Judaism: sacred texts and revered writings Books

Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Tsav: Torah Commentary Tsav: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Kedoshim: Torah Commentary Kedoshim: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Be-har: Torah Commentary Be-har: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Mase'ei: Torah Commentary Mase'ei: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Va-'ethannan: Torah Commentary Va-'ethannan: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Table of ContentsGeneral Introduction Re'eh: Torah Commentary Re'eh: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Shofetim: Torah Commentary Shofetim: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Ki Tavo': Torah Commentary Ki Tavo': Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Nitsavim: Torah Commentary Nitsavim: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Ha'azinu: Torah Commentary Ha'azinu: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisShows teens in their own language how Torah addresses the issues in their world. The conversational tone is inviting and dignified, concise and substantial, direct and informative. Each pamphlet includes a general introduction, two model divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion, and one model davar Torah on the weekly Haftarah portion.Trade Review“This is a fantastic resource . . . clear, coherent, and easy to understand. It encourages readers to grapple with real issues in the Bible that are relevant to them. It will be incredibly valuable not only to teens preparing to become bar/bat mitzvah but also to adults in navigating, challenging, and connecting to the biblical text.”—Rabbi Danielle G. Eskow, co-founder of onlinejewishlearning.com“Rabbi Jeff Salkin has enabled b’nai mitzvah to learn and teach Torah with a commentary that is wise, helpful, and brilliantly clear.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, and author of David: The Divided Heart“This is fantastic! It’s a game-changer for b’nai mitzvah, their parents, and their teachers. Salkin’s fresh insights remind us how transformative this experience can be.”—Rabbi Aaron Miller, Washington Hebrew CongregationTable of ContentsGeneral Introduction Ve-zo't ha-berakhah: Torah Commentary Ve-zo't ha-berakhah: Haftarah Commentary

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Book SynopsisUnbinding Isaac assembles multiple strands of thought and modern knowledge of ancient human sacrifice to offer an original reading of the Akedah. Trade Review"[A] provocative study."—Publishers Weekly"Unbinding Isaac is a lucid thesis-driven tour of some of the most important interpretations of the Akedah."—Abraham Socher, Jewish Review of Books"[An] engaging and relevant book of impressive scholarly work on a critical biblical theme with ever-lingering vibrations and variations, interpretations and implications. . . . A well-prepared and helpful study and discussion guide is available at jps.org/books/unbinding-isaac."—CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly"An extraordinarily efficient and effective effort to call us to, and equip us for, a reading [of the Akedah] that is 'both textually cohesive and ethically defensible.' . . . Seeking that higher perception [of God's will], Koller's work so vitally teaches us, is a mission we can and must pursue, and pursue indefinitely."—Tradition"The first of Koller's monographs that explicitly aims to engage a nonspecialist audience—yet without compromising intellectual rigor. Koller's ability to write clearly and compellingly while commanding such diverse material is impressive."—AJS Review"[A] rich transhistorical study of the Akedah and its reception. . . . [A] trenchant critique of Akedah theology."—Journal of Jewish Ethics“One would have thought that centuries of dissecting twenty-odd verses of Genesis from every perspective imaginable have exhausted their meaning. Yet Koller, with his erudite grasp of both biblical literature and the longue durée of the Jewish interpretive tradition, unbinds the Akedah to reveal its philosophical and theological grandeur. As he unravels it, he wrests it from the grip of the dominant and dangerous interpretation that faith justifies violence and redirects our attention to the message that resounds in Gods’ warning to Abraham: ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy!’”—James A. Diamond, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Chair of Jewish Studies, University of Waterloo“Koller’s bold claim that ‘one person’s religious fulfillment cannot come through harm to another’ stands alone as a textually rooted, morally compelling vision for sincere faith in a modern world that too often finds form in false fundamentalisms. Unbinding Isaac should be required reading for all of us seeking the voice of the ethical imperative in religious community.”