous work), the plot and narrative make it, perhaps, his best work to date.
Kudos, Mr. Azrieli for this completely different and powerful work. I am so glad to have stumbled upon you and hope to be blessed with the rest of your work.
April 14, 2014
***Spoiler Alert***
Mr. Azrieli has one serious flaw: you can easily tell which characters he loves and which - not really. The ones he loves, he justifies everything they do. They are perfect. It was kind of fun in his thriller works, but when he attempts a more serious writing, it is a problem.
Rusty, Debra, Mordehai are perfect, lovable, great personalities. Rusty's wife, both rabbis and a priest are monsters. Their personalities completely make no sense to me. Rusty's wife just decided to change their lives 180 degrees after one conversation with Mordechais relatives. 20 years together and then one conversation, and she is convinced. The female rabbi turned out be a psychopath, bipolar person. She storms out of the house, sends hostile emails, makes people throw stones in the windows. Then she apologizes. And the priest, who turned out to be an anti-semite of 19th century. Not the liberal, present day anti-semite, who claims to be anti-zionist and blames Israel for all the wrong-doing in the world. No, the real anti-semite who blames Jewish conspiracy to corrupt Christmas. Add to this controlling of the banks and media, and we have a typical Arab sheikh and not the person who lives in a rich liberal community. Come on.
The first half was interesting to read, but the rest of the book lost touch with reality. IMHO.
Mr. Azrieli has one serious flaw: you can easily tell which characters he loves and which - not really. The ones he loves, he justifies everything they do. They are perfect. It was kind of fun in his thriller works, but when he attempts a more serious writing, it is a problem.
Rusty, Debra, Mordehai are perfect, lovable, great personalities. Rusty's wife, both rabbis and a priest are monsters. Their personalities completely make no sense to me. Rusty's wife just decided to change their lives 180 degrees after one conversation with Mordechais relatives. 20 years together and then one conversation, and she is convinced. The female rabbi turned out be a psychopath, bipolar person. She storms out of the house, sends hostile emails, makes people throw stones in the windows. Then she apologizes. And the priest, who turned out to be an anti-semite of 19th century. Not the liberal, present day anti-semite, who claims to be anti-zionist and blames Israel for all the wrong-doing in the world. No, the real anti-semite who blames Jewish conspiracy to corrupt Christmas. Add to this controlling of the banks and media, and we have a typical Arab sheikh and not the person who lives in a rich liberal community. Come on.
The first half was interesting to read, but the rest of the book lost touch with reality. IMHO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2015
Very thought provoking. I liked it but didn't love it.
February 27, 2019
An intermarriage novel
A very interesting book on intermarriage and the families involved! It would have been more interesting to know what happened to the Synagogue & Rabbi.
A very interesting book on intermarriage and the families involved! It would have been more interesting to know what happened to the Synagogue & Rabbi.
December 24, 2020
Thank you, Mr.Azrieli, for a wonderful story, not only a story of Christmas, but much more!
January 14, 2013
A Book for All Seasons and All Faiths!
We are each raised with the beliefs of our nuclear families, extended families, and our fore-bearers. Beliefs seem to be written in stone, and when we try to find our own way, we all too often meet stern resistance from our mates, from our children, from the family, and all others who are entrenched in their positions and fear that our changing our path threatens them.
Ah, but sometimes we meet someone who does not fit into the framework of our family's way; the beliefs of our family. Then the field is ours alone to plow.
Dr. Christian Dinwall, also know as Rusty, was the child of a Christian woman, a father he did not to grow up with as he was lost in Viet Nam. And then he met Rebecca, a Reform Jewish woman. Rusty converts. Not only does he convert, but becomes president of the Reform Synagogue where he feels welcomed; where he has found religious answers that he sought; where he feels he has made lifelong and friends he can count on for anything, just as he feels they can always count on him.
But, what happens when his daughter decides to marry into the Orthodox Jewish faith and follow the ancient and specific ways of Halacha? Suddenly Rusty's world turns upside down and all those nagging relics of his wife's way of worship, of his own, come charging to the foreground, upsetting the very core of he and his wife's and his friends existence.
Rusty now seeks to find a path to compassion, cooperation, sharing of two paths of life and beliefs.
What havoc can a Christmas tree and lights stir into this kosher pudding? You have no idea!
This is a tale you will never forget; a tale for all seasons, for all faiths, seemingly for all time.
This is a tale that will make you ask how you would react in a situation similar if it was your faith, your mores being tested.
This is a tale that will make you ponder if so many believe in one God how can we deliberately and continually smash to smithereens every attempt to bridge the gap that is ever constructed? How do we face the idea that despite the path we have chosen, we still sometimes find that we are a stranger in a strange land, one we thought we knew at the very level of soul?
So, is Rusty Rusty? Is he Jewish? Is he Christian in more than just the name he was baptized with?
This is a Christmas tree that you can decorate any time of year; these are lights that will light up things unseen.
This is an absolutely must read and ponder, once in a lifetime book. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone with any interest at all in adding trusses to the bridges that will heal the divisions of faith.
Bravo! So beautifully written, so painfully real.
Shalom!
We are each raised with the beliefs of our nuclear families, extended families, and our fore-bearers. Beliefs seem to be written in stone, and when we try to find our own way, we all too often meet stern resistance from our mates, from our children, from the family, and all others who are entrenched in their positions and fear that our changing our path threatens them.
Ah, but sometimes we meet someone who does not fit into the framework of our family's way; the beliefs of our family. Then the field is ours alone to plow.
Dr. Christian Dinwall, also know as Rusty, was the child of a Christian woman, a father he did not to grow up with as he was lost in Viet Nam. And then he met Rebecca, a Reform Jewish woman. Rusty converts. Not only does he convert, but becomes president of the Reform Synagogue where he feels welcomed; where he has found religious answers that he sought; where he feels he has made lifelong and friends he can count on for anything, just as he feels they can always count on him.
