Come Down, Zacchaeus

Solange Hertz has established herself as an astute contemporary student of lay spirituality and as a writer whose freshness and frankly human approach have merited high praise from readers in all walks of like. In Come Down, Zacchaeus, she turns her skill to the interpretation of Scripture in an attempt to demonstrate that it is not just instructive; it is vitally related to our everyday lives. And it is readable and enjoyable as well. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Perhaps few readers would have thought that there could be so much practical wisdom stored up for their use in such stories as those of Ruth, Judith, Esther, the Gerasene demoniac --- and Balaam's Ass. One must particularly admire her courage in tackling the tale of Judith, which even the more seasoned scripture scholars handle with fire tongs. Her interpretations reveal that Solange Hertz has read widely and thought deeply about Holy Writ. In addition to this, it is obvious that she enjoys it. Perhaps her perceptive and happy insights will encourage others to approach the reading of Scripture with greater courage. Come Down, Zacchaeus is highly recommended to anyone and everyone, but especially to those who have the idea that the Bible is formidable.