{"title":"Bible Commentary - Faith Based Academic Scholarly Approach","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"parashah-themes-in-historical-perspective-2-volume-set","title":"Parashah Themes in Historical Perspective 2 volume set","description":"\u003cp\u003eParashah Themes in Historical Perspective is a two-volume collection of Rabbi Evan Hoffman's essays, arranged according to the annual Torah reading cycle. For each essay, a biblical verse or passage serves as the point of departure for an exploration of broader themes in the history of the Jewish people or the evolution of Jewish thought and practice. Classical rabbinic texts as well as external and non-canonical sources are examined in a spirit of free inquiry. The author seeks to understand the historical context in which the sages and early exegetes offered their respective interpretations. For the layman accustomed to exclusively traditional methods of interpretation, these essays offer entrée to the realm of academic Jewish studies. Scholars, too, will benefit from those essays in which the author breaks new ground. For anyone who has wondered how certain Jewish customs came to assume their current forms, or how other biblical rites ceased altogether to be operative in contemporary Judaism, this work will be of particular interest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evan Hoffman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337047494966,"sku":"7023-40","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i290597.10076.jpg?v=1785315745"},{"product_id":"in-the-beginnings","title":"In the Beginnings","description":"\u003cp\u003eJust when it seemed that nothing substantially new can be said or written about the first part of Genesis, In the Beginnings presents it in a dramatic new light. Through a close and careful reading of the first eleven chapters of Genesis, this book shows convincingly that hidden beneath the surface of the text, there is not one beginning, but rather two beginnings. Two accounts of creation are followed by two parallel narratives that reflect two distinct and at times competing worldviews regarding the nature of God, of human beings, of our role in the world, of the relationship between the man and the woman, and much more. Whether one accepts the traditional or the critical view of the Torah’s origins, In the Beginnings is a vivid and powerful testimony to the Torah’s depth, richness, and multivocality, with profound implications for the ways it is to be understood and lived in our day. Reviews David Harbater has written an astounding book; in many ways, it is one of a kind.… He dissolves the binary absolute clash between the religious Jewish Bible reader and the non-religious reader. I urge all readers to suspend their standard assumptions and convictions, to ignore standing party lines, and open up to learn Genesis 1–11 with a master teacher, one who is an inspired reader with a thousand theological insights. You will be rewarded with new insight after new insight that will inspire and dazzle and drive you to read the Torah with fresh eyes. Yitz Greenberg Leading American theologian and rabbi; author of The Jewish Way, For the Sake of Heaven and Earth, and Th e Triumph of Life (Jewish Publication Society, 2024) You may have studied the first chapters of Genesis many times before, but once you have read David Harbater’s groundbreaking and captivating book In the Beginnings, it will seem as though you are studying them for the very first time. Micah Goodman Best-selling author of Catch-67 and The Wondering Jew Whether you come to this book from a traditional view of the Bible’s origins or a more critical one, you will emerge enriched by Harbater’s central argument of a multifaceted text and often delighted by his abundant insight into the text’s nuances and its complex messages. Ultimately, In the Beginnings is a work of faith – in the depth and sophistication of the biblical word and in the Torah’s timeless relevance. Judy Klitsner International lecturer, author of the National Jewish Book Award–winning Subversive Sequels in the Bible With surgical precision, Harbater splits the integrated story into its two component parts, which are now vividly presented to us as they stand juxtaposed with one another. Th is intriguing disentanglement of the text will enrich the spiritual world of the readers and their appreciation that “these and those are the words of the living God.” Avigdor Shinan Professor emeritus of Hebrew literature at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; author of over twenty books on the Bible and ancient Judaism\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Harbater","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337309344054,"sku":"7801-20","price":26.1,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i332531.57912.jpg?v=1785318543"},{"product_id":"torat-ahava-loving-torah","title":"Torat Ahava Loving Torah (Boxed Set)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe title of this thematic commentary on the Torah, Torat Ahavah: Loving Torah, has a twofold message. First, “loving” can be read as a verb, reflecting my passion for Torah. In the words of the Psalmist, “How I love Your Torah, I meditate on it all day long” (Psalms 119:97). Second, “loving” can be seen as an adjective, reflecting what, for me, is the foundation of Torah. At its core, Torah is a book of love. Each letter expresses God’s infinite love for His people and for humankind.