Commentary-Bible

From the recipient of the National Jewish Book Award for Lifetime Achievement, a "hugely entertaining and irreverent" (Adam Gopnik, New Yorker) account of the art of translating the Hebrew Bible into English

In this brief book, award-winning biblical translator and acclaimed literary critic Robert Alter offers a personal and passionate account of what he learned about the art of Bible translation over the two decades he spent completing his own English version of the Hebrew Bible.

Alter's literary training gave him the advantage of seeing that a translation of the Bible can convey the text's meaning only by trying to capture the powerful and subtle literary style of the biblical Hebrew, something the modern English versions don't do justice to. The Bible's style, Alter writes, "is not some sort of aesthetic embellishment of the 'message' of Scripture but the vital medium through which the biblical vision of God, human nature, history, politics, society, and moral value is conveyed." And, as the translators of the King James Version knew, the authority of the Bible is inseparable from its literary authority.

For these reasons, the Bible can be brought to life in English only by re-creating its literary virtuosity, and Alter discusses the principal aspects of style in the Hebrew Bible that any translator should try to reproduce: word choice, syntax, word play and sound play, rhythm, and dialogue. In the process, he provides an illuminating and accessible introduction to biblical style that also offers insights about the art of translation far beyond the Bible.

The book of Deuteronomy raises ethical questions central to the Jewish faith. Too often, we learn these Biblical stories as children and never revisit them-or their ethical implications-as adults. The Ethics of Deuteronomy, the fifth and final in the Ethics series, provides further elucidation of these narratives and concepts. Rabbi Dr. Abba Engelberg presents traditional answers, explained in depth, as well as original interpretations, to difficult quandaries, such as: How does the leadership mentioned in Deuteronomy compare with the U.S. Constitution? What is the Jewish attitude towards work? Is the obligation to rest on Shabbat related to a mitzvah to work during the other six days of the week? What role did the manna play in the development of the Jews as a nation? Does Judaism ever believe the ends justify the means? What are the parameters of animal welfare and tza'ar ba'alei chaim in Judaism?

The book of Deuteronomy raises ethical questions central to the Jewish faith. Too often, we learn these Biblical stories as children and never revisit them—or their ethical implications—as adults. The Ethics of Deuteronomy, the fifth and final in the Ethics series, provides further elucidation of these narratives and concepts. Rabbi Dr. Abba Engelberg presents traditional answers, explained in depth, as well as original interpretations, to difficult quandaries, such as:How does the leadership mentioned in Deuteronomy compare with the U.S. Constitution?What is the Jewish attitude towards work? Is the obligation to rest on Shabbat related to a mitzvah to work during the other six days of the week?What role did the manna play in the development of the Jews as a nation?Does Judaism ever believe the ends justify the means?What are the parameters of animal welfare and tza’ar ba’alei chaim in Judaism?Abba Engelberg graduated from Telshe Yeshiva (valedictorian) and Yeshiva University (cum laude), where he received rabbinical ordination. He received a Ph. D. from NYU in operations research, and has served as professor at Jerusalem College of Technology for 50 years, where he founded and headed the women’s division. He served as a reserve chaplain in the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of colonel. He is the father of four sons and lives in Jerusalem with his wife.

Is there an Exodus story that we almost passed over? Every year we read the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. It seems like something we already know. But do we? Questions haunt the careful reader. Among them: Doesn’t the name "Passover" seem a bit strange? Why not just call it Freedom Day, or Independence Day? And did the Exodus have to be so complicated? Couldn’t an all-powerful deity have teleported the Israelites out of Egypt and spared everyone the arduous process of the Ten Plagues? Then there’s the uncomfortable parts of the Exodus: Why, exactly, did God have to harden Pharaoh’s heart? Was that really fair? In this book, Rabbi Fohrman invites us to look at the Exodus story with fresh eyes - to join him, as it were, on a guided adventure, a close reading of the ancient biblical text. In so doing, Rabbi Fohrman reveals a side of the Exodus story that illuminates not just our past, but our future, and tells not only of our freedom, but of our destiny. This book will uncover secrets that lay hidden in this ancient and sacred saga and tell the tale of the Exodus you thought you knew.

