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Hebrew-English Tanakh

4 stars (attention tightwads, there is cheaper) - no need to resort to ramen noodles and have msg kill your brain; get the ISBN 0827607660 hebrew-english bilingual POCKET edition. 20 list 14 postpaid, assuming you shell out 25 minimum per order additional benefit of the POCKET-sized cheap edition is that you can take it on a backpacking trip, and 'smuggle' it into nations that frown on their citizens/subjects having a copy of Scripture you could order two: one for the top of the fridge, and one that rides inside your daypack or carry-on luggage. that'll make US25 1 stars (Nicely printed Hebrew text in a rotten binding.) - Since others have described the contents of the JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh (ISBN: 0827606974) I will just say a few words about the incredibly poor binding of this book. Although the book is well-printed on excellent paper, it is being misleadingly touted as "leather bound." In fact, it is cased in PAPER-covered boards, comes with a cheap and nasty glued spine, and seems to have been designed to self-destruct after minimal use. For a more durable bilingual Tanakh, and one with a much more interesting English translation, readers might take a look at the Artscroll Stone Edition Tanach (ISBN: 0899062695) which is also available at Amazon and is the edition I now wish that I had bought. Too many publishers today are putting cheap glued paperbacks between cardboard covers, pretending that they are real books, and selling them at inflated prices. Hence the single star. 5 stars (Very readible translation, Hebrew and trop) - The JPS edition of the Tanakh has been in print since 1985 at which time this modern English translation replaced JPS's "Shakespearean" style translation. This translation has been well respected and stand's with the translation by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan of blessed memory, and the Artscroll translation known as the "Stone Edition." Originally, the JPS edition was published only in English but, they later added editions in Hebre...
Jewish Publication Society of America :: Religion :: Judaism - Sacred Writings :: Judaism - General :: Bibles - Hebrew :: Bibles :: Bible - Study - Old Testament :: :: Hebrew-English Tanakh

 

JPS Torah Commentary Set

4 stars (Be Advised, Speciality is Key) - Because of the degree of specialty of each of the writers (each are specialists on the Law), a decent (at least some) amount of Hebrew knowledge is key, to allow the reader to evaluate decisions made by the authors. It is also key to remember that these commentaries (following after the aims of JPS) are thoroughly Jewish and track the development of understanding for the passages discussed, though not necessarily to the detriment of the series. A great work, worth the shelf space of any Rabbi, Preacher, or Scholar. rq ladonai kvd 5 stars (Thorough and thought provoking) - Of the five commentaries in the JPS series on the first five books of the Bible, Milgrom's is the best. Milgrom's commentary reveals a healthy respect for classical Jewish commentators but doesn't hesitate to address and add modern Biblical research. Milgrom excels when explaining the more obscure portions of Numbers, such as the rituals, calendars, and sacrifices. In addition to his verse by verse commentary, Milgrom adds lengthy excurses, exploring in more depth the issues raised in the commentary. For example, his insights into the meaning of "tzitzit" - the fringes attached to four cornered garments - are outstanding. Milgrom argues that attaching the linen tzitzit with the dyed blue thread (techelet) to one's garment as required by the text, rendered the garment "shaatnez" - a forbidden combination of wool and linen. Milgrom notes that "shaatnez" is generally forbidden to be worn, but was permitted to be used in the construction of the Tabernacle and the clothing of the priests. By allowing, indeed requiring, every Israelite to attach shaatnez tzitzit to the corners of his/her garments, the Bible was drumming into the people the mandate that they be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Similarly, Milgrom's treatment of the paradox of the Red Cow, whose ashes purified those rendered impure by contact with the dead but rendered impure those who...
Jewish Publication Society of America :: Religion :: Judaism - Sacred Writings :: Judaism - History :: Judaism :: Bible - Study - Old Testament :: Chaim Potok :: Nahum M Sarna :: :: JPS Torah Commentary Set

 

Jewish Literacy- The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion- Its People and Its His

5 stars (Christian point of view) - I found this book very informative. Don't let the size scare you, it's any easy read. Everything on the basics of Judaism is in this book. Everything from history to religion. It left me wanting to know more....Rabbi Joseph Telushkin also includes a wonderful,useful index and references some interesting further reading books. This book has become a permanent part of my library. Highly recommned! 3 stars (Orthodox Jewish Literacy ) - As a non-Jew interested in getting a better grasp of all of the traditions and beliefs of the Jewish faith I'm glad I read through this book first before buying it. It is written by an Orthodox rabbi and assumes an Orthodox, literalist approach on all topics, the ordination of women and homosexuality to cite just two of the more controversial issues. Now, this would be fine if the book were marketed as an Orthodox text but it is advertised as a comprehensive book of general Jewish wisdom for everyone. What is a Jew? by Morris Kertzer (5th edition) and updated four times since 1953 is a much more comprehensive and wide-ranging introductory book that covers the stance of each branch of Judaism to various issues organized in an easy question and answer format. It makes very clear all the differences between the different branches (Orthodox, Conservative and Reform) and how they approach various moral/ethical/social issues. Since (according to a recent poll) about 85% of Jews consider themselves either Reform or Conservative (not Orthodox) I think any general book on Judaism should include much more diverse viewpoints possible within a Jewish framework than this book allows for. Jewish Wisdom is well-written, nicely annotated and a great resource for the Orthodox though. It's really quite good for what it is but readers looking for a broader overview beyond the limits of an Orthodox angle will need to look elsewhere. 5 stars (Belongs on every Jewish Bookself) - The author has a gift for being a...
William Morrow :: Religion & General :: Religion :: Reference :: Judaism - Rituals & Practice :: Judaism - General :: Judaism :: Jews :: History :: Customs and practices :: Joseph Telush :: Jewish Literacy- The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion- Its People and Its His