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Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus: How the Torah fulfills its goal in Yeshua
In “Reading Moses – Seeing Jesus”, we give our Messianic Jewish perspective to the following questions:
What is the purpose of the law?
Why did God give the Torah in the first place?
Did Messiah come to point us back to the law?
Are we under the law?
Should we follow Rabbinic traditions?
What about our Hebraic Roots?
Should we keep the Torah? How?
In this short book, Dr. Seth Postell (our academic dean), Eitan Bar (our media-evangelism director), and Dr. Erez Soref (our president) will deal with these questions. This book is the first to have been published by One For Israel.
Review
“At a time when there is much confusion about the believer's relationship to the law of Moses, Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus brings clarity, and it does so with light, not heat. What a helpful book for all followers of Yeshua, but particularly for Messianic Jews. Authors Postell, Bar, and Soref maintain a high and respectful perspective of Torah while demonstrating its continued role of pointing to the One of whom Moses wrote. If you want to understand the significance of the Torah and its relationship to those who are followers of Messiah, read this outstanding book. And while reading, keep your Bible at hand, take notes, become enlightened and be transformed.” (Michael Rydelnik, Professor of Jewish Studies and Bible, Moody Bible Institute Syndicated Radio Host and Teacher, Open Line with Dr. Michael Rydelnik Author of The Messianic Hope and Co-editor and contributor, The Moody Bible Commentary)
“Most Christians believe the apostle Paul’s assertion to Timothy that ‘all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable’ for disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. But how many Christians truly study the Old Testament in their own devotions, or feel that they really understand the differences in―and the relationship between―the Old and New Testaments? Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus is a tremendous resource for anyone interested in understanding the ‘whole counsel’ of Scripture, the fundamental purpose of the Mosaic law, the power of the Messianic prophecies, and how to engage in effective and fruitful Jewish evangelism and discipleship. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to pastors and lay people alike!”
(Joel C. Rosenberg, New York Times best-selling author, Bible teacher and founder of The Joshua Fund)
“We are often told that by traditional Jews that they don’t need Yeshua because they have the Torah. Yet Yeshua told the Jewish leaders of his day that, if they truly believed Moses, they would believe in him. How can this be? The authors of this exciting new book, written with humility and clarity, and based on solid academic research, explain just what Yeshua meant, even demonstrating that the ultimate goal of the Torah is to point to him. Your eyes will be opened as you read.”
(Michael L. Brown, President, FIRE School of Ministry, author, Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus (5 vols.))
“The one most confusing issue among Messianic Jews (and today, also among many Gentiles believers) is the role of the Torah in the life of the believer. In the movement there are many who claim to be ‘Torah observant’ but fail to read the details of what was commanded by God through Moses, and often as they claim to keep the Torah, they are actually breaking the specific laws involved in keeping the Torah. In the end, while they are preaching Torah, they practice grace. Thus the publication of Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus is a welcome contribution to the discussion that will clearly clarify all the issues from a solid biblical perspective and help many believers reach a biblical balance on the role and purpose of the Torah.” (Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Founder and Director, Ariel Ministries)
“The discussion of the law and believers in Messiah has been a topic of discussion ever since Jesus showed up and many Jews and Gentiles proclaimed him as the fulfillment of promise. This is a brilliant little book showing Torah was not just about law but also about the prospect of promise and the need for that Messiah. What Torah promised pointed ultimately of the need for God working from within. That message rings loud and clear in this book with an explanation to match.”
(Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement; Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary)
“Christians have discussed and debated for centuries the role of the law now that Christ has come. The authors of this delightful and clear book show that the Old Testament itself teaches that the law cannot save. Indeed, a right reading of the Old Testament points to the Messiah as the one who forgives sins, and thus Christians are oriented fundamentally to Jesus instead of the law. Here we have a biblical-theological reading of the Old Testament that is insightful and instructive, and readers will see the wonderful unity of the wh...
What is the purpose of the law?
Why did God give the Torah in the first place?
Did Messiah come to point us back to the law?