—Yehuda Kurtzer, president, Shalom Hartman Institute of North America“The book is a pleasure to read, but no less learned for that. There is great depth of learning on show here, but Koller manages somehow to wear that learning relatively lightly—an impressive feat.”—Daniel Rynhold, professor of modern Jewish philosophy, Yeshiva University“Aaron Koller leads his readers on a journey through a stunningly wide range of material—ancient, medieval, and modern; Jewish and Christian; Hasidic, Misnagdic, and secular; some scholarly, some poetic, some dug up by archaeologists—without ever losing focus or clarity. Wearing his massive learning lightly, he helps readers learn from these sources even as he shows them how to critique them on ethical and intellectual levels. His own interpretation of this deeply (and troublingly) influential narrative is at once respectful of the biblical text and religiously sensitive.”—Benjamin D. Sommer, professor of Bible and ancient Semitic languages, Jewish Theological Seminary, and winner of the Goldstein-Goren Prize for Best Jewish ThoughtTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgments How to Use This Book Introduction: The Challenge and the Power of the Story 1. Jewish Experiences of the Akedah 2. Kierkegaard 3. Jewish Parallels from the Century of Kierkegaard 4. Jewish Followers from the Twentieth Century 5. Criticizing Kierkegaard 6. On Child Sacrifice 7. Maimonides and the Complexity of the Divine Will 8. Rejecting Child Sacrifice Conclusion: The Demands of God and People Source Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisHasidism is an influential spiritual revival movement within Judaism that began in the eighteenth century and continues to thrive today. One of the great classics of early Hasidism, The Light of the Eyes is a collection of homilies on the Torah, reading the entire Five Books of Moses as a guide to spiritual awareness and cultivation of the inner life. This is the first English translation of any major work from Hasidism's earliest and most creative period. Arthur Green's introduction and annotations survey the history of Hasidism and outline the essential religious and moral teachings of this mystical movement. The Light of the Eyes, by Rabbi Menahem Nahum of Chernobyl, offers insights that remain as fresh and relevant for the contemporary reader as they were when first published in 1798.Trade Review"The Light of the Eyes provides the English reader with a first-hand encounter with Hasidism in its spiritual heyday as a revival movement within Judaism. The author reads the entire Torah as a guidebook of spiritual awareness, combining mystical insights with a firm focus on compassion as the key to moral living. In this beautiful volume of translation and interpretation Green has persuasively presented Menahem Nahum of Chernobyl as a most faithful heir and disseminator of the teachings of Israel Ba'al Shem Tov."—Melila Hellner-Eshed, Hebrew University, Jerusalem"Arthur Green has given us the first complete, academic English translation of one of the classic works of early Hasidic thought, including scholarly introductions and notes. Written in an eloquent, lucid, and sophisticated style, Green's discussions reflect a lifetime of profound involvement in Hasidic literature. A judicious and implicated sensibility provides rich access to one of the outstanding creations of that literature."—Avivah Zornberg, PhD"Arthur Green's The Light of the Eyes is a pedagogical and spiritual tour de force—of monumental proportions. Green is a master teacher and superb guide into each nuance and phrase. What is more: his work is a luminous theological event in its own right, sparkling with the truths of Hasidic religiosity and its challenge to consciousness. It is a gift for all."—Michael Fishbane, The University of Chicago"Menahem Nahum's Me'or Einayim is a clear, bold presentation of early Hasidic wisdom. Its central themes include: cultivating awareness of the divine energy animating all of existence, shaping one's moral character, and balancing the emotions. Arthur Green's superb edition guides the reader masterfully throughout. In his stimulating conclusion, Green distills the essence of Hasidism and retools it for today."—Daniel C. Matt, author of The Essential Kabbalah and the multivolume annotated translation The Zohar: Pritzker Edition"Green's translation of The Light of the Eyes is indubitably a magnificent exposition of one of the masterpieces of early Hasidism. It makes accessible to the English reader the richness of early Hasidism, written by an author whose book had a profound impact on this movement."