Pathway to Jerusalem

by Rabbi Obadiah of Bartenura

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Perlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating series of letters that form a travelogue of the Bartenura's journey from Italy to Israel in the 1480s. His observations about the communities he encountered, their customs, synagogues, professions, and customs are vibrant and engrossing. The Bartenura's voice comes through here, real, curious, interested in everything, and very descriptive! The only thing that would have made this better would have been some maps and a little more of an editor's biography about Bartenura. For example, nothing is mentioned of the fact that the Jews of Spain are still living there, or that the student's letter at the end is written just a few years after their expulsion. Nonetheless, this is a book worth reading!
With some illustrations, this would make a wonderful children's book for kids who are interested in history.