Are we under the law?
Should we follow Rabbinic traditions?
What about our Hebraic Roots?
Should we keep the Torah? How?
In this short book, Dr. Seth Postell (our academic dean), Eitan Bar (our media-evangelism director), and Dr. Erez Soref (our president) will deal with these questions. This book is the first to have been published by One For Israel.
Review
“At a time when there is much confusion about the believer's relationship to the law of Moses, Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus brings clarity, and it does so with light, not heat. What a helpful book for all followers of Yeshua, but particularly for Messianic Jews. Authors Postell, Bar, and Soref maintain a high and respectful perspective of Torah while demonstrating its continued role of pointing to the One of whom Moses wrote. If you want to understand the significance of the Torah and its relationship to those who are followers of Messiah, read this outstanding book. And while reading, keep your Bible at hand, take notes, become enlightened and be transformed.” (Michael Rydelnik, Professor of Jewish Studies and Bible, Moody Bible Institute Syndicated Radio Host and Teacher, Open Line with Dr. Michael Rydelnik Author of The Messianic Hope and Co-editor and contributor, The Moody Bible Commentary)
“Most Christians believe the apostle Paul’s assertion to Timothy that ‘all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable’ for disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. But how many Christians truly study the Old Testament in their own devotions, or feel that they really understand the differences in―and the relationship between―the Old and New Testaments? Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus is a tremendous resource for anyone interested in understanding the ‘whole counsel’ of Scripture, the fundamental purpose of the Mosaic law, the power of the Messianic prophecies, and how to engage in effective and fruitful Jewish evangelism and discipleship. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to pastors and lay people alike!”
(Joel C. Rosenberg, New York Times best-selling author, Bible teacher and founder of The Joshua Fund)
“We are often told that by traditional Jews that they don’t need Yeshua because they have the Torah. Yet Yeshua told the Jewish leaders of his day that, if they truly believed Moses, they would believe in him. How can this be? The authors of this exciting new book, written with humility and clarity, and based on solid academic research, explain just what Yeshua meant, even demonstrating that the ultimate goal of the Torah is to point to him. Your eyes will be opened as you read.”
(Michael L. Brown, President, FIRE School of Ministry, author, Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus (5 vols.))
“The one most confusing issue among Messianic Jews (and today, also among many Gentiles believers) is the role of the Torah in the life of the believer. In the movement there are many who claim to be ‘Torah observant’ but fail to read the details of what was commanded by God through Moses, and often as they claim to keep the Torah, they are actually breaking the specific laws involved in keeping the Torah. In the end, while they are preaching Torah, they practice grace. Thus the publication of Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus is a welcome contribution to the discussion that will clearly clarify all the issues from a solid biblical perspective and help many believers reach a biblical balance on the role and purpose of the Torah.” (Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Founder and Director, Ariel Ministries)
“The discussion of the law and believers in Messiah has been a topic of discussion ever since Jesus showed up and many Jews and Gentiles proclaimed him as the fulfillment of promise. This is a brilliant little book showing Torah was not just about law but also about the prospect of promise and the need for that Messiah. What Torah promised pointed ultimately of the need for God working from within. That message rings loud and clear in this book with an explanation to match.”
(Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement; Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary)
“Christians have discussed and debated for centuries the role of the law now that Christ has come. The authors of this delightful and clear book show that the Old Testament itself teaches that the law cannot save. Indeed, a right reading of the Old Testament points to the Messiah as the one who forgives sins, and thus Christians are oriented fundamentally to Jesus instead of the law. Here we have a biblical-theological reading of the Old Testament that is insightful and instructive, and readers will see the wonderful unity of the wh...
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First published June 30, 2015
438 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Eitan Bar
43 books58 followersDr. Eitan Bar (born 1984, Tel Aviv) is a Bible scholar, author, and Israeli-Jewish follower of Jesus with multiple advanced degrees in Bible and theology. His unique background—living in Israel, being a native Hebrew speaker, and possessing advanced Christian education—provides a fresh and timely perspective on Christian beliefs and doctrines.