—Moshe Idel, Professor Emeritus at the Department of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University, Jerusalem"Green's translation is a major contribution to the field of early Hasidism and will make an important text from this Jewish movement more available to a larger audience."—Roger S. Kohn, Association of Jewish Libraries News and Reviews"Prof. Arthur Green's translation, Introduction and commentary, on one of the majestic studies of early Hasidism, is truly a tour de force."—Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, JewishMediaReview"This book belongs in the training and library of every rabbi. "I'd go even further, saying that it belongs in the training and library of every cantor and Jewish educator—if he/she is to truly understand what they're doing and why. "Most of all, it belongs in every Jewish home, as a source of inspiration—and light."—Rabbi Eli Mallon, Reflections: Torah, Hope and Healing

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Book SynopsisThe Bible shaped nearly every aspect of Jewish life in the ancient world, from activities as obvious as attending synagogue to those which have lost their scriptural resonance in modernity, such as drinking water and uttering one’s last words. And within a scriptural universe, no work exerted more force than the Psalter, the most cherished text among all the books of the Hebrew Bible. A Life of Psalms in Jewish Late Antiquity clarifies the world of late ancient Judaism through the versatile and powerful lens of the Psalter. It asks a simple set of questions: Where did late ancient Jews encounter the Psalms? How did they engage with the work? And what meanings did they produce? A. J. Berkovitz answers these queries by reconstructing and contextualizing a diverse set of religious practices performed with and on the Psalter, such as handling a physical copy, reading from it, interpreting it exegetically, singing it as liturgy, invoking it as magic and reciting it as an act of piety. His book draws from and contributes to the fields of ancient Judaism, biblical reception, book history and the history of reading.Trade Review"An erudite and wide-ranging, but easy to read, exploration of the variety of uses of Psalms in Late Antiquity, highlighting their use in scrolls, art, inscriptions, and amulets—and more." * Marc Z. Brettler, co-author of The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently *"A model for how the post-biblical life of a Biblical book can be re-created." * David Stern, author of The Jewish Bible: A Material History *

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Book SynopsisFound in Translation is at once a themed volume on the translation of ancient Jewish texts and a Festschrift for Leonard J. Greenspoon, the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor in Jewish Civilization and professor of classical and Near Eastern studies and of theology at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Greenspoon has made significant contributions to the study of Jewish biblical translations, particularly the ancient translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, known as the Septuagint. This volume comprises an internationally renowned group of scholars presenting a wide range of original essays on Bible translation, the influence of culture on biblical translation, Bible translations' reciprocal influence on culture, and the translation of various Jewish texts and collections, especially the Septuagint. The volume editors have painstakingly planned Found in Translation to have the broadest scope of any current work on Jewish biblical translation to reflect Greenspoon's broad impact on the field throughout an august career.

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Book SynopsisIn this highly original study, David Gillis demonstrates that the Mishneh torah, Maimonides’ code of Jewish law, has the structure of a microcosm. Through this symbolic form, Maimonides presents the law as designed to perfect the individual and society by shaping them in the image of the divinely created cosmic order. The commandments of the law thereby bring human beings closer to fulfilling their ultimate purpose, knowledge of God. This symbolism turns the Mishneh torah into an object of contemplation that itself communicates such knowledge. In short, it is a work of art. Gillis unpacks the metaphysical and cosmological underpinnings of Maimonides’ scheme of organization with consummate skill, allowing the reader to understand the Mishneh torah’s artistic dimension and to appreciate its power. Moreover, as he makes