But, what happens when his daughter decides to marry into the Orthodox Jewish faith and follow the ancient and specific ways of Halacha? Suddenly Rusty's world turns upside down and all those nagging relics of his wife's way of worship, of his own, come charging to the foreground, upsetting the very core of he and his wife's and his friends existence.
Rusty now seeks to find a path to compassion, cooperation, sharing of two paths of life and beliefs.
What havoc can a Christmas tree and lights stir into this kosher pudding? You have no idea!
This is a tale you will never forget; a tale for all seasons, for all faiths, seemingly for all time.
This is a tale that will make you ask how you would react in a situation similar if it was your faith, your mores being tested.
This is a tale that will make you ponder if so many believe in one God how can we deliberately and continually smash to smithereens every attempt to bridge the gap that is ever constructed? How do we face the idea that despite the path we have chosen, we still sometimes find that we are a stranger in a strange land, one we thought we knew at the very level of soul?
So, is Rusty Rusty? Is he Jewish? Is he Christian in more than just the name he was baptized with?
This is a Christmas tree that you can decorate any time of year; these are lights that will light up things unseen.
This is an absolutely must read and ponder, once in a lifetime book. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone with any interest at all in adding trusses to the bridges that will heal the divisions of faith.
Bravo! So beautifully written, so painfully real.
Shalom!
January 7, 2017
I loved the character of Rusty Dinwall from the very first page. He is a well-respected, compassionate man, a heart surgeon, and a loving husband and father.
Indeed, after falling in love with Rebecca, over twenty years before, he even renounced Christianity, embraced her Jewish faith, and is now president of his local Reform synagogue. A happy and contented man leading a devout life, and helping others.
This story begins on Thursday September 24th, it is Rosh Hashanah Eve (Jewish New Year). Rusty and his wife Rebecca are looking forward to a Skype call that evening from their daughter Deborah who is away at university, and cannot join them for the celebrations. However, Deborah is not alone when she makes the call, and introduces them to her future husband Mordechai, an Orthodox Jew.
Deborah and Mordechai announce that they will be marrying on 20th December in New York, and then coming back to her home in Arizona for their honeymoon.
Although initially surprised at the swiftness of the wedding, Rusty and Rebecca arrive in New York excited at the forthcoming celebrations.
With their daughter happy and radiant nothing, it would seem could possibly spoil such a perfect day, that is, until Rabbi Mintzberg arrives. When the elderly orthodox Rabbi announces Rusty is a shaygetz (not a full Jew), Rusty is shocked at his words, and dismayed at the ramifications they will have on such a special day.
Reeling from the repercussions, hurt, confused and surprised at the reactions of those around him, he suddenly discovers that religious intolerance is evident even within the same faith. Searching for answers, and pondering his past, Rusty decides that he is going to make the young couples celebration of their marriage in his local Reform synagogue, a night to remember, which it is, in more ways than one…
As a parent, it is easy to understand both Rusty and Rebecca’s reactions, and ways of coping to the news of Deborah’s rapid marriage, and her decision to become an Orthodox Jew. Their natural reaction is to protect her but as an adult does she need their protection?
This book highlights very clearly how hard things can be for mixed faith families at special occasions, specific times of the year, and at family celebrations, which should be happy. However it also celebrates the strength of marriage, and commitment couples should make to each other.
This book is very different to the other spy thrillers I have read by this talented author, however, I have to say it is simply a wonderful story which is uplifting, yet heart rendering at the same time, and I would highly recommend it, whatever religion you follow.
Indeed, after falling in love with Rebecca, over twenty years before, he even renounced Christianity, embraced her Jewish faith, and is now president of his local Reform synagogue. A happy and contented man leading a devout life, and helping others.
This story begins on Thursday September 24th, it is Rosh Hashanah Eve (Jewish New Year). Rusty and his wife Rebecca are looking forward to a Skype call that evening from their daughter Deborah who is away at university, and cannot join them for the celebrations. However, Deborah is not alone when she makes the call, and introduces them to her future husband Mordechai, an Orthodox Jew.
Deborah and Mordechai announce that they will be marrying on 20th December in New York, and then coming back to her home in Arizona for their honeymoon.
Although initially surprised at the swiftness of the wedding, Rusty and Rebecca arrive in New York excited at the forthcoming celebrations.
With their daughter happy and radiant nothing, it would seem could possibly spoil such a perfect day, that is, until Rabbi Mintzberg arrives. When the elderly orthodox Rabbi announces Rusty is a shaygetz (not a full Jew), Rusty is shocked at his words, and dismayed at the ramifications they will have on such a special day.
Reeling from the repercussions, hurt, confused and surprised at the reactions of those around him, he suddenly discovers that religious intolerance is evident even within the same faith. Searching for answers, and pondering his past, Rusty decides that he is going to make the young couples celebration of their marriage in his local Reform synagogue, a night to remember, which it is, in more ways than one…
As a parent, it is easy to understand both Rusty and Rebecca’s reactions, and ways of coping to the news of Deborah’s rapid marriage, and her decision to become an Orthodox Jew. Their natural reaction is to protect her but as an adult does she need their protection?
This book highlights very clearly how hard things can be for mixed faith families at special occasions, specific times of the year, and at family celebrations, which should be happy. However it also celebrates the strength of marriage, and commitment couples should make to each other.
This book is very different to the other spy thrillers I have read by this talented author, however, I have to say it is simply a wonderful story which is uplifting, yet heart rendering at the same time, and I would highly recommend it, whatever religion you follow.
January 10, 2013
Avraham Azrieli has once again come up with a very engaging yet heart warming read that portrays the life of a couple where one leads Jewish faith but is of Christian roots and the other, a true Jew. This poignantly told story unveils the intricacies of being Christian and being accepted as a Jew even after following the Reform Jewish values meticulously. There are honest moments in this book where you sincerely get tugged at your heartstrings, where you empathise the protagonist, Rusty Dinwall and where you desperately yet willing take his stance of bringing the Jews and the Christians together. Rusty Dinwall is a heart surgeon who lives with his ever supportive wife, Rebecca in Arizona. Despite his mother being a pious Christian devotee, Rusty takes the spiritual path of embracing the Jewish faith. But what we will find charming in this amateur pianist is his sense of righteousness, his quick wits and his adorable sense of humour.