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avi Weiss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337317962038,"sku":"7023-57","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i335531.37821.jpg?v=1785318735"},{"product_id":"why-abraham","title":"Why Abraham?","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe book of Genesis introduces the Patriarch Abraham who is chosen to be the progenitor of the Jewish people. But there is nothing prior to his selection which indicates why he is qualified for such a lofty status. This book identifies – based on the text of Genesis – what Abraham’s three principle qualifications were. It goes on to demonstrate that thesis by illustrating how God tested those attributes in an exquisitely detailed and organized fashion – the “ten tests of Abraham”. This leads to an understanding of the ladder of blessings: that God blesses Abraham so many distinct times – each with a different blessing. Understanding these three qualifications is key to unlock many secrets of the Biblical text. It explains the reason for the narrative and set of vignettes provided in Genesis. It explains Isaac’s love for his evil son Esau, including his apparent desire to provide extraordinary blessings to him – even domination over his scholarly son Jacob. It also explains why Jacob’s children – no matter how sinful – are included in the Chosen People, although Isaac’s sinful son Esau is not included. Abraham is chosen to lead a Chosen People at a particular time and place. Why did God decide to have a Chosen People? Why was its progenitor selected at the particular time that he was? All that, and more, is discussed in this book. Jeffrey Jaffe’s fascinating exploration of the patriarchs is simultaneously deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and contemporary thought. While paying careful attention to the text of the Torah, he weaves it with classic Rabbinic teaching, traditional Torah commentary, and enough creativity to generate insights intended to speak to contemporary Jews. Jaffe asks hard questions and mines the sources to present what he understands as the core values which impelled the choice of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be the patriarchs of the Chosen Nation. Rabbi Dr. Zvi Grumet Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, the Pardes Institute, and Hebrew College in Boston I thoroughly enjoyed reading – rather learning – Why Abraham? The book and its thesis artfully and skillfully present and make relevant the three pillars upon which Jewish faith stands. I especially appreciate the breadth of the research as well as the fidelity to traditional sources to build and buttress the thesis. Jaffe’s intellectual brilliance, skillful analysis, and clarity of outlook really shine through. In my opinion, it should be required study for every maturing student of Torah to help them understand the essence of their mission as the Chosen People. Not only will it enhance their understanding of the book of Genesis, it will solidify their role as part of the chain of Jewish continuity, as this book artfully describes. Rabbi Aaron Fink Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jeffrey M. Jaffe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337325367606,"sku":"7801-44","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i338555.61913.jpg?v=1785318942"},{"product_id":"divrei-halev-words-from-the-heart","title":"Divrei Halev Words From The Heart","description":"\u003cp\u003eDivrei Halev is the result of a multi-year collaboration between Rabbi Ronald D. Price and his teacher, the world-renowned Talmudic scholar Rabbi Professor David Weiss Halivni, of blessed memory. Nearly every week from 2008 to 2012, Rav Halivni shared a thought with Rabbi Price on the weekly Torah portion, which the student faithfully recorded. Divrei Halev includes over two hundred brief divrei Torah spread across all fifty-four parashiyot. Rabbi Professor David Weiss Halivni z”l (1927–2022) was one of the most profound Talmudic scholars and theological voices of the postwar era. A Holocaust survivor, Halivni went on to shape generations of students through his decades of teaching at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Columbia University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Bar Ilan University, and the Institute of Traditional Judaism. Renowned for his revolutionary “Stammaitic” theory of Talmudic composition, Halivni challenged readers to differentiate between the teachings of the Amoraim and the later anonymous editorial voices. His magnum opus, Mekorot u-Mesorot, remains a cornerstone of critical Talmud study. A deeply committed halakhist and theologian, Halivni’s faith was sharpened—not shattered—by his experiences in the Shoah. He offered a powerful theological vision that acknowledged divine revelation while confronting the human role in transmission and textual development. His intellectual legacy continues to inspire those who seek to balance rigorous academic honesty with spiritual depth and reverence for tradition. The newly released Divrei Halev, by Rabbi Ronald D. Price, brings Halivni’s insights into the weekly parasha to a broader audience, opening a window into the heart and thought of this extraordinary teacher. “The very title of this excellent and inspiring volume, Divrei Halev (words from the heart) reveals its nature. Rabbi Professor David Weiss Halivni, of blessed memory, was a towering figure in the world of Talmudic scholarship.… On every page of his thoughts on the portion of the week, beautifully edited and compiled by Rabbi Ronald Price…the plain meaning of the biblical text speaks to us in Halivni’s unique voice.” Professor Gershon Bacon , Bar-Ilan University “Provocative questions followed by intellectually honest and spiritually nourishing insights adorn each parashah. A stimulating way of enhancing our appreciation of Torah week by week.” Rabbi Reuven Kimelman , Professor of Classical Judaica, Brandeis University “Price dutifully shares [the Torat hayyim] from our revered – and sorely missed – teacher. Thank you, Rabbi Ronald Price, for amplifying Professor Halivni z”l’s voice and for allowing us to continue learning his Torah..” Dr. Elana Stein Hain , Rosh Beit Midrash, Shalom Hartman Institute of America. “Rabbi Halivni’s…spoken word on Shabbat was able to both enlighten and inspire. Those of us who were able to experience this, and those who never had the opportunity, owe a great debt to Rabbi Ronald Price for bringing the words of our teacher to life..” Marc B. Shapiro, Weinberg Chair in Judaic Studies, University of Scranton “How beautiful to behold [Rabbi Halivni’s] last insights on the weekly Torah portion here in Divrei Halev!.” Rabbi David Novak, President and Coordinator of Panel of Halakhic Inquiry, Union for Traditional Judaism\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ronald D. Price","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337344110902,"sku":"7801-54","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i347846.60073.jpg?v=1785319454"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.gefenpublishing.com\/collections\/bible-commentary-faith-based-academic-scholarly-approach.oembed","provider":"Gefen Publishing House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}