From biblical commentary to folk beliefs, recent publications in Jewish studies reveal both scholarly advances and concerning blind spots about modern Jewish survival. Six significant works span traditional and contemporary Jewish life, including Samuel Berman's accessible English translation of Midrash Tanhuma for Genesis and Exodus, and Bradley Artson's fresh, non-dogmatic guide to modern Jewish practice. Rivka Ulmer breaks new ground with her systematic analysis of the evil eye in Jewish literature, illuminating a previously neglected folk belief. While Jacob Rader Marcus delivers a masterful survey of American Jewish history from 1585-1990, his work potentially understates contemporary challenges to Jewish continuity. Bernard Wasserstein's sobering examination of post-1945 European Jewry presents compelling evidence of demographic decline and cultural assimilation. The review also evaluates Reuven Hammer's literary anthology of Jerusalem and Barry Walfish's study of medieval Esther interpretations. Critical analysis of these works reveals their substantial contribution to Jewish scholarship and religious education, while highlighting a tendency in some texts to downplay the serious challenges posed by modern assimilation. Together, these publications offer valuable resources for both scholars and practitioners, though their varying approaches to Jewish continuity merit careful consideration.