Mark Gerson

The Telling is a must-read book for anyone who is appreciative of Judaism whether they are practicing or learning more about the faith. I have added it to a very short list of contemporary books that I will read multiple times. Mark Gerson masterfully intertwines Biblical and practical wisdom with intellectual knowledge from history and other disciplines and packs it into 295 pages of narrative. His intriguing exposition of Jewish values and ethics, Jewish thinking, and Jewish traditions show more during and beyond Pesach (Passover) helps non-Jewish readers such as myself gain a greater appreciation for the Jewish people, their unique contributions to human civilization across the millennia, and their resilience in spite of constant opposition.

Do not cheat yourself by reading this book casually or hastily especially if you are unfamiliar with the Haggadah. Gerson’s writing style is terse and engaging. So, it is easy to pick up where you left off particularly if you choose to take notes and reflect as you read. I found it helpful to read the book over several weeks in small sections, sometimes one chapter at a time depending on the content. I started reading about a week before Pesach (Passover), realized quickly the book stimulates multiple levels of reflection, and finished it eight weeks later.

Part of the book’s brilliance is that the table of contents does not impose an organizing framework for the chapters. There are likely multiple configurations that make sense. Each reader can decide for herself how to synthesize and connect the content to create a more meaningful life. The insights I drew from The Telling are too many to include here. Three that I found most encouraging for a broad audience are:

God’s purpose for the Exodus was much greater than freeing the Jews. Every Pesach, the Jews’ retelling and reliving of the Exodus is how the nations (all of humanity) learn about God and the freedom He has made available to everyone who is willing to accept the responsibility it demands.

Gratitude is how we should relate to God our Creator as well as everything and everyone in the world.

As humans, we are capable of self-transformation. The permission to begin again, is “an eternal and insistent invitation from God” (p. 102)

I plan to read the book again next year before Pesach. I look forward to reflecting on how I have grown by applying insights I gleaned the first time, but also expect to discover completely new insights. show less