And most of all, we will be smitten by the good intentions with which he plans and executes, the otherwise quirky events. The couple's only daughter Debra is equally charming and is sure to find a place in your heart. She announces her marriage with Mordechai; who comes from a religiously fanatic Orthodox Jewish family, over a Skype video conference. And it is the marriage day that harshly brings the whole world around the happy Rusty crashing down as he has to face the cruel truth of acceptance in the Jewish community.
Christmas for Joshua is a book that will keep you thinking, long after you have read the book, on the conflicts faced by couples of interfaith marriage. It is also a pleasure to those who have love for the written word because, trust me, they are some drool worthy paragraphs that you would love to ruminate on and memorize.
And most of all, we will be smitten by the good intentions with which he plans and executes, the otherwise quirky events. The couple's only daughter Debra is equally charming and is sure to find a place in your heart. She announces her marriage with Mordechai; who comes from a religiously fanatic Orthodox Jewish family, over a Skype video conference. And it is the marriage day that harshly brings the whole world around the happy Rusty crashing down as he has to face the cruel truth of acceptance in the Jewish community.
Christmas for Joshua is a book that will keep you thinking, long after you have read the book, on the conflicts faced by couples of interfaith marriage. It is also a pleasure to those who have love for the written word because, trust me, they are some drool worthy paragraphs that you would love to ruminate on and memorize.
December 14, 2012
When Faith and Reality Clash!
Avraham Azrieli comes up again with a book that touches the heart. ‘Christmas for Joshua’ is a tale that unravels the chaos when religious faith and reality clash. The story is based on Rusty who converts his religion from Christianity to Judaism in order to marry a Jewish girl Rebecca. Little does he know that being a half Jew will bring upon him the biggest sorrows of his life- missing his only daughter’s wedding and being ridiculed for being a half Christian and half Jew. What more, he is the President of the synagogue and has devotedly served the synagogue all his life.
This story sheds a whole new light on the topic of religion being linked with happiness and satisfaction in real life. It takes different turns after Rusty has to face a lot of dicey situations even after being a devout Jew. Debra, his daughter is about to marry a man belonging to a strict Jewish family and when they come to know of Rusty being a converted Jew, they do not allow him to be a part of Debra’s wedding. Not only that, he is hurt by her in-laws’ behaviour towards him and is deeply saddened by the fact that his devotion to Judaism is not taken into consideration. To get rid of his frustration unknowingly he clings to his memories of being a Christian and remembers that Christmas used to be the happiest time of his life. This book tests every man’s religious faith and you do not need to be Christian or Jew to understand the pain of the protagonist, you just need to have your heart in the right place.
Avraham Azrieli is at his best again with this sensational book which will drive you towards your deep faith in God and the strong claws of orthodoxies and make you realise the difference between being faithful and being orthodox.
Avraham Azrieli comes up again with a book that touches the heart. ‘Christmas for Joshua’ is a tale that unravels the chaos when religious faith and reality clash. The story is based on Rusty who converts his religion from Christianity to Judaism in order to marry a Jewish girl Rebecca. Little does he know that being a half Jew will bring upon him the biggest sorrows of his life- missing his only daughter’s wedding and being ridiculed for being a half Christian and half Jew. What more, he is the President of the synagogue and has devotedly served the synagogue all his life.
This story sheds a whole new light on the topic of religion being linked with happiness and satisfaction in real life. It takes different turns after Rusty has to face a lot of dicey situations even after being a devout Jew. Debra, his daughter is about to marry a man belonging to a strict Jewish family and when they come to know of Rusty being a converted Jew, they do not allow him to be a part of Debra’s wedding. Not only that, he is hurt by her in-laws’ behaviour towards him and is deeply saddened by the fact that his devotion to Judaism is not taken into consideration. To get rid of his frustration unknowingly he clings to his memories of being a Christian and remembers that Christmas used to be the happiest time of his life. This book tests every man’s religious faith and you do not need to be Christian or Jew to understand the pain of the protagonist, you just need to have your heart in the right place.
Avraham Azrieli is at his best again with this sensational book which will drive you towards your deep faith in God and the strong claws of orthodoxies and make you realise the difference between being faithful and being orthodox.
December 22, 2012
An engrossing see-saw battle between Love and Religion
“Christmas for Joshua” by Avaham Azrieli is a poignant and enchanting novel painting the picture of a man torn between Love and Religion. The protagonist Dr.Dinwall Rusty sets out on an odyssey to explore the meaning of religion and love in a man’s life. His self introspective journey takes him towards many sojourns, but ultimately he discovers that Love is his Final Destination. Rusty’s commitment for Love is complete as he walks into Judaism to marry the love of his Life-Rebecca. Much Later, he chooses to walk out of Judaism to facilitate the triumph of his daughter’s love.
After converting to Judaism to marry Rebecca, Rusty observes all the rites of the religion studiously and even becomes the President of their King Solomon Synagogue. Just when the life seems honky-dory, Rusty is rocked out of his wits by a zealot Rabbi who declares him a pagan. He is rudely banished from his only daughter’s marriage. What follows is a traumatic and heart breaking quest to discover himself. It finally leads him and his wife to Vietnam in service of deprived people. Rusty’s selfless Love gets much-deserving recognition when his grandchild born on Christmas day is named after his father Joachim.
The fact that novel has been penned in first person makes it all the more attractive. Avaham Azrieli leaves no stone unturned to beautifully describe the customs of Jews.