clear, uncovering this dimension casts new light on one of the great cruxes of Maimonides studies: the relationship of the Mishneh torah to his philosophical treatise The Guide of the Perplexed. A fundamental unity is revealed between Maimonides the codifier and Maimonides the philosopher that has not been fully appreciated hitherto. Maimonides’ artistry in composition is repeatedly shown to serve his aims in persuading us of the coherence and wisdom of the halakhic system. Gillis’s fine exegesis sets in high relief the humane and transcendental purposes and methods of halakhah as Maimonides conceived of it, in an argument that is sure-footed and convincing.Trade ReviewReviews ‘David Gillis proves, not that Mishneh Torah 'also' contains philosophy over and above its halakhic content (as is often claimed), but that the very structure of the entire work reflects both Maimonides’ Neoplatonism and his artistry. This work will surely force a paradigm shift in the way in which Mishneh Torah is read and studied. It is written with the confidence of a mature and seasoned scholar, and with the verve of a master stylist: just as Gillis shows that Maimonides brought artistry to bear on the composition of Mishneh Torah, so does Gillis himself bring artistry to bear on the writing of this exciting book.’ Menachem Kellner‘Novel, fresh, and creative as well as cogently argued. It is an original contribution to the study of Maimonides in particular and of medieval Jewish thought in general . . . shows how philosophy informs the entire Mishneh Torah from beginning to end in an exquisite structure that is Aristotelian in number and Plotinian in order . . . Gillis does not just present purely theoretical theses but applies them in order to resolve some of the problems that have engaged both scholars and the rabbinic world in making sense of various anomalies, inconsistencies, and contradictions in the Maimonidean corpus.’ James A. Diamond‘A brilliant piece of work . . . it will have a major impact on the study of Maimonides and on the larger realm of Jewish and cosmopolitan scholarship . . . Gillis pries open a window that affords broad vistas of forests, valleys, mountains, and the heavens themselves.’ Lenn E. GoodmanTable of ContentsList of tables Note on Transliteration Note on Sources and Conventions Introduction: A Portrait of the Artist The Cosmic Model - Aggadah in Mishneh torah - Mishneh torah as Art: The History of an Idea - Defining Art - The Poet in Maimonides’ Republic - Necessities and Literary Invention - Art as Imitatio Dei - Maimonides and Modern Literary Theory - Literary Models: Hebrew as Genre - Structures of the Commandments - Summary: Philosopher, Statesman, Artist 1 In God’s Image Two Scholars - Man as Microcosm - Man as Microcosm in the Guide of the Perplexed - Intellectual Virtue and Moral Virtue - Moral Virtue in Mishneh torah 1: Preparation for Intellectual Virtue - Moral Virtue's Two Phases in Mishneh torah - Self-Knowledge and the Knowledge of God • In Maimonides’ Workshop • Virtue Ethics and Command Ethics: Abraham and Moses - Portrait of Perfection - Summary 2 The ‘Great Thing’ and the ‘Small Thing’: Mishneh torah as Microcosm The Divide in Mishneh torah - How Many Spheres Make a Universe? - The Spheres and the Commandments - The Commandment as Form - From ‘Knowledge That’ to ‘Knowledge Of’ - Origin of the Commandments - Performance of the Commandments and Immortality - Fourteen - Some Contrasts - Summary 3 Emanation Maimonides on Emanation - ‘According to Greatness and Degree’ - First and Second Intention - The Love–Awe Polarity - The Hierarchy of Holiness - The Flow of Form from the Book of Knowledge - The Sacrifice Paradox - Mikveh as Metaphor - Summary 4 Return The Ladder of the Commandments and the Ladder of Prophecy - From Dystopia to Utopia - Loss and Restoration - Rationalizing the Commandments: Mishneh torah versus the Guide - Why Is ‘Laws of Mourning’ Where It Is? - Summary 5 From Theory to History, via Midrash: A Commentary on ‘Laws of the Foundations of the Torah’, 6: 9 and 7: 3 The Problem of ‘Laws of the Foundations of the Torah’, 6: 9 - How to Read - The Problem of ‘Laws of the Foundations of the Torah’, 7: 3 - Theory and History in the Prophet’s Epiphany - Mishneh torah as Prophecy - Summary 6 Conclusion: Mishneh torah as Parable The Lost Language of the Commandments - A Jacob’s Ladder - Literary Devices - The Problem of Obsolescence - Silver and Gold Appendix I: The Books and Sections of Mishneh torah Appendix II: Philosophical Background Outline of Neoplatonism - The World According to Alfarabi and Avicenna Glossary Bibliography Index of Citations Index of Subjects

