Customer Reviews

The Thirty-third Hour: A Novel

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A great read - both intriguing and instructive. The mystery keeps the pages turning, and before you know it you've been through a Torah course taught in a very unique way.

But beyond that is a new philosophy on the form and future of jewish life and learning - some ideas that really make you think.

It's rare to get so many "benefits" from one book!

Unlike anything I've read. A rabbi sits sleepless in his study, watching videos and reading journals in a desperate attempt to discover why a colleague -- another rabbi! -- so betrayed his trust that the whole congregation is threatened. As mystery, the apparent betrayal generates only mild heat. but mystery (THIS mystery, in any case) is not the main point here. Rather, "Thirty-third Hour" looks at the deeper mysteries of how people relate to one another, their religious traditions and texts, and the nagging uncertainties of existence. Chefitz's book is a wonderful, insightful and provocative exploration of mysticism and midrash. Not only was I unable to put the book down, but I immediately integrated some of the material into a course I teach. What's more, the very day I finished it, I bought two copies as gifts for friends.

This book is FABULOUS. I couldn't put it down, a real page
turner. I thought I knew the familiar Old Testament stories, but
The Thirty-third Hour puts them into a brand new light. This is a must read for
anyone who thinks there's only one approach to the Bible. PLUS it is a great mystery, with an amazing ending.

After reading "The Seventh Telling", I had been anxiously awaiting the promised sequel from Mitchell Chevitz. His "The Thirty-Third Hour", bringing back Moshe Katan from the first book exceeded even my prejudiced expectations. With superb skill, he takes us through a review of the critical Torah texts, examining each for deeper Kabbalistic meaning in a setting of family study, all disguised in an intricate suspenseful novel. After the first Chapter, the plot became so intriguing that it is impossible to stop reading until it is exposed, incidentally in the last Chapter. The entire setting is so familiar and logical that you really feel immersed within the story. There is so much to be learned from this "teaching", disguised as a novel, that it should be mandatory reading in every home, school and religious institution. Kudos to Mitchell Chevitz.

The gifted storytelling and teachings of Mitchell Chefitz have once again reached the Heart of Texas. Chefitz's latest novel, "The Thirty-Third Hour" was worth the wait.

This book communicates on many levels. The outer layer is a mystery novel; a crime might have been committed and a discovery is underway. The inner layers are a complex and inspiring tale that explore the mysteries within the human spirit.

This tapestry of stories speaks to the heart.
Read this book and find the ones that speak to yours.

Arthur Greenberg is a rabbi with the discomforting task of investigating accusations brought against a colleague, Moshe Katan. They are serious accusations of a sexual nature and they have been made by a widow, Brenda, who is a congregant and who has confided, if not boasted about her amorous exploits to Arthur's wife. As the plot unfolds we are treated to the intricacies of Greenberg's struggles with his own life, his career crisis, his loyalty to the accused colleague and his sense of integrity, and perhaps just a touch of vanity.
The second volume of a trilogy, volume one being The Seventh Telling of Moshe Katan, this story reads like the mystery it is. Yet, it is more than a good mystery; it is a warm story about life and the struggles which people encounter in day to day living. And it is a story about the successes these same people have and the generosity the human spirit embraces from time to time.
Beyond that, it's enjoyable reading even as it provokes much thought.
-----A Donnelly, KS

After reading "The Seventh Telling" I couldn't wait to read the next Chevitz novel. I wanted to see what happened next with Moshe Katan and continue learning in such a fun manner. The first book focused more on Kabbalah stories, while this one more on stories from Torah. Certainly there was depth and mysticism to these teachings as well, but more of a deeper way of looking at the stories and the holidays. I have been fortunate to study Torah with some interesting Rabbis over the years, so I personally preferred the first book, but this book was also wonderful. The story of Rabbi Arthur Green having to review the tapes and notes from the family education program instituted by Moshe Katan while evaluating a charge of molestation was a vehicle for much learning for the reader. It also traced a great deal of insight and growth as he had to come to terms with some of his shortcomings and some of the shortcomings of the current system of Jewish synagogue life. The story of the relationship between Moshe and Daniel, an autistic boy, was so touching it made me cry. I absolutely loved the ending!

Through the use of "fiction", Mitchell Chefitz draws the reader into the profound wisdom that surrounds Jewish mystical thought. The book, superficially, is the 33 hour long investigation of an abuse case within a suburban Miami synagouge. In fact, it is a series of midrashim within a much larger midrash - (a midrash being like a story that explains or points to a sublime truth). Chapter after chapter reveal both the superficialities of the "traditional" rabbinic Judiasm in the modern setting, as well as the "post-rabbinic" emergence of mystical and spiritual reform Judisam where the tradition of questioning, study and worship cross with a personal relationship with the Creator.

An absolutely delightful and profound read - one that sheds a light of a different spectrum on spirituality and Judiasm itself. And certainly for those readers, like myself, that are not Jewish, it reveals a tradition and perspective that will better allow an appreciation for the roots of our own religion, and the commonalities that we all share.

Mitchell Chefitz through the spiritualization of his charactors and the teachings of the Kabbalah goes right to the heart and soul and beyond of people you know and recognize. One can feel the depth of emotion on each page.

After reading "The Seventh Telling" I had anxiously awaited this next part of the trilogy. I was happy to see Moshe again and find out where he has been since the story ended and I was happy to meet Rabbi Arthur Greenberg. The story is told during a time when Arthur is pondering and examining evidence that could either support or refute a serious accusation against an old friend. The accusation has implications on the congregation and could reflect on Arthur as the Rabbi.
The writing brought me close to the emotions of Arthur as he moved through the evidence and I found myself wrapped up in the situation as it surfaced. The descriptions of the experience made me feel the sleep deprivation and frustation that welled up in Arthur.
The events are a retelling of a family learning series sponsored by the Temple. I was fascinated with the programs and the method of teaching the Torah stories. I learned from what I read and now have a new view of some of the old stories.
There is also stories within the story. Arthur is a rabbi that has inner struggles concerning his family and also concerning his faith. I enjoyed seeing the "human" side of the rabbi and it was compelling to see the issues rise up and eventually start to be resolved.
I would highly recommend this book as an enjoyable reading experience and also as a very interesting learning experience. I can't wait for the third book!