At the end of the novel, I graduated as a much- matured person
“Christmas for Joshua” by Avaham Azrieli is a poignant and enchanting novel painting the picture of a man torn between Love and Religion. The protagonist Dr.Dinwall Rusty sets out on an odyssey to explore the meaning of religion and love in a man’s life. His self introspective journey takes him towards many sojourns, but ultimately he discovers that Love is his Final Destination. Rusty’s commitment for Love is complete as he walks into Judaism to marry the love of his Life-Rebecca. Much Later, he chooses to walk out of Judaism to facilitate the triumph of his daughter’s love.
After converting to Judaism to marry Rebecca, Rusty observes all the rites of the religion studiously and even becomes the President of their King Solomon Synagogue. Just when the life seems honky-dory, Rusty is rocked out of his wits by a zealot Rabbi who declares him a pagan. He is rudely banished from his only daughter’s marriage. What follows is a traumatic and heart breaking quest to discover himself. It finally leads him and his wife to Vietnam in service of deprived people. Rusty’s selfless Love gets much-deserving recognition when his grandchild born on Christmas day is named after his father Joachim.
The fact that novel has been penned in first person makes it all the more attractive. Avaham Azrieli leaves no stone unturned to beautifully describe the customs of Jews.
At the end of the novel, I graduated as a much- matured person
February 15, 2013
"Christmas for Joshua" by Avaham Azrieli is the story of Rusty Dinwall, a convert to Judaism for the love of his wife Rebecca. Rusty is a prominent doctor who also serves as the president of the board for his local synagogue. He and his wife seem to be leading a calm, loving life until they find out that their daughter Debra is marrying an Orthodox young man that she met in college. While the Dinwalls had raised their daughter in a Reform congregation, Debra has decided that she also wants to live in an Orthodox way.
Although the marriage is a sudden event, Rusty and Rebecca are okay with it. Until Rusty's life turns upside down at Debra's wedding. After that, Rusty is put on a spiritual journey that helps him better understand and accept where he has come from and where he wants to be. It's not easy, and not everyone understands what he is going through, but it is a journey that he must make, no matter what the consequences may be.
While this is a very different book than the other novels the author has penned, it still has the same intensity and draws the reader in until the very last page. It is not a thriller or adventure like his other books, but it is a journey that takes the main characters through questioning their most basic feelings on love, religion and how it all comes together with family and friends. It is certainly an interesting story that I would recommend to anyone.
Although the marriage is a sudden event, Rusty and Rebecca are okay with it. Until Rusty's life turns upside down at Debra's wedding. After that, Rusty is put on a spiritual journey that helps him better understand and accept where he has come from and where he wants to be. It's not easy, and not everyone understands what he is going through, but it is a journey that he must make, no matter what the consequences may be.
While this is a very different book than the other novels the author has penned, it still has the same intensity and draws the reader in until the very last page. It is not a thriller or adventure like his other books, but it is a journey that takes the main characters through questioning their most basic feelings on love, religion and how it all comes together with family and friends. It is certainly an interesting story that I would recommend to anyone.
May 13, 2013
Azrieli is an Israeli author who writes contemporary novels for the spiritually inclined. His effort "Christmas for Joshua" was recommended to me by a friend, despite the fact that she knows I'm not terribly religious. When I first saw the title, my response was "thanks, but no thanks," but she insisted and so I acquiesced.
To my surprise there was much to like here. The story is focused around a father, Rusty, a man who converted to Judaism from Christianity early in life to marry his wife, and the impending marriage of his daughter, Debra.
I don't like to give away too much in my reviews, but there's a number of complex issues here handled with delicacy and care. Debra falls in love with an Orthodox man, worrying her father as to the understood strictness of that sect, especially concerning women. At the wedding, his own faith is tested when the groom's parents doubt his religious "purity," catalyzing an internal struggle for meaning vis-a-vis the already fruitful wedding narrative.
Azrieli does a fantastic job contextualizing this in a contemporary setting, making the family's struggles, particularly the father's, seem tangible and realistic. It brings to mind some of the best films made on the topic of racial purity, notably WEST SIDE STORY and even the HARRY POTTER series. I was happily surprised when I finished reading the book. I learned a lot about religions that aren't my own, and it was also an engrossing character study.
To my surprise there was much to like here. The story is focused around a father, Rusty, a man who converted to Judaism from Christianity early in life to marry his wife, and the impending marriage of his daughter, Debra.
I don't like to give away too much in my reviews, but there's a number of complex issues here handled with delicacy and care. Debra falls in love with an Orthodox man, worrying her father as to the understood strictness of that sect, especially concerning women. At the wedding, his own faith is tested when the groom's parents doubt his religious "purity," catalyzing an internal struggle for meaning vis-a-vis the already fruitful wedding narrative.
Azrieli does a fantastic job contextualizing this in a contemporary setting, making the family's struggles, particularly the father's, seem tangible and realistic. It brings to mind some of the best films made on the topic of racial purity, notably WEST SIDE STORY and even the HARRY POTTER series. I was happily surprised when I finished reading the book. I learned a lot about religions that aren't my own, and it was also an engrossing character study.
September 29, 2013
I recently found Avraham Azrieli, and because I enjoy a good thriller the rest of his novels--"The Jerusalem Inception", "The Jerusalem Assassin", "The Masada Complex", etc.--were right up my alley, so I figured I'd go ahead and give this a shot as well, and while this novel was definitely a change of pace I found that I enjoyed it just as much (if not more) as his thrillers. Even though this novel was shorter than the others it actually ended up taking me longer to read, I found myself wanting to slow down and really digest the book instead of sitting at the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next, mostly because this was a more adult novel (and by adult I mean thoughtful). Azrieli's signature themes and styles are still very much in the book as well. The backdrop of religion as a source of conflict, excellent characterization, and thoroughly researched content, all still shine in this novel, and by switching out spies and espionage with families struggling with religious differences we get an experience that while different from his previous works, feels all the more real. After reading this novel Azrieli went from an author that I'd happily read for some quick entertainment, to one whose works I will actively seek out and try to learn from. You can see the growth and level of maturity increase the author has had, and while there might be a few hiccups in the pace (and ending) of the story, the content found is more than worth picking up.