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Book Synopsis‘A remarkable contribution to Maimonides scholarship.’ Rabbi Jeremy Rosen, The AlgemeinerTrade ReviewReviews'Carefully and convincingly, Diamond and Kellner show that Maimonides’ written words were repeatedly appropriated by Jewish religious thinkers in the 20th century to promote theological positions that Maimonides would never have subscribed to.' Martin Lockshin, The Canadian Jewish News‘A striking example of Rambam's universalistic world view: all people of all backgrounds have access to God if they suitably devote themselves to the Almighty.’ Rabbi Marc Angel'Much can be learned from each of the articles... each of these thinkers reads Rambam [Moses Maimonides] differently. Rambam continues to evoke serious thought. He remains a powerful guide…and a formidable challenge.'Rabbi Marc Angel, Ideals'How should we... invoke the authority of Maimonides in a way that shows fidelity both to intellectual history and to contemporary significance? Historical studies alone are insufficient for this task. In the writings of eight contemporary Orthodox writers, we catch a glimpse of how they try to carve out the current meaning and significance of Maimonides for their religious visions and ways of life. Kellner and Diamond have done us an important service by bringing these rabbinic thinkers and their readings of Maimonides to our attention.'Alex Sztuden, Tradition'James A. Diamond and Menachem Kellner are not afraid to tangle with the heart of Jewish tradition and ask provocative questions... [they] do an excellent job of executing their goal of analyzing selected Orthodox rabbis’ writings,' Ethan Prager, Reading ReligionTable of ContentsNote on Transliteration Note on Sources Introduction James A. Diamond and Menachem Kellner 1. Rabbi Naftali Tsevi Yehuda Berlin: The Love of Israel versus the Love of the Mind James A. Diamond 2. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik and Maimonides Menachem Kellner 3. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook and the Mystification of Maimonidean Rationalism James A. Diamond 4. Maimonides and R. Kalonymus Kalman Shapira: Abandoning Reason in the Warsaw Ghetto James A. Diamond 5. Rav Elhanan Wasserman on Maimonides, and Maimonides on ‘Reb Elhanan’ Menachem Kellner 6. Each Generation and Its Maimonides: The Maimonides of Rav Aharon Kotler Menachem Kellner 7. What, Not Who, Is a Jew: Halevi-Maimonides in Those Days, Rabbi Aviner and Rabbi Kafih in Our Days Menachem Kellner Afterword Seth Avi Kadish Bibliography Index

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIntroducing Judaism is the ideal starting point for students beginning their studies of this fascinating religion. Eliezer Segal takes a historical approach, focusing on religious aspects of Judaism, and introducing themes as they emerge from authentic Jewish documents. Students will gain an understanding of how Judaism is lived by its adherents and the historical and geographical diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices. The book has a clear and accessible structure. Part One presents the historical context of Judaism, from the Biblical era, through the Medieval period and on to modern Judaism. Part Two surveys the distinctive values and beliefs of Judaism, including attitudes to God, Covenant, Israel, exile and homeland, the Torah, and its commandments, while Part Three presents Jewish Practices and Institutions, engaging with topics such as daily life, worship, temple and synagogue, law, ethics and education, the afterlife, and resurrection. Throughout the book, Eliezer Segal stresses the diversity of interpretations that have been generated by historical circumstances, differing theological and ideological outlooks, and the spiritual creativity of the religious community. Attention is paid to various models of piety, mysticism, scholasticism and folk religion, including the impact of Judaism on the daily life of believers and the experiences of Jewish women.Illustrated throughout, Introducing Judaism includes text boxes, a glossary, and a list of further reading to aid studentsâ understanding and revision, providing a thorough overview of one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religions still practiced today.The accompanying website for this book can be found at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415440097. Trade Review'Eliezer Segal has done an extremely impressive job of providing a broad introduction to Judaism within the scope of a single volume. Segal knows his subject matter thoroughly and writes with authority. What is more, Segal writes engagingly and in an accessible fashion. This book will surely be welcomed warmly by readers from a variety of backgrounds, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who wish to learn about the many facets of the Jewish religion as seen through the eyes of an expert and sympathetic ‘insider’. Segal has done a great service to his readers and to contemporary Judaism.' - Robert Brody, Hebrew University of Jerusalem'Eliezer Segal’s book is an excellent introduction to the history of Judaism as religion and as religious practice from its Biblical origins through the Middle Ages to the contemporary scene of today. In its comprehensiveness and lucidity, there is no other textbook quite like it on the market. It is perfect for both beginners with no previous knowledge of Judaism and a valuable resource for students with more background.' - David Stern, University of Pennsylvania, USA'Eliezer Segal has done an extremely impressive job of providing a broad introduction to Judaism within the scope of a single volume. Segal knows his subject matter thoroughly and writes with authority. What is more, Segal writes engagingly and in an accessible fashion. This book will surely be welcomed warmly by readers from a variety of backgrounds, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who wish to learn about the many facets of the Jewish religion as seen through the eyes of an expert and sympathetic ‘insider’. Segal has done a great service to his readers and to contemporary Judaism.' -Robert Brody, Hebrew University of JerusalemTable of ContentsPart 1: The Historical Framework 1. The Biblical Legacy 2. The Second Temple Era 3. Judaism of the Talmud and Midrash 4. Medieval Judaism 5. Medieval Jewish Philosophy 6. Kabbalah 7. The Modern Era Part 2: Jewish Beliefs and Values 8. Devotion to One God 9. God and the World 10. Israel's Sacred History 11. Life After Death 12. The Mystic Path 13. Wisdom and Scholarship 14. Justice and Morality Part 3: Jewish Observances and Institutions 15. Jewish Education 16. Places of Worship: Temple and Synagogue 17. Judaism and Daily Life 18. The Sacred Calendar 19. Life Cycle Observances

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAddresses a key question in biblical studies: the Elijah narratives' contribution to the theological vision of the book of Kings. Using a canonical-agrarian approach, this book challenges longstanding assumptions to offer a new concept of the narratives' rhetorical and theological contribution and insights into Elijah's iconographical character.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Book overview; 1. Solving for pattern; 2. The body and the Earth (1 Kings 17-19); 3. A native hill (1 Kings 20-22); 4. Life is a miracle (2 Kings 1-8); 5. The long-legged house; Conclusion; Bibliography; Indexes

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewReaders looking for material on the Christian apocrypha must look to The Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Apocrypha...some of the contributions here are excellent and informed starting places for their respective subjects, and there is much value in the new Oxford Handbook of the Apocrypha. * Daniel M. Gurtner, Journal for the Study of Judaism *This volume is a remarkable achievement and sure to be a standard reference tool going forward. Students will especially benefit from the essays, as will scholars working on adjacent fields. The volume would make an excellent textbook on a course on the Apocrypha. * Jason Maston, Religious Studies Review *The comprehensive, up-to-date volume ends with indexes of passages, subjects and ancient texts and modern authors. The authors have provided an introduction to the Apocrypha and their scholarly discussion which has the full potential to become the point of reference for the next two decades. * C. Stenschke, Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses *authoritative * HYWEL CLIFFORD, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *The Oxford Handbook of the Apocrypha will be an important volume for students, scholars, and interested laypeople. It accomplished exactly what one would hope for in the title ... I was impressed and informed, then, by this collection of essays by top scholars. * Lawrence M. Wills, RBL *Table of ContentsPreface Contributors Part I: The Apocrypha in Judaism and Christianity The Apocrypha: An Introduction 1. The Apocrypha in the Context of Early Judaism 2. The Apocrypha, the Septuagint, and other Greek Witnesses 3. A Canonical History of the Old Testament Apocryphay 4. The Apocrypha in the History of Christianity 5. The Protestant Reception of the Apocrypha Part II: The Apocrypha Historical and Legendary: 6. Apocrypha, Genre, and Historicity 7. 1 Esdras (Greek Ezra) 8. Baruch 9. Book of Judith 10. 1 Maccabees' Ethics, Etiquette, Political Theology, and Structure 11. 