The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi: My Journey into the Heart of Scriptural Faith and the Land Where It All Began

"The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi" is a travelogue of sorts about the places Kathie Lee Gifford saw and the insights she learned while on various tours of Israel. These insights come from Ray Vander Laan's tours as well as the Rock and Road tours lead by a student of Ray's, Rod Van Solkema. Since you can get Ray Vander Laan's teachings through his video series and see the actual sites (rather than simply read brief descriptions of them), I'd recommend watching those videos over reading this book.

There were also sections by Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel, but they often focused on speculative ideas, like numerology. For example, "According to some Jewish mystics, the letter hei is connected to the divine breath of God that releases His creative power and potential... Now it should make more sense why David picked up five stones. David needed the supernatural power that comes with a divine breath in order to punish Goliath, the wicked blasphemer, to restore honor to the divine name, and to bring shalom to the chaos. This is what letter hei--the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the number five--represent in Hebrew thought." What bothered me was that he presented his speculative ideas like they were solidly true rather than a cool idea, but we can't be sure was the actual motive, really happened, or was an intended connection. Some of his ideas were less speculative and others are commonly accepted connections, but they were all presented the same.

Anyway, each chapter focused on a specific site and on an event that happened there. The author either summarized the event or quoted the verses from the Bible. She provided some historical or basic Bible background information to the event, then provided a brief spiritual lesson. While much of this book had good information, there are many excellent books that provide biblical background insights which contain less speculation.

I received a free ebook review copy from the publisher through BookLook.

This book, without a doubt, has made the biggest impact on my faith and my spiritual journey in knowing Jesus better. It is also one of the best books I've read in a very long time!

Kathy Lee shares how the Lord called her to put Him first. This meant getting up even earlier than she usually did, which was early, since she does an early morning program on television. She was obedient to God's calling and shares the impact this has had in her life.

She also shares about her journey's to Israel and how these visits have impacted her faith in profound ways. She also shares about her husband, Frank, and how going to Israel made such a difference in his faith - from a religion to a relationship with Jesus. This story really touched my heart and I always love hearing stories of when people truly come to know Jesus.

More than these stories, however, are the teachings in this book! I had my highlighter out and my pen and made so many notes and highlights in this book - there's barely any paper showing through! I learned so much about the Word of God and it has given me such a hunger for His Word! It has given me a spark to my faith again and for that I am so thankful.

In my opinion, this is a must-read book for everyone! I cannot even convey how much this book has meant in my life for directing me into my Bible and into prayer time. I have been studying the Greek and Hebrew meanings of words because through Kathy Lee's book, I have come to understand how important it is to know the true meanings of each and everything.

This book will stay at hand for reading again and again because there is so much in this book, I just couldn't truly get everything out of it in the first reading. It is packed full of gem after gem of information not only from Kathy Lee but from her co-author, Rabbi Jason Sobel, I love this book and I think you will, too! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by BookLook Bloggers

1.5 stars

Yikes. In no way was this book what I expected (or wanted). The fault is on me because I thought this book was going to be more of a self-discovery/self-help book but in reality, it was filled with dense biblical knowledge.

This is a relatively small book with it being less than 200 pages (excluding the various appendixes, acknowledgments, and letters of praise) however; it's filled with some very dry content. It felt like it took me ages to get through this book and I literally fell asleep not one, not two, but three times while reading. It's a very scripture heavy book and if you are new or are a more casual reader of scripture, this book may be difficult for you. I seriously would really only recommend this book to those that have a deep knowledge and understanding of the Bible because it's not an easy book to understand.

As well, I feel like to really understand this book the reader essentially has to have visited Israel to be able to visualize or understand the locations that are mentioned. Well, I myself have never been to Israel and I know of many that are in that same category.

Again, I think the majority of my issues that stem from this book is the fact that I expected a totally different kind of book. But I do have to say that I think there will be others like me who unknowingly pick this book up and are left disappointed.

I respect Kathy Lees view but I don’t share her views. I understand she is very religious but I feel she read meaning into every situation that wasn’t there.

I especially liked the Greek to English meanings. Big difference in some of the words and phrase and what they mean. And sorry Kathy Lee, I really enjoyed the Rabbi sections! A new perspective. That's what it is all about. Growing in the word.

I thoroughly enjoy reading this book. Gifford's writing is warm and friendly, while Rabbi Jason Sobel's information adds a depth to the story. Great book, I enjoy reading it as a "journey" through the land. with the background commentary. It is a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide.

I find that the book has some interesting points of view and makes some biblical passages easier to understand, but think the narrative could have been a bit more complete. Feels pretty general in many ways. However, it has peaked my interest in visiting the Holy land.

Very interesting book and gives clarity to the referenced scripture.

The product was as advertised. It took 10 days to arrive. Not good.

I highly recommend this book. It is beautifully written. I like the fact that the Rabbi also contributed to the content. Makes me want to go to Israel. Kathy Lee's story is very touching. I also bought this book as a birthday gift because it was such a great read.