Review by zainherb -- Mysteries Of the First Instant

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 28 Feb 2021, 06:26

[Following is a volunteer review of "Mysteries Of the First Instant" by Daniel Friedmann.]

4 out of 4 stars

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During a vacation with his nephew, Daniel explains his findings of how the universe came to be.

What happened in the beginning before the Big-bang? Science has many theories explaining the very beginning of existence. Different religions have their versions of this as well. In Mysteries Of The First Instant, Daniel Friedmann attempts to reconcile scientific theories with religious accounts. He discusses the various scientific theories that explain the beginning of the universe and explains why he finds them lacking. He then gets answers from the written Torah and Kabbalah-the Jewish mystical tradition in the oral Torah. According to Daniel, the Torah contains the blueprint that the creator used to make the universe. Therefore, the Torah provides answers about the beginning of existence that science still cannot give.

This book is very informative and intriguing. Attempting to supplement scientific research with religious knowledge to offer answers to questions that we all ask is an inspired move. Even though I am not Jewish, I kept an open mind and found the book very enlightening. The questions the author posed at the beginning of the book are questions I have always had. I found myself in agreement with the author’s assertions about the shortcomings of science in explaining this topic, and I understood the sentiment behind trying to find answers using religious sources.

There are many things I like about this book. It has a lot of information but is not nearly as boring as one might expect of an academic book. The author discussing with his nephew makes the book almost like a storybook rather than just a scholarly text. Most of the chapters start with stories of individuals (scientists and rabbis) who have influenced the topic under discussion in that chapter. There are diagrams and charts which further clarify the concepts.

The footnotes and glossary at the end of the book include references and links, adding credence to the book and making it easy for the reader to do further research. The editing was spectacular as I didn’t find a single error. There is nothing I dislike about the book so, I rate it four stars out of four.

I recommend this book to those who like astronomy and those who have questions about the beginning of existence. Readers from both religious and non-religious backgrounds can benefit from and enjoy this book as I did. Those who do not enjoy non-fiction or scholarly discussions may not enjoy the book. I certainly enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

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Mysteries Of the First Instant
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Heidadela · Post by **Heidadela** » 09 Mar 2021, 01:13

I do have questions about the beginning and this seems like a good start. Thank you for an amazing review.

Naaya123 · Post by **Naaya123** » 09 Mar 2021, 09:34

This isn't a book I'd enjoy. Thank you for the review, though!

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 10 Mar 2021, 04:05

Thanks for your informative review. Unfortunately, my knowledge about astronomy is limited, and I'm not very keen on finding out about the beginning of the universe. Generally, I believe the Big Bang theory than the six-day creation.

Rayah Raouf · Post by **Rayah Raouf** » 10 Mar 2021, 04:10

I've seen a few reviews on this book. I am intrigued, but I do worry I wouldn't be able to fully comprehend the book. I know there are footnotes to help, but I still remain worried. Astronomy fascinates me, but I find it quite difficult to understand. Thank you for your review.

Nicholus Schroeder · Post by **Nicholus Schroeder** » 10 Mar 2021, 04:45

This is quite a good review, great job hope your next one will be as good

Chizioboli · Post by **Chizioboli** » 10 Mar 2021, 06:33

I do not quite agree with the scientific theories as to how the world came to be. This review is very detailed and explanatory on the books content but I might have to pass it up. Thank you for a great job well done

smolbird · Post by **smolbird** » 10 Mar 2021, 06:39

I love books that tackle deep topics such as how life began without being boring. Thank you for the detailed review!

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 12 Mar 2021, 10:40

Heidadela wrote: ↑09 Mar 2021, 01:13 I do have questions about the beginning and this seems like a good start. Thank you for an amazing review.

It is a great start. I recommend it. Thanks for stopping by!

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 12 Mar 2021, 10:41

Naaya123 wrote: ↑09 Mar 2021, 09:34 This isn't a book I'd enjoy. Thank you for the review, though!

Thanks for stopping by!

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 12 Mar 2021, 10:43

Sou Hi wrote: ↑10 Mar 2021, 04:05 Thanks for your informative review. Unfortunately, my knowledge about astronomy is limited, and I'm not very keen on finding out about the beginning of the universe. Generally, I believe the Big Bang theory than the six-day creation.

wow! Thanks for stopping by.

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 12 Mar 2021, 10:46

RayRuff wrote: ↑10 Mar 2021, 04:10 I've seen a few reviews on this book. I am intrigued, but I do worry I wouldn't be able to fully comprehend the book. I know there are footnotes to help, but I still remain worried. Astronomy fascinates me, but I find it quite difficult to understand. Thank you for your review.

wow. I get that. Thank you for your comment.

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 12 Mar 2021, 10:47

Nicholus Schroeder wrote: ↑10 Mar 2021, 04:45 This is quite a good review, great job hope your next one will be as good

lol. I hope so. thank you for stopping by.

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 12 Mar 2021, 10:49

Chizioboli wrote: ↑10 Mar 2021, 06:33 I do not quite agree with the scientific theories as to how the world came to be. This review is very detailed and explanatory on the books content but I might have to pass it up. Thank you for a great job well done

wow! that's fine. Thank you for your comment.

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 12 Mar 2021, 10:50

smolbird wrote: ↑10 Mar 2021, 06:39 I love books that tackle deep topics such as how life began without being boring. Thank you for the detailed review!

So do I! Thanks for your comment.