Dr. Bar co-founded ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry, a Messianic Reformed Baptist non-profit and Bible college. He later left the organization in 2022 and deconstructed his Baptistic-Calvinistic beliefs, becoming an independent author of several books, including a few best-sellers (available on Amazon.com)
Eitan frequently lectures worldwide, primarily in Europe and the U.S., and his Hebrew-language videos, with over 25 million views, have made him a widely recognized figure in Israel for representing faith in Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus).
Dr. Bar co-founded ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry, a Messianic Reformed Baptist non-profit and Bible college. He later left the organization in 2022 and deconstructed his Baptistic-Calvinistic beliefs, becoming an independent author of several books, including a few best-sellers (available on Amazon.com)
Eitan frequently lectures worldwide, primarily in Europe and the U.S., and his Hebrew-language videos, with over 25 million views, have made him a widely recognized figure in Israel for representing faith in Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 12, 2021
Excellent Substance & Presentation
The authors present an insight into Jewish traditions very useful to understanding the Law's purpose. Even more valuable to me, this book has exposed a depth of wisdom in Scripture as yet unexplored in my personal study. Most welcome from this book was a richness in my view of my Messiah.
The authors present an insight into Jewish traditions very useful to understanding the Law's purpose. Even more valuable to me, this book has exposed a depth of wisdom in Scripture as yet unexplored in my personal study. Most welcome from this book was a richness in my view of my Messiah.
September 4, 2024
“The Law witnesses against us, points us to Yeshua, teaches us about God, offers us wisdom and insight, deepens our understanding of the person and work of Yeshua, and challenges us to love God and our neighbor. We have seen how followers of Messiah Yeshua are in the truest sense faithful disciples of Moses, who fulfill the requirements of the Law by believing God and loving people (1 John 3:23).”
July 13, 2023
In John 5:46 Jesus says to the religious leaders, “If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.” If you’ve read that verse in John’s Gospel and thought “Where?” “How?” then this book is for you. The authors show that the Torah and the Torah story are messianic and lead you right to Jesus. Well worth your time no matter how familiar you are with the Torah. In fact, I’m quite confident that even the most scholarly individual will find a number of things in this book that will cause them to say, “How’d I miss that before?”
August 8, 2022
Don’t let the size of this book fool you. It is chock full of hearty goodness. I learned so much.
September 21, 2015
This little book is excellent. The thesis of the book is that the purpose of the Torah is to lead Israel through the broken Law and beyond it to the Messiah. That is to say, the Law was never intended to be an end in itself, but rather it was always intended to lead Israel beyond itself to the Messiah, Yeshua. Therefore, to properly interpret and be Torah observant, one must believe in the Messiah, who is the fulfillment of what the Torah teaches.
The beginning of the book where it discusses the narrative structure of the Torah, the fallacies of teaching that the Law was the goal of the Torah, ma'asei avot siman l'banim, and key phrases at strategic places in the Torah are worth their weight in gold. The rest of the book is good too, but those beginning parts were my favorite. Oh yeah and the discussion on how the structure of the Torah itself proves Paul's point that people died as a result of the giving of the law (Romans 4:15).
The middle section discusses how the Law should be applied to the life of a believer. The end discusses Rabbinic Oral law and tradition. Helpful and insightful.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is confused about the role of the Law in the life of a believer, to those who want to understand how to more intelligently dialogue with their religious Jewish friends, or for anyone who simply wants to understand the Bible better! Don't let the small size of this book fool you - it is a real gem!
The beginning of the book where it discusses the narrative structure of the Torah, the fallacies of teaching that the Law was the goal of the Torah, ma'asei avot siman l'banim, and key phrases at strategic places in the Torah are worth their weight in gold. The rest of the book is good too, but those beginning parts were my favorite. Oh yeah and the discussion on how the structure of the Torah itself proves Paul's point that people died as a result of the giving of the law (Romans 4:15).