This series is an original and unique attempt at familiarizing the English-speaking Jewish public with the meaning of the Haftoros. The verses from the prophets are not literally translated. Rather, they were adapted according to the rendition of the classical commentators, so as to be meaningful to the reader. Midrashim and stories serve to highlight the ideas expressed in the verses. The text is perfectly lucid even for those not familiar with Hebrew. This series is especially valuable for Bar-Mitzvah boys and Bat Mitzvah girls. With the aid of these volumes, each child will be able to grasp the meaning of their Haftorah!

Through the explanation of the Sages, the words of the Navi come alive in the latest edition of The Navi Journey Series: Melachim I. In this volume of the series we are introduced to Shlomo Hamelech, the wisest of men, who transformed the generation from the level of Mishkan to the building and service in the Beis Hamikdash. Under Shlomo Hamelech, the entire creation was elevated by the closeness to Hashem and precious avodah of his generation. Malchus Beis Dovid reaches its pinnacle with the building of the Bayis and Yisrael's faithfulness to Hashem, their mate for life, defines them during this time. Klal Yisrael are called "Yonassi," My dove, as they took on the unique feature of the dove remaining forever faithful to its mate.

Melachim I is a holy sefer, written to teach future generations how to live properly and know what Hashem expects from them. Of the myriad events and details of the era of the kings, only the lessons important for future generations were recorded. In this sefer, Sources are brought together from the Sages, explaining the events of Sefer Melachim I and illuminating these holy words for our lives today.

Think you know Chumash & Rashi? Then take THE RASHI CHALLENGE! Everyone loves the challenge posed by brief, intriguing questions and answers, and everyone at home or in class, on Shabbos or during the week will find plenty of stimulating material here to keep you turning pages of Chumash throughout the year. Organized according to the weekly parashah, questions appear at the beginning and answers, along with their sources, appear at the end of every parashah. Whether you re well-versed in Chumash & Rashi, or a newer student, you will thoroughly enjoy THE RASHI CHALLENGE. 3,000 Questions for the Shabbos Table and Everyday Review Challenge Rashi s Commentary with the Ultimate Parashah Q&A

In this innovative approach to the study of the Torah, literary units are parsed in order to reveal how key words often appear in multiples of seven, with the context of the first instance shedding light on the seventh. Through the simple counting of words, the exquisite artistry inherent in the text is manifest, and readers can begin to uncover the intertextual relationships between various portions of the Torah and unveil its hidden layers of meaning.

The Song of Shabbos is a sefer, not a book, that presents an in-depth understanding of the tefillos and zemiros of Shabbos, arranged chronologically, from sunset to sunset. The various treatises present the secrets and sanctity of Shabbos in a new light. This light, the light of the ohr ha’ganuz (the hidden light) was originally revealed in the sifrei Maharal. After centuries of neglect, it was rekindled for the Torah world by the appearance of the famous maamarim of Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Hutner, zt”l, and recorded in his sefarim, Pachad Yitzchak. It is said that the Maharal had the keys to Chazal, and Rav Hutner had the keys to the understanding of the Maharal, not to exclude his uncanny insights into the words of the Ramban, the Gra, and many others. Today, forty years after his passing ― the years necessary to understand the mind and ways of the Rav (“adatai d’rabbai”) ― his inspiration has brought about a crescendo of interest in his Torah, the maamarim. The light he brought to the world continues to shine brightly. “He was planted in this generation to bring light to the world and all who dwell on it ― a new light” (from the inscription on his tombstone).

Jeff Kirshblum has done it again! The fifth volume full of beautiful thoughts and anecdotes that relate not only to the intellect but to the heart and soul of every Jew. Not just another 'vort on the Parsha,' but a fresh, new treatment of the truths of the Torah that you will enjoy week after week, guaranteed!

An inspiring, unique and practical publication, Timeless Torah: Inspiring Messages From the Parshah leaves you feeling encouraged, empowered, and excited to implement its messages and lessons into your life. Its collection of succinct, comprehensive ideas and thoughts, sourced from a gamut of different Torah personalities and works, makes it the perfect sefer to read alone or enjoy together at your Shabbos table.