December 8, 2013
This book is about a good man with noble intentions, a heart surgeon,a father and devoted husband who sacrificed his faith, his belief in Christ, his love for Christmas and converted to Judaism for his wife, only to be ridiculed by his daughter's snotty orthodox new family.
First of all I was really mad on Christian Dinwall aka Rusty's behalf because at the end of the day we are ALL the same in GOD'S eyes. We are all humans regardless of our race or religion. The fact that they refused to let him participate in his only child's wedding ceremony made me see 'red' on his behalf.
Plus the BS they put him thru and the persuasion to become a 'real Jew' only ridiculed the Jewish belief/faith in my opinion.
Then his wife...OMG, I felt like hitting her across the head to make her see how ridiculous and insensitive she was.
Then Rabbi Rachel...omg I hope she gets what she deserves.
I know it's only a book but things like this happen in real life. This book made me understand some Jewish traditions and beliefs better.
This book is a FANTASTIC read, got me making side comments to myself and to people around me, while I read it. It really got to me.
I am sure the Vietnamese would appreciate Dr Christian Dinwall (I refuse to call him Rusty, lol) for the awesome human being he is and not his faith...as for his wife and new in-laws...no comment.
I have read several of Avraham's books but this one got me really emotional. A must read!!!
First of all I was really mad on Christian Dinwall aka Rusty's behalf because at the end of the day we are ALL the same in GOD'S eyes. We are all humans regardless of our race or religion. The fact that they refused to let him participate in his only child's wedding ceremony made me see 'red' on his behalf.
Plus the BS they put him thru and the persuasion to become a 'real Jew' only ridiculed the Jewish belief/faith in my opinion.
Then his wife...OMG, I felt like hitting her across the head to make her see how ridiculous and insensitive she was.
Then Rabbi Rachel...omg I hope she gets what she deserves.
I know it's only a book but things like this happen in real life. This book made me understand some Jewish traditions and beliefs better.
This book is a FANTASTIC read, got me making side comments to myself and to people around me, while I read it. It really got to me.
I am sure the Vietnamese would appreciate Dr Christian Dinwall (I refuse to call him Rusty, lol) for the awesome human being he is and not his faith...as for his wife and new in-laws...no comment.
I have read several of Avraham's books but this one got me really emotional. A must read!!!
December 14, 2012
Christmas for Joshua is the story of a man named Christian 'Rusty' Dinwall. Set in America, he and his wife follow the Jewish faith, a faith that he had changed many years ago after meeting his wife and converting from Christianity. He gave up any beliefs of christianity to be with her. His daughter then turns his world upside down when she marries a kosher jew, a similar religion with much stricter guidelines.
His family do not believe that Rusty is a 'real' Jew and banishes him from sight. From there, all that he and his wife's beliefs are thrown into chaos. His wife wants to change their entire beliefs to be with their daughter where as he is trying to find the balance between what he knows and what he gave up so many years before.
This is an enchanting story of a man struggling with two very different religions, Christianity and Judaism. For anyone who does not understand the Jewish faith this is an excellent read. It is a sad tale of a mans fight with his family and his faith. You feel sorry for him and you want to help him find a solution but as with religion it is always a hard subject to grasp.
The author has written this story so well that it will leave you with a smile and a certain feeling of warmth. It will also bring a feeling of unity, through religion and family.
I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to anyone. Five starts all round.
His family do not believe that Rusty is a 'real' Jew and banishes him from sight. From there, all that he and his wife's beliefs are thrown into chaos. His wife wants to change their entire beliefs to be with their daughter where as he is trying to find the balance between what he knows and what he gave up so many years before.
This is an enchanting story of a man struggling with two very different religions, Christianity and Judaism. For anyone who does not understand the Jewish faith this is an excellent read. It is a sad tale of a mans fight with his family and his faith. You feel sorry for him and you want to help him find a solution but as with religion it is always a hard subject to grasp.
The author has written this story so well that it will leave you with a smile and a certain feeling of warmth. It will also bring a feeling of unity, through religion and family.
I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to anyone. Five starts all round.
August 1, 2013
Christmas for Joshua is the first short novel I've enjoyed in a long time. It is an intricately woven tale of honest, revered (and yet often flawed) characters. Even the characters that are not ultimately integral to the overall story are intriguing and well developed. This makes the read not only entertaining but flow with an ease that many stories do not. There are no jarring interruptions, only growth of the main characters and a sense of understanding of the world the lead lives in by introducing the colorful people he encounters. The main story line is an imaginative yet realistic look at religion, family and the ultimately inevitable changes that occur in your life without your "consent." Rusty Dinwall, our narrator, is likeable and charming without being smarmy or over played. It should also be noted that Azrieli carefully walks the thin line between taking your audience's knowledge for granted and treating them like they are ignorant. Many of the terms and phrases used were foreign to me but the author manages to explain them without beating me over the head or saying, "this is what that phrase means." This made the story pleasing not only from a character, over all arch and conflict point of view, but also from a learning-something-new point of view. I highly recommend Christmas for Joshua for any audience of any religion or any story style interest.
July 12, 2012
Rusty Dinwall, M.D. faces an evaluation of religious faith, family values, and life principles in Christmas for Joshua by Avraham Azrieli. Struggling with possible break-up of his marriage Rusty begins evaluating the important things in his life. Recalling that he changed religious faiths to marry Rebecca, Rusty wonders if his only daughter converted her religious faith in to marry the man she loves. Constant assessment of family values intertwined with life principles plagues constantly. What should he do or be willing to do?
The author shows evidence of much research. Numerous musical facts are revealed in an effort to draw community together. Jewish history is skillfully blended into the story. Biblical facts are sprinkled in various areas. Other facts are used also as the story blends, weaves, and throws curves to the reader. Yet the book reads easily.
Vivid detail allows the reader to see and feel the various scenes captured in the story. Conversations convey emotions. Reader feels love, hate, loyalty, obedience, fear, and greed. Confusion and intense pain stab the reader in unexpected ways.
Christmas for Joshua by Avraham Azrieli offers a quick read. It also offers a few thoughts for pondering.
The author shows evidence of much research. Numerous musical facts are revealed in an effort to draw community together. Jewish history is skillfully blended into the story. Biblical facts are sprinkled in various areas. Other facts are used also as the story blends, weaves, and throws curves to the reader. Yet the book reads easily.
Vivid detail allows the reader to see and feel the various scenes captured in the story. Conversations convey emotions. Reader feels love, hate, loyalty, obedience, fear, and greed. Confusion and intense pain stab the reader in unexpected ways.
Christmas for Joshua by Avraham Azrieli offers a quick read. It also offers a few thoughts for pondering.
March 7, 2013
Christmas for Joshua
All I can say is WOW!!! Avraham Azreli has done it again.
After I finished reading Christmas for Joshua, I had to digest it. I had to think about it. What are the struggles people go through who determine to change their faith from one belief to another? The compromises a person makes in this situation is at the heart of this heartwarming novel.
Everything is going great for heart surgeon, Rusty & his wife Rebecca, until their daughter Debra, falls in-love with Mordechai, a “Black Hat”, and in doing so Debra must live the Orthodox life. As president of his progressive synagogue, Rusty’s Christian past never seemed to be an issue, but now he must make some really hard decisions. How will his daughter’s Orthodox life affect him and Rebecca? Will he be accepted by the Orthodoxy as he is by his synagogue? Will he remain a converted Hebrew or will he decide to re-convert back to Christianity?
Avraham Azreli shows his dramady chops with Christmas for Joshua. His quick wit one liners had me laughing out loud so much so that eye’s would train on me. Yet, with all the humor, the depth of the story was not lost. He tells it with such humanity. My heart rejoiced and broke for Rusty. Yes, this too is a “Must Read.” And yes, 5 Stars!!!
All I can say is WOW!!! Avraham Azreli has done it again.
After I finished reading Christmas for Joshua, I had to digest it. I had to think about it. What are the struggles people go through who determine to change their faith from one belief to another? The compromises a person makes in this situation is at the heart of this heartwarming novel.
Everything is going great for heart surgeon, Rusty & his wife Rebecca, until their daughter Debra, falls in-love with Mordechai, a “Black Hat”, and in doing so Debra must live the Orthodox life. As president of his progressive synagogue, Rusty’s Christian past never seemed to be an issue, but now he must make some really hard decisions. How will his daughter’s Orthodox life affect him and Rebecca? Will he be accepted by the Orthodoxy as he is by his synagogue? Will he remain a converted Hebrew or will he decide to re-convert back to Christianity?
Avraham Azreli shows his dramady chops with Christmas for Joshua. His quick wit one liners had me laughing out loud so much so that eye’s would train on me. Yet, with all the humor, the depth of the story was not lost. He tells it with such humanity. My heart rejoiced and broke for Rusty. Yes, this too is a “Must Read.” And yes, 5 Stars!!!
December 12, 2012
An Adequate, Gratifying read!
If you have never thought twice about your religion or faith, this book definitely makes you to turn back and think. The story is of a man called Rusty, once a Christian converted to Jewish for his wife Rebecca. Life is smooth until the day comes for his daughter's wedding. She decides to marry an orthodox Jew and according to their religion, Rusty being a half Jew isn't allowed to even attend his daughter's wedding! This is when Rusty realizes pain and conflicting emotions. All these years of locked up religious faith and untold stories open up.
The book might be entirely about Christianity and Jewish religion, but the message and the underlying concept holds good for every human. This is a wonderfully written script with such details that the person reading it gets completely carried away. The language is straight with no flowery wordings and makes the reader turn the pages fast. There is so much information in this book and at the end of it all, it becomes a great package! I would recommend this book for all the book lovers out there waiting to read during the holidays.
If you have never thought twice about your religion or faith, this book definitely makes you to turn back and think. The story is of a man called Rusty, once a Christian converted to Jewish for his wife Rebecca. Life is smooth until the day comes for his daughter's wedding. She decides to marry an orthodox Jew and according to their religion, Rusty being a half Jew isn't allowed to even attend his daughter's wedding! This is when Rusty realizes pain and conflicting emotions. All these years of locked up religious faith and untold stories open up.
The book might be entirely about Christianity and Jewish religion, but the message and the underlying concept holds good for every human. This is a wonderfully written script with such details that the person reading it gets completely carried away. The language is straight with no flowery wordings and makes the reader turn the pages fast. There is so much information in this book and at the end of it all, it becomes a great package! I would recommend this book for all the book lovers out there waiting to read during the holidays.
February 13, 2013
Reading "Christmas for Joshua" is a journey into one man's mind as he tries to define his life decades after leaving the Catholic Church and becoming a Reformed Jew.
The struggle begins with our main character Rusty's only daughter's sudden engagement to a young Orthodox college man. After traveling to New York, he finds himself shut out of the wedding ceremony literally at the last minute for not being a "real Jew." A life defining decision is asked of him and thus begins his increasingly desperate attempts to win over his wife and daughter and to hang on to his current way of life.
A great many theological questions are raised and some are answered to the main character's satisfaction but the over riding question is never fully resolved. There is also the question of his Rabbi's actions left hanging. There are occcasions when leaving some story lines open for the reader to decide works. In this case it felt incomplete, at the end of the novel the shift from Rusty's (Christian's) point of view was jarring and felt disjointed. It's as if the author ran out of time to finish the story.
The struggle begins with our main character Rusty's only daughter's sudden engagement to a young Orthodox college man. After traveling to New York, he finds himself shut out of the wedding ceremony literally at the last minute for not being a "real Jew." A life defining decision is asked of him and thus begins his increasingly desperate attempts to win over his wife and daughter and to hang on to his current way of life.
A great many theological questions are raised and some are answered to the main character's satisfaction but the over riding question is never fully resolved. There is also the question of his Rabbi's actions left hanging. There are occcasions when leaving some story lines open for the reader to decide works. In this case it felt incomplete, at the end of the novel the shift from Rusty's (Christian's) point of view was jarring and felt disjointed. It's as if the author ran out of time to finish the story.
September 23, 2013
I enjoyed this book and no matter your religion background or non-affiliation, you will likely enjoy it too.
This book is a story surrounding the quick marriage of college students who are both Jewish but met at Orthodox services. The boy is from this conservative background, as the girl’s maternal parents were but her parents attend a Reform synagogue with a female Rabbi and up until meeting her new husband, the daughter was also progressive and forward thinking about women’s rights. On her clear path to become a great doctor she marries an Orthodox Jew and vows to follow his faith.
This book is interestingly told in the POV of the girl’s father, a convert to Judaism. I hope the author considers writing this same story again through the POV of the daughter or the current voice’s son-in-law. I would love to be in the daughter’s head to know if she considered her choice’s true affect on her family—particularly her father.
From early on this novel had me relating to the characters, although in reality there are not many similarities between any of the characters and me. But the author has a good way of tying you in so you empathize with the characters right away.
This book is a story surrounding the quick marriage of college students who are both Jewish but met at Orthodox services. The boy is from this conservative background, as the girl’s maternal parents were but her parents attend a Reform synagogue with a female Rabbi and up until meeting her new husband, the daughter was also progressive and forward thinking about women’s rights. On her clear path to become a great doctor she marries an Orthodox Jew and vows to follow his faith.
This book is interestingly told in the POV of the girl’s father, a convert to Judaism. I hope the author considers writing this same story again through the POV of the daughter or the current voice’s son-in-law. I would love to be in the daughter’s head to know if she considered her choice’s true affect on her family—particularly her father.
From early on this novel had me relating to the characters, although in reality there are not many similarities between any of the characters and me. But the author has a good way of tying you in so you empathize with the characters right away.
August 9, 2013
"Christmas for Joshua" is a heart-warming story of family, religion and the joining two families through marriage. Written in the father's point of view, this is a story of his daughter getting married and all the religious complications it causes for all of their lives. When reading the summary of the book with the line about things "spinning out of control", I was expecting there to be spies and conspiracies. I had obviously read Azrieli's other books.
I loved the main character, Rusty (Christian) Dinwall. He was funny, witty, creative, loving and a religious family man. He has great love for his wife, daughter and his church, so much so that he takes very large risks to try to find common ground between the religious beliefs of his childhood upbringing, his reformed Judaism he shares with his wife and the Orthodox Judaism his daughter has become.
I felt so bad for Rusty and his struggles throughout the book. It was a great story that makes you want to call your parents and children while looking forward to December. I immensely enjoyed that all of the chapters were named with Christmas songs. Very clever on the author's part.
I loved the main character, Rusty (Christian) Dinwall. He was funny, witty, creative, loving and a religious family man. He has great love for his wife, daughter and his church, so much so that he takes very large risks to try to find common ground between the religious beliefs of his childhood upbringing, his reformed Judaism he shares with his wife and the Orthodox Judaism his daughter has become.
I felt so bad for Rusty and his struggles throughout the book. It was a great story that makes you want to call your parents and children while looking forward to December. I immensely enjoyed that all of the chapters were named with Christmas songs. Very clever on the author's part.
August 26, 2013
Through a sometimes painfully predictable narrative, author Azrieli makes a very conscientious effort to address the great theosophical schism existing between Christianity and Judaism, illustrating the ultimately devastatingly hurtful social consequences of extremely rigid, fundamentalist application of either sect’s doctrinal tenets. Like Rodney King’s now immortalized cry, “Can’t we all just get along?”, Azrieli exercises faith-centric arguments to seemingly promote a do no harm, live and let live, tolerant society via, appropriately enough, a sensitive, Jewish-convert heart surgeon (who also, incidentally, ends up working for Doctors without Borders by the end of the story). Azrieli uses rather heavy-handed imagery to emphasize how the tyranny of two millennia of ideological sparring continues to poison the very core of human connection, citing that inflexibility can, and usually does, lead to hypocrisy of the highest order, and that peaceful coexistence is a conscious and relatively simple choice, an idea that most people seem unable to grasp. This is not the author’s best work, but he does manage to make several socially relevant points.
Read
December 14, 2012From the writer of The Mormon Candidatecomes a book about Judiasm that will leave you laughing and rooting for good to prevail. For a happily married VA doctor life is good until his college Junior daughter calls to say she is getting married. There is one more surprise when she tells her mom and dad that she is marrying a Orthodox Jew when she was raised as un-Orthodox!
Trouble begins when as the men sit to sign the marriage papers that Rusty asks the Rabbi does he start his signature with his Christian born name and he gets shunned from the wedding for not being Orthodox.
This leads Rusty aka christian to want to relieve some of his holiday traditions but there is a price to pay for it. Is he willing to lose everything and everyone so that he can have a Christmas tree and other decorations? What will happen between he and his wife Rebecca when she wants to return to being Orthodox?
Find out for yourself when you read Christmas for Joshua, you will love it!
Trouble begins when as the men sit to sign the marriage papers that Rusty asks the Rabbi does he start his signature with his Christian born name and he gets shunned from the wedding for not being Orthodox.
This leads Rusty aka christian to want to relieve some of his holiday traditions but there is a price to pay for it. Is he willing to lose everything and everyone so that he can have a Christmas tree and other decorations? What will happen between he and his wife Rebecca when she wants to return to being Orthodox?
Find out for yourself when you read Christmas for Joshua, you will love it!
December 20, 2012
A true Christmas gift for book lovers!