The middle section discusses how the Law should be applied to the life of a believer. The end discusses Rabbinic Oral law and tradition. Helpful and insightful.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is confused about the role of the Law in the life of a believer, to those who want to understand how to more intelligently dialogue with their religious Jewish friends, or for anyone who simply wants to understand the Bible better! Don't let the small size of this book fool you - it is a real gem!
June 19, 2020
A must read for Jewish & non-Jewish believers in Yeshua
This book answered the questions I have been having in my mind - why the law; did the law serve its desired purpose; what does non-Jewish believers in Yeshua have to do with the law; where does the law fit in the new covenant.
This book answered the questions I have been having in my mind - why the law; did the law serve its desired purpose; what does non-Jewish believers in Yeshua have to do with the law; where does the law fit in the new covenant.
October 18, 2020
Love it!
This is a must read for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of Jewish context and how the law applies to the believer. I loved it.
This is a must read for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of Jewish context and how the law applies to the believer. I loved it.
February 6, 2022
The authors are Messianic Jews, so they come from a very unique perspective. Their insights into the Torah are quite intriguing. One of the ideas is that the fathers foreshadow their children.
One example is that Adam foreshadows both Noah and Israel. They note how each was chosen, set a part, given a command, failed, and endured shame (nakedness) as a result. Israel follows the pattern as well.
They deal with the question of the Law and its purpose and give a compelling argument. They suggest that the law was never perfect, even from its origin. It wasn't ideal, but stil far superior to that of the nations around them. Yet, they couldn't even live up to that.
Definitely worth a read and probably a few re-reads.
To be clear, this is the second copy that I bought. I got my first one and showed it to my brother when I went to see him. I hadn't finished it yet, but after he started reading it, he basically told me that he wasn't going to let me have it back. :D
One example is that Adam foreshadows both Noah and Israel. They note how each was chosen, set a part, given a command, failed, and endured shame (nakedness) as a result. Israel follows the pattern as well.
They deal with the question of the Law and its purpose and give a compelling argument. They suggest that the law was never perfect, even from its origin. It wasn't ideal, but stil far superior to that of the nations around them. Yet, they couldn't even live up to that.
Definitely worth a read and probably a few re-reads.
To be clear, this is the second copy that I bought. I got my first one and showed it to my brother when I went to see him. I hadn't finished it yet, but after he started reading it, he basically told me that he wasn't going to let me have it back. :D
March 20, 2018
Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus
I like how compact and straight to the point each chapter is. There are no wandering Rabbit holes to distract or drag the reader down.
Very good notes for each point.
Very clear and concise.
And this book equips the reader with facts needed to understand and discuss with a Jewish non believer, what the Scriptures really say about the Law. In my humble oblivion.
Pretty clear apologetic tool of what the Hebrew Scriptures really say and where it says it about the Law, about the coming Messiah as foretold by Moses.
I especially liked the focus on what Moses pedicures about the Jewish people in the future. Now you understand exactly what Jesus was talking about when He mentioned Moses and what the Scriptures say.
I like how compact and straight to the point each chapter is. There are no wandering Rabbit holes to distract or drag the reader down.
Very good notes for each point.
Very clear and concise.
And this book equips the reader with facts needed to understand and discuss with a Jewish non believer, what the Scriptures really say about the Law. In my humble oblivion.
Pretty clear apologetic tool of what the Hebrew Scriptures really say and where it says it about the Law, about the coming Messiah as foretold by Moses.
I especially liked the focus on what Moses pedicures about the Jewish people in the future. Now you understand exactly what Jesus was talking about when He mentioned Moses and what the Scriptures say.
August 6, 2021
Life changing book
As a gentile trying to totally accept Jesus as the Messiah has been hard for me. I had a great fear that I would betray God by accepting Jesus is God. I went to Israel to try to see if being there would help me to believe. I came back in more doubt. Preachers that I spoke with could not give me the answers I needed This book let me see Jesus through Jewish eyes. It made me see how everything in Torah truly pointed to Jesus. I am going to buy this book so I can keep it to study more throughly. Thank you so much for writing this insightful book. May we meet in heaven and bow before Jesus together!
