A Rabbi Reads The Torah

A Rabbi Reads the Torah distils a lifetime of Bible study by a Jewish scholar devoted to popularising the study of the Hebrew Bible in its original language, helped by the wealth of centuries of Jewish interpretation and debate, as well as the best of modern literary approaches.

Jonathan Magonet comes to the Bible with enthusiasm, wit and infectious humour rare in Bible scholars. As a rabbi he brings the insights of two thousand years of Jewish Bible exegesis, but combines them with the critical skills of today's literary analysis of biblical texts. He draws off his own creativity as poet and songwriter both to read the biblical text and use it as a springboard for exploring the character of biblical personalities. He moves comfortably between the worlds of religious tradition and the questioning of the modern secular person. His skills as a popular lecturer and broadcaster help shape this book. 'How a Donkey Reads a Bible' explores the biases and presuppositions we bring to our reading of the biblical text. 'My Part in the Fall of "King David"' recounts Jonathan Magonet's absurd experiences as technical adviser on a biblical epic but shows how many of the "special effects" of films have their literary equivalent in the pages of the Bible. He introduces us to fellow Bible enthusiasts who illuminate it through approaching it from a variety of disciplines - theology, literary criticism, psychoanalysis and politics.

Hebrew-English Torah: The Five books of Moses is a Study Edition of the traditional Masoretic text, placed next to the classic "word-for-word" Jewish translation; it features the most authoritative Hebrew text -- based on the Leningrad Codex and complete with cantillation marks, vocalization and verse numbers. The large format and the use of good paper are part of the design to allow a diligent Torah student to write on margins for more efficient learning. This printed edition comes with a free downloadable PDF edition of the title provided by Varda Books upon presenting to it the proof of purchase.

Understand the connection between the Old Testament and the end times, what to expect during the last days, and how to stand firm in Christ in the face of opposition. Rabbi K. A. Schneider decodes the Book of Revelation, showing how the end-time events prophesied in the New Testament book correspond with the teachings of the Torah and the Hebrew prophets. You will discover how the Passover foreshadows the great tribulation, and what the Hebrew prophets reveal about the anti-Messiah, Armageddon, hell, the return of the Messiah, the millennial kingdom, heaven, and much more. As the world grows darker and darker, many people have a sense of impending doom. This book will teach you what to expect during the last days and how to stand firm in Christ even in the face of opposition.

"The book collects a wide variety of interpretations of Torah passages, commentaries, and midrash rooted in the mystical side of Jewish tradition, translated by Rabbi Larry Tabick ... The quoted authors span many centuries and speak from many schools of thought"--Page 4 of cover.

Why another book on the Psalms? Surely there are enough already. What is the justification for yet one more, and by someone who first found the Psalms almost boringly the same? Jonathan Magonet has a ready answer. After teaching the Psalms for twenty years he has found that within the vast literature about them there is very little that introduces the kinds of interpretations made by the rabbis, whether ancient, mediaeval or modern. Moreover, there are very few books which provide a 'user-friendly' introduction to how one actually sets about working with the Hebrew text or gives access to the richness and complexity of the language of the Psalms to the non-Hebrew reader. It was his first close acquaintance with the Hebrew text, in preparing some translations of the Psalms for publication, which transformed Jonathan Magonet's view of them and helped him to discover their richness. So this book aims to share with the reader the special world that was opened up to him in this way. It provides an introduction to the nature of biblical poetry, a guide to some of the poetic structures that recur in the Psalms, and studies a number of Psalms as a way of illustrating these aspects - and for the fun of exploring the individual dynamic and meaning.

Whether you are studying the Bible for the first time or you're simply curious about its history and contents, you will find everything you need in this "accessible, well-written handbook to Jewish belief as set forth in the Torah" (The Jerusalem Post). George Robinson, author of the acclaimed Essential Judaism, begins by recounting the various theories of the origins of the Torah and goes on to explain its importance as the core element in Jewish belief and practice. He discusses the basics of Jewish theology and Jewish history as they are derived from the Torah, and he outlines how the Dead Sea Scrolls and other archaeological discoveries have enhanced our understanding of the Bible. He introduces us to the vast literature of biblical commentary, chronicles the evolution of the Torah’s place in the synagogue service, offers an illuminating discussion of women and the Bible, and provides a study guide as a companion for individual or group Bible study. In the book’s centerpiece, Robinson summarizes all fifty-four portions that make up the Torah and gives us a brilliant distillation of two thousand years of biblical commentaries—from the rabbis of the Mishnah and the Talmud to medieval commentators such as Rashi, Maimonides, and ibn Ezra to contemporary scholars such as Nahum Sarna, Nechama Leibowitz, Robert Alter, and Everett Fox. This extraordinary volume—which includes a listing of the Torah reading cycles, a Bible time line, glossaries of terms and biblical commentators, and a bibliography—will stand as the essential sourcebook on the Torah for years to come.

From the Penteteuch and Nevi'im to the Ketuvim and the oral Torah, this straightforward reference walks you through God's instructions to His people and explains how these teachings are incorporated into Jewish life. The Everything Torah Book presents the tenets of the Jewish faith in an easy-to-understand reference. Fascinating insights into the history, stories, parables, and personalities that are featured in this sacred scripture will bring teachings to life. Regardless of your faith, The Everything Torah Book offers a wonderful insight into Jewish culture. Learn about: Jewish history and heritage What constitutes the Torah The importance of the Torah in the Jewish community How to expand your learning Incorporating teachings into your life Written by a rabbi, The Everything Torah Book presents the tenets of Jewish faith, tradition, and culture in one all-inclusive resource.