I am not a person of great religious belief or faith. Still, I went on to read this book and once started, I couldn't think of putting it down. Rusty is a Christian who married a Jew and he converted to his wife's religion. He is a heart surgeon and has a smooth life with his wife Rebecca and daughter Debra. His daughter Debra decides to marry an Orthodox Jew and Rusty being a half jew, is not even allowed to attend his own daughter's wedding. This frustrates Rusty and he starts questioning all about his religion and the faith involved.
The author has filled the book with so much information, that a reader like me can easily read and understand. The detailing and the usage of day-to-day language sounds so good and makes the book a comfortable read. The witty and argumentative conversations between the husband and wife are a treat to the reader.
If you are looking to read during the holidays, I would definitely recommend this work of fiction.
I am not a person of great religious belief or faith. Still, I went on to read this book and once started, I couldn't think of putting it down. Rusty is a Christian who married a Jew and he converted to his wife's religion. He is a heart surgeon and has a smooth life with his wife Rebecca and daughter Debra. His daughter Debra decides to marry an Orthodox Jew and Rusty being a half jew, is not even allowed to attend his own daughter's wedding. This frustrates Rusty and he starts questioning all about his religion and the faith involved.
The author has filled the book with so much information, that a reader like me can easily read and understand. The detailing and the usage of day-to-day language sounds so good and makes the book a comfortable read. The witty and argumentative conversations between the husband and wife are a treat to the reader.
If you are looking to read during the holidays, I would definitely recommend this work of fiction.
December 20, 2012
A complete package !
This book of Avraham Azrieli talks about medicine, religion, people and all about the cultural differences. Rusty, a heart surgeon was born a Christian and then converted to Jewish because he fell in love and married a Jew. They have a beautiful daughter Debra and she is into college. The time Debra breaks the news of her wedding to Mordechai, an Orthodox Jew, things change in their life. Rusty worries for his daughter and the severity of the religion, but Debra is strong in her decision. All the religious and cultural differences takes Rusty for a ride.
This book has powerful emotions and gives insight into situations that people have no control over. The main character Rusty is being tossed in the midst of his family, friends and professional life. It is interesting to read how he manages them all. The descriptions regarding the medical world is so informative, along with all the Christianity and Jewish language. The author makes a simple reader like me read with ease. Looking forward to more of such work.
This book of Avraham Azrieli talks about medicine, religion, people and all about the cultural differences. Rusty, a heart surgeon was born a Christian and then converted to Jewish because he fell in love and married a Jew. They have a beautiful daughter Debra and she is into college. The time Debra breaks the news of her wedding to Mordechai, an Orthodox Jew, things change in their life. Rusty worries for his daughter and the severity of the religion, but Debra is strong in her decision. All the religious and cultural differences takes Rusty for a ride.
This book has powerful emotions and gives insight into situations that people have no control over. The main character Rusty is being tossed in the midst of his family, friends and professional life. It is interesting to read how he manages them all. The descriptions regarding the medical world is so informative, along with all the Christianity and Jewish language. The author makes a simple reader like me read with ease. Looking forward to more of such work.
December 24, 2012
This book was truly a delight to read. I found myself unable to stop reading once I began. I was almost immediately pulled in to the story and was eager to know more. Being a Christian, I was curious as to how the story would be told and how the main character would be converted to Judaism. Of course I was not surprised to see the enticing element being love. But beyond my mere curiosity on how the story would be told, I found myself reading more and learning. I was given a glance in to the mind, practices, and beliefs of another religion, one I apparently knew very little about. I found myself wanting to know more about the faith and the people as well as what would happen next to the characters in the book. I found myself feeling emotions for the characters, sympathizing with them, hurting for them, and growing with them spiritually and emotionally. It was a wonderful book, very enjoyable, and I highly recommend that others take the time to celebrate the life and love of those in this story.
May 31, 2013
This novel was unlike anything I had read before. The protagonist, Dr. Dinwall, is sincere in his quest to align his Christian upbringing with his conversion to Judaism for his family, though he becomes somewhat repetitive in his attempts. I appreciated his reflections on faith, which inspired me to reflect on my own religion and attitudes toward others. The author has obviously studied world religion extensively; scriptural excerpts and quotes were appropriate and well-used. At times throughout the novel, the religious tenets and cultural practices of both Christianity and Judaism were challenged. While the protagonist and his family offered redeeming examples of Judaism, however, there was no redemptive Christian character. The characters were quite likeable, though towards the end of the story they became less consistent, as other reviewers mention. The ending also felt a bit tacked on, as if it was unclear how to conclude this novel in which the point had already been made. Overall, an engrossing and stimulating book that I am glad I read!
June 20, 2013
Christmas for Joshua is a thought-provoking story about one man's journey of fully discovering/accepting his own identity as a Jewish convert from Christianity. His inner turmoil begins when his daughter meets an orthodox suitor, and becomes increasingly (disturbingly?) more devout.
Forced to contend with issues surrounding his own religious identity (which he had not fully explored at the time of his religious conversion as a young man about to be married himself to a Jewish woman), Rusty Dinwall has a series of trying experiences involving his new Orthodox in-laws, his own reform Jewish community, and his own family members.
The novel explores religious/racial tolerance, familial tensions, and marital loyalty. While not one for action-lovers, the book is beautifully and poignantly written, and explores issues central to humanity itself.
Especially fitting for the holiday season, it leaves one feeling compassion, tolerance, and love for Christians and Jews alike. It was a very enjoying read, and I will be looking for more books from this author.
Forced to contend with issues surrounding his own religious identity (which he had not fully explored at the time of his religious conversion as a young man about to be married himself to a Jewish woman), Rusty Dinwall has a series of trying experiences involving his new Orthodox in-laws, his own reform Jewish community, and his own family members.
The novel explores religious/racial tolerance, familial tensions, and marital loyalty. While not one for action-lovers, the book is beautifully and poignantly written, and explores issues central to humanity itself.
Especially fitting for the holiday season, it leaves one feeling compassion, tolerance, and love for Christians and Jews alike. It was a very enjoying read, and I will be looking for more books from this author.
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