As a gentile trying to totally accept Jesus as the Messiah has been hard for me. I had a great fear that I would betray God by accepting Jesus is God. I went to Israel to try to see if being there would help me to believe. I came back in more doubt. Preachers that I spoke with could not give me the answers I needed This book let me see Jesus through Jewish eyes. It made me see how everything in Torah truly pointed to Jesus. I am going to buy this book so I can keep it to study more throughly. Thank you so much for writing this insightful book. May we meet in heaven and bow before Jesus together!
October 3, 2023
Maybe you think some a little too excited to talk about the Old Testament, or you’ve been pondering the connection between the old covenant and new. Maybe you’re trying to understand law versus grace, or you’re just in the market for a solid theology read. I commend “Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus” to you.
Its authors are experts in both study and practice, whose desire to point to Christ is as evident in their tone as in their argument. Though relatively short for such a topic, the succinct academic style lends itself to meaningful discussion rather than useless pontificating.
Its authors are experts in both study and practice, whose desire to point to Christ is as evident in their tone as in their argument. Though relatively short for such a topic, the succinct academic style lends itself to meaningful discussion rather than useless pontificating.
November 28, 2023
I have a friend whose business partner is Jewish (goes to synagogue Jewish, not just an ethnicity). I read Eitan Bar's other book "Refuting Rabbinic Objections to Christianity" and then saw this book. I sent it to my friend to read and then to have his partner read because it could start some really great conversations. Christianity is NOT the enemy of Judaism, it is the natural fulfillment of what God was/is doing in Jesus.
I think this is a book that could be highly helpful in discussions like this.
I think this is a book that could be highly helpful in discussions like this.
February 1, 2024
It does what a good book on reading the Old Testament should do: it makes connections that seem so obvious that I don't know why I didn't see them before.
Case in point: reading the Gibeonites without having Genesis 1-3 in mind makes that story a bit odd. Postell and Co. make explicit the connection to the Serpent in Eden: both are clever (ערום in Gen 3:1, ערמה in Josh 9:4) and both become snares from Adam/Israel.
The book has some editing problems (inconsistent use of AD/BC vs. CE/BCE, for example) and the Kindle edition was not particularly well formatted.
Case in point: reading the Gibeonites without having Genesis 1-3 in mind makes that story a bit odd. Postell and Co. make explicit the connection to the Serpent in Eden: both are clever (ערום in Gen 3:1, ערמה in Josh 9:4) and both become snares from Adam/Israel.
The book has some editing problems (inconsistent use of AD/BC vs. CE/BCE, for example) and the Kindle edition was not particularly well formatted.
June 9, 2021
Wonderful little book
So much goodness wrapped up in this little book. The love these authors have for King Jesus shines through on every page and their wisdom and understanding of the scriptures is a beautiful thing. I was very blessed by this book and would recommend it to everyone out there to give it a shot.
So much goodness wrapped up in this little book. The love these authors have for King Jesus shines through on every page and their wisdom and understanding of the scriptures is a beautiful thing. I was very blessed by this book and would recommend it to everyone out there to give it a shot.
June 12, 2021
Respectful Clarity
I loved thos book because it does not fall for propaganda, political correctness, or overgeneralization. It is respectful of sources. It only quotes lines in context. It brings clarity to scriptural questions that are murky to both Christians and Jews. It honestly examines the sources for the idea of a Messiah.
I loved thos book because it does not fall for propaganda, political correctness, or overgeneralization. It is respectful of sources. It only quotes lines in context. It brings clarity to scriptural questions that are murky to both Christians and Jews. It honestly examines the sources for the idea of a Messiah.
July 28, 2022
insightful and yet challenging
Overall the book is very insightful from a Messianic Jewish perspective, however sometimes it seems that the authors are contradicting themselves on various occasions and many of the instructions are not very clear. The book does however give us insight on what the Torah was supposed to mean from the beginning.