2 Maccabees 12. 3 Maccabees 13. 4 Maccabees Apocalyptic: 14. The Apocrypha and Apocalypticism 15. 2 Esdras Didactic: 16. Wisdom Literature of the Apocrypha and Related Compositions of the Second Temple Era 17. Sirach 18. Tobit 19 .The Wisdom of Solomon Additions to Biblical Books: 20. The Additions to Daniel 21. The Additions of the Greek Book(s) of Esther 22. Epistle of Jeremiah 23. Prayer of Manasseh 24. Psalm 151-155 Part III: Major Themes in the Apocrypha 25. Jewish Religion in the Apocrypha: Between Biblical Precepts and Early Rabbinic Thought 26. Women and Gender in the Apocrypha 27. Theology and Ethics in the Apocrypha 28. Sexuality in the Apocrypha 29. Biblical Theology and the Apocrypha Index

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Book SynopsisNight of Beginnings is a groundbreaking new haggadah for the Passover seder from acclaimed poet, translator, and liturgist Marcia Falk, beautifully designed and illustrated with original color drawings by the author.Trade Review"With orig­i­nal bless­ings and read­ings, gen­der-inclu­sive trans­la­tions, and text-inspired illus­tra­tions, Mar­cia Falk’s Night of Begin­nings offers an inno­v­a­tive adap­ta­tion of the Passover Haggadah . . . [that] encour­ages read­ers to break free from the tra­di­tion­al Hag­gadah text and explore retelling the Passover sto­ry in a bold new way."—Jewish Book Council"By me, Jewish patriarchal prayer is obsolete, even criminal, so the nagging feminist question remains: How can we throw out the bathwater but keep the baby? . . . Marcia Falk's Haggadah brings us . . . life-saving steps in the right direction: She retains some of the original patriarchal conceits, jettisons others, and, most effectively, makes the Haggadah personal and very accessible to those with little formal Jewish background. It is also a physically gorgeous book, spare and breathing on the page, and illustrated with Falk's own balletic drawings of spring flora. Her annotated retelling of the first 15 chapters of the Book of Exodus in itself makes Night of Beginnings worth buying. Falk remediates the perennial problem of the traditional Haggadah—that it weirdly doesn't actually tell the biblical story of Hebrew enslavement and liberation—and she gives us all we need in order to conduct our own terrific seders, helping us both remember the originary telling, and also instilling it with freshness, April'itude, and relevance."—Lilith magazine"Night of Beginnings . . . [by] Marcia Falk, liturgist and poet extraordinaire, fashioner of nonhierarchical and non-patriarchal blessings and prayers . . . can serve rabbis as a haggadah for their congregations or their own family seders. . . . Especially her Maggid with commentary is also a great text for adult education classes and study groups to prepare for the holiday or to address topics such as Jewish feminism, women in the Bible, and social justice. . . . We [spiritual leaders] might even employ Falk's haggadah for periodic inspiration and meditation on the larger themes she has elucidated. Certainly, the b'rakhot, kavanot, poems, psalms, songs, and commentary from this work can each serve to stimulate our heart and our soul."—CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly"A substantial work, worthy of close attention. . . . Falk's poems, interpretations and selections of additional material can enrich your Seder tremendously."—Forward"Admirers of poet Marcia Falk's bold and evocative feminist rewriting of Jewish liturgy have long hoped she would produce a work they could read at the Seder table. Their wish is now a reality, with the recent publication of Falk's Night of Beginnings: A Passover Haggadah."—Times of Israel"Bold . . . elegant, and eloquent. . . . With the publication of this Haggadah, the North American Jewish community is getting its best chance yet of being exposed to Falk's innovative and deeply thoughtful approach to liturgy. . . . Falk is a wonderful poet and wordsmith in both Hebrew and English . . . the holiday ritual that she has set forth for us to celebrate is . . . described in . . . wonderfully rich and memorable words. . . . The excellent commentary . . . must satisfy those of us who want to talk about enslavement and liberation in non-theological terms."—Herbert Levine, Tikkun"I genuinely love this new haggadah. It speaks to me very deeply. It is beautiful not only in its colorful design, which is superb, but in its theology as well as in its profound liturgical innovations. It has already helped me to begin to prepare for Pesach this year with some new meaning. I will definitely bring it with me to my seder this year."—Rabbi Ron Kronish, Times of Israel "The acclaimed poet, liturgist and Judaic scholar [Marcia Falk] skillfully traverses that delicate balance between modern perspective and traditional views, inviting readers to explore centuries-old seder night customs as well as her own fresh reflections on hymns, psalms and Passover motifs."—Leah F. Finkelshteyn, Hadassah Magazine"When a Haggadah is written by a founding mother of feminist Judaism, as poet and author Marcia Falk is described, the reader can rest assured a fresh view of Jewish worship complete with beauty, artistic creativity, and love will fill the Seder. This Haggadah brings radical new blessings that turn from the traditional patriarchal-themed Seder, affording those who delve into it a revolutionary meditative direction for prayer."—Michael R. Mantell, San Diego Jewish World"Read this [article] with care, since I'm writing about something that promises to enhance the arrival of the Pesach Seder this year. . . . [and] deserves to live in the homes of many of our Jewish households soon. . . . A brand-new Passover Haggadah, a substantial and beautiful volume."—Texas Jewish PostTable of ContentsIntroduction xiii Notes for the Reader Transliterations xxi Proper Names xxii Translations and Adaptations xxii Tinted Pages xxiii פתיחת החג OPENING THE FESTIVAL Hadlakat Nerot Ḥag Hapésaḥ: Lighting the Pesach Candles 2 The Journey: Lighting the Way (Kavanah) 7 Birkat Haz’man: Blessing of Time and Renewal (Sheheḥeyánu) 8 Change: The Flow of Life (Kavanah) 11 Birkat Habat, Birkat Haben: Blessing the Children 12 תחילת הסדר BEGINNING THE SEDER The Seder Plate 17 The Seder Table 18 Kadesh Urḥatz: Order of the Night Kadesh: Sanctification (Kiddush) Birkat P’ri Hagéfen, K’dushat Hayom: Fruit of the Vine, Hallowing the Day (First Cup) 22 Fruit of the Vine (Kavanah) 27 Urḥatz: Washing Washing the Hands 29 Karpas: Spring Greens T’vilat Karpas Va’akhilato: Dipping and Eating the Spring Greens 30 Spring: The Birth of the Year (Kavanah) 33 Shirey Aviv Mim’gilat Shir Hashirim: Spring Poems from the Song of Songs 35 Yáḥatz: Breaking Breaking the Matzah, Hiding the Afikoman 45 Brokenness and Wholeness (Kavanah) 47 לקראת המגיד BEFORE THE MAGGID: PREPARING TO LISTEN Arba Hakushyot: The Four Questions 51 The Four Children 54 Sh’faḥot Va’avadim Hayínu: Once We Were Slaves 59 Ha Laḥma Anya: This Is the Bread of Affliction 63 Open Door (Kavanah) 66 Freedom and the Lives of Others (Kavanah) 68 B’khol Dor Vador: In Every Generation 71 Telling Oneself into the Story 75 ד MAGGID: THE TELLING Presentation of the Text 79 Overview and Themes 80 One: Enslavement in Egypt 82 Two: Miriam and the Women 82 Three: Moshe’s Calling 85 Four: Moshe, God, and Pharaoh—Confrontations 89 Five: Exodus from Egypt 93 Six: Miriam the Prophetess 98 Maggid: The Telling, Abbreviated 100 אחרי המגיד AFTER THE MAGGID: CELEBRATING THE STORY Kos Miryam: Miriam’s Cup 106 Dayénu: It Would Have Been Enough 108 Nonetheless 111 What Is Enough? (Kavanah) 113 Birkat P’ri Hagéfen: Fruit of the Vine (Second Cup) 114 Hallel 1, T’hilot Ḥadashot: New Poems of Praise 117 Song of Joy 118 The Feast 119 Nishmat Kol Ḥay: The Breath of All Life 120 Hal’lu, Yif’at Tevel: Hal’lu, Beauty of the World ג THE FESTIVAL MEAL Roḥtzah: Washing Washing the Hands 126 Motzi’ah/Matzah: Unleavened Bread Birkat Haléḥem, Akhilat Matzah: Blessing before the Meal, Blessing for Eating Matzah 128 Maror: Bitter Herb T’vilat Maror Va’akhilato: Dipping and Eating the Bitter Herb 130 Sweet and Salt, Bitter and Sweet 133 Korekh: Sandwich Eating the “Hillel Sandwich” 134 Shulḥan Orekh: Setting the Table The Meal Is Served 135 Tzafun: Hidden Eating the Afikoman 137 Concealment and Revealment (Kavanah) 139 Barekh: Blessing Birkat Hamazon: Blessing after the Meal 140 Birkat P’ri Hagéfen: Fruit of the Vine (Third Cup) 142 סיום CONCLUDING THE SEDER Kos Eliyáhu: Elijah’s Cup 146 Who Was Elijah? (Kavanah) 148 The Promise of Elijah Hallel 2, Mizmorey T’hilim: Psalms 153 B’tzet Yisra’el: When Israel Went Forth 154 Mah-l’kha Hayam: O Sea, What Alarms You 156 Y’varekh et-Bet Yisra’el: May the House of Israel Be Blessed 158 Hal’lu et-Adonay: Praise God, All You Nations 160 Min-Hametzar Karáti Yah: In Distress, I Called Out 162 Kol Rinah Vishu’ah: The Voice of Rejoicing 162 Pitḥu-li Sha’arey-tzédek: Open the Gates of Justice 162 Od’kha Ki Anitáni: I Give Thanks 164 Birkat P’ri Hagéfen: Fruit of the Vine (Fourth Cup) 166 Nirtzah: Fulfillment of the Seder Birkat Hagéfen Ufiryah: Blessing of Fruitfulness 168 שירים SONGS About the Songs 175 Ḥad Gadya: One Little Kid 176 Eḥad Mi Yodé’a?: Who Knows One? 188 Adir Hu: Mighty Is God 190 Karev Yom: Bring Near the Day 192 Acknowledgments

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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