Overall the book is very insightful from a Messianic Jewish perspective, however sometimes it seems that the authors are contradicting themselves on various occasions and many of the instructions are not very clear. The book does however give us insight on what the Torah was supposed to mean from the beginning.
June 5, 2023
Excellent!
This book is excellent and has given me a greater understanding of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) and how it points to Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah (Christ). I would recommend it to any student of the Scriptures if you want to gain greater understanding of what you're reading.
This book is excellent and has given me a greater understanding of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) and how it points to Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah (Christ). I would recommend it to any student of the Scriptures if you want to gain greater understanding of what you're reading.
July 13, 2025
Outstanding and incredibly helpful to anyone wanting to understand the role of the Law in the Old Testament today. While academic, it is written in an easy to read style. Great observations and truly fascinating, helpful conclusions that encourage worship of the One whom the Old and New Testament testifies.
August 9, 2019
Valuable
This book is a useful addition to the library of anyone exploring the complex questions brought up by the Messianic movement. Although I found the reasoning in some chapters faulty, overall, this is a great resource in the discussion on the role of the Torah.
This book is a useful addition to the library of anyone exploring the complex questions brought up by the Messianic movement. Although I found the reasoning in some chapters faulty, overall, this is a great resource in the discussion on the role of the Torah.
August 22, 2019
Informative & Insightful
I have been struggling to understand whether we need to keep the 10 commandments and/or the law of Moses as followers of Jesus, Yeshua. This book has been very helpful to me. Thanks!
I have been struggling to understand whether we need to keep the 10 commandments and/or the law of Moses as followers of Jesus, Yeshua. This book has been very helpful to me. Thanks!
April 24, 2021
Dope.
To the point, clear, inspiring. The thesis: A close reading of Torah can rationally lead one not to works centered righteousness, but to faith in the Messiah. I buy it. Love the portions dealing with the intermittent poems in Genesis and Numbers.
To the point, clear, inspiring. The thesis: A close reading of Torah can rationally lead one not to works centered righteousness, but to faith in the Messiah. I buy it. Love the portions dealing with the intermittent poems in Genesis and Numbers.
August 19, 2021
Jewish perspective on Moses & Jesus
This was a food read. The author, who is A Jewish follower of Christ, does a nice job pointing out how different aspects of the Torah point towards the Messiah.
This was a food read. The author, who is A Jewish follower of Christ, does a nice job pointing out how different aspects of the Torah point towards the Messiah.
November 6, 2021
Simple and Sweet!
I enjoyed this read! It’s written in simplicity but not leaving out essentials of the author’s thought. I’ve definitely got a better understanding of messianic prophecy from the Torah.
I enjoyed this read! It’s written in simplicity but not leaving out essentials of the author’s thought. I’ve definitely got a better understanding of messianic prophecy from the Torah.
November 22, 2018
Excellent read for Jew and a gentle alike. The book gave a clearer understanding of the fullness as a Messianic believer. Highly recommended for all,
December 6, 2019
Good book, technical and tehological understanding is needed to some extent but very informative.
May 29, 2021
A must read!
I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to dive deeper and get answers to questions asked by almost everyone, should we uphold the Law?
I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to dive deeper and get answers to questions asked by almost everyone, should we uphold the Law?
July 23, 2021
Good Torah explanation
Good introductory look at Torah for the New Covenant Believer. It ponts to Christ, yea he’s us of Him, and why we are no longer under the Law.
Good introductory look at Torah for the New Covenant Believer. It ponts to Christ, yea he’s us of Him, and why we are no longer under the Law.
August 29, 2021
Some great insights for Gentile believers. I highly recommend.
September 6, 2021
Great book
This is a great book wanting an overview of the Torah for a better understanding of cultural influence in the New Testament.
This is a great book wanting an overview of the Torah for a better understanding of cultural influence in the New Testament.
January 30, 2024
Easy to read, well laid out, and argued.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews