Author: Dr. Norman J. Cohen
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1580236022
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
An accessible introduction to how to read, study, and understand Torah—the Bible and related sacred texts that have grown up around it. For everyone who wants to understand Torah, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism, and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition. Guided by Dr. Norman J. Cohen, rabbi and professor of midrash at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, The Way Into Torah helps us explore the origins and development of Torah, why it should be studied, and how to do it. What Torah is. The texts, and beyond: Not simply the Five Books of Moses, Torah refers to much more than written words. The different approaches to studying Torah. The many ways Jews have interacted with Torah through the ages and how, by learning to read Torah ourselves,we can connect it to our lives today. The levels of understanding Torah. How Torah can come alive in different ways, at different times; and how new meanings of Torah are discovered by its readers. Why Torah study is a part of the Jewish experience. How it allows us to experience God’s presence—and why the Rabbis called Torah study more important even than belief in God. This guide offers an entrance into the world of Torah, and to its meaning for our lives. The Way Into Torah shows us why reading Torah is not the same as reading anything else—and enables us to become a part of a chain of Jewish tradition that began millennia ago, and remains unbroken today.
The Way Into Torah
Author: Dr. Norman J. Cohen
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1580236022
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
An accessible introduction to how to read, study, and understand Torah—the Bible and related sacred texts that have grown up around it. For everyone who wants to understand Torah, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism, and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition. Guided by Dr. Norman J. Cohen, rabbi and professor of midrash at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, The Way Into Torah helps us explore the origins and development of Torah, why it should be studied, and how to do it. What Torah is. The texts, and beyond: Not simply the Five Books of Moses, Torah refers to much more than written words. The different approaches to studying Torah. The many ways Jews have interacted with Torah through the ages and how, by learning to read Torah ourselves,we can connect it to our lives today. The levels of understanding Torah. How Torah can come alive in different ways, at different times; and how new meanings of Torah are discovered by its readers. Why Torah study is a part of the Jewish experience. How it allows us to experience God’s presence—and why the Rabbis called Torah study more important even than belief in God. This guide offers an entrance into the world of Torah, and to its meaning for our lives. The Way Into Torah shows us why reading Torah is not the same as reading anything else—and enables us to become a part of a chain of Jewish tradition that began millennia ago, and remains unbroken today.
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1580236022
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
An accessible introduction to how to read, study, and understand Torah—the Bible and related sacred texts that have grown up around it. For everyone who wants to understand Torah, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism, and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition. Guided by Dr. Norman J. Cohen, rabbi and professor of midrash at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, The Way Into Torah helps us explore the origins and development of Torah, why it should be studied, and how to do it. What Torah is. The texts, and beyond: Not simply the Five Books of Moses, Torah refers to much more than written words. The different approaches to studying Torah. The many ways Jews have interacted with Torah through the ages and how, by learning to read Torah ourselves,we can connect it to our lives today. The levels of understanding Torah. How Torah can come alive in different ways, at different times; and how new meanings of Torah are discovered by its readers. Why Torah study is a part of the Jewish experience. How it allows us to experience God’s presence—and why the Rabbis called Torah study more important even than belief in God. This guide offers an entrance into the world of Torah, and to its meaning for our lives. The Way Into Torah shows us why reading Torah is not the same as reading anything else—and enables us to become a part of a chain of Jewish tradition that began millennia ago, and remains unbroken today.
The Way Into Torah
Author: Norman J. Cohen
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 184
Book Description
This book explains the concept of Talmud Torah: what it is, different approaches to Studying, and levels of understanding.
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 184
Book Description
This book explains the concept of Talmud Torah: what it is, different approaches to Studying, and levels of understanding.
Essential Torah
Author: George Robinson
Publisher: Schocken
ISBN: 0805241868
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 621
Book Description
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.
Publisher: Schocken
ISBN: 0805241868
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 621
Book Description
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.
The Way Into Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)
Author: Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, PhD
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1580237126
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 334
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the Jewish concept of our responsibility to care for others and repair the world. For everyone who wants to understand the meaning and significance of tikkun olam (repairing the world) in Jewish spiritual life, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition. Guided by Dr. Elliot N. Dorff, Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Judaism, this comprehensive introduction explores the roots of the beliefs and laws that are the basis of the Jewish commitment to improve the world. It looks at the various motivations that the sacred texts provide for caring for others, the ways the Jewish tradition seeks to foster such concerns in our social and family relationships, and the kind of society that Jews should strive to create as partners with God. What tikkun olam is. Ancient idea? New concept? The underlying theory has developed over time and branched into related terms and concepts that Judaism has used over thousands of years to describe the duties we now identify as acts of tikkun loam. Why we engage in acts of tikkun loam. Reasons include, but go far beyond, a general humanitarian feeling that we might have or the hope that if we help others, others will be there to help us. How we repair the world. The concrete expressions of tikkun olam in our families, our communities, the wider Jewish community, and the world at large help shape one of the most important aspects of the Jewish tradition. By illuminating Judaism’s understanding of the components of an ideal world, and the importance of justice, compassion, education, piety, social and familial harmony and enrichment, and physical flourishing for both the individual and society, we see how this ancient quest for a world with all these elements helps us define Jewish identity and mission today.
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1580237126
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 334
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the Jewish concept of our responsibility to care for others and repair the world. For everyone who wants to understand the meaning and significance of tikkun olam (repairing the world) in Jewish spiritual life, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition. Guided by Dr. Elliot N. Dorff, Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Judaism, this comprehensive introduction explores the roots of the beliefs and laws that are the basis of the Jewish commitment to improve the world. It looks at the various motivations that the sacred texts provide for caring for others, the ways the Jewish tradition seeks to foster such concerns in our social and family relationships, and the kind of society that Jews should strive to create as partners with God. What tikkun olam is. Ancient idea? New concept? The underlying theory has developed over time and branched into related terms and concepts that Judaism has used over thousands of years to describe the duties we now identify as acts of tikkun loam. Why we engage in acts of tikkun loam. Reasons include, but go far beyond, a general humanitarian feeling that we might have or the hope that if we help others, others will be there to help us. How we repair the world. The concrete expressions of tikkun olam in our families, our communities, the wider Jewish community, and the world at large help shape one of the most important aspects of the Jewish tradition. By illuminating Judaism’s understanding of the components of an ideal world, and the importance of justice, compassion, education, piety, social and familial harmony and enrichment, and physical flourishing for both the individual and society, we see how this ancient quest for a world with all these elements helps us define Jewish identity and mission today.
Studying the Torah
Author: Avigdor Bonchek
Publisher: Jason Aronson, Incorporated
ISBN: 1461630819
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
The traditional Jew has always accepted the study of Torah as central to his or her way of life. But without the ability to effectively analyze and interpret the text, one misses the opportunity to gain a deep and authentic appreciation of the Torah's beauty and profundity. In Studying the Torah: A Guide to In-Depth Interpretation, Avigdor Bonchek equips the reader with the proper analytic methods to make reading the Bible both a serious pursuit and a pleasurable pastime. In order for the reader of the Torah text to delve into its veiled, but ultimately visible, layered messages, he or she must first learn the appropriate interpretive techniques. These skills are the same as those used by the classic Jewish Torah commentators (Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and others), all of whom were experts in what scholars today refer to as a "close reading" of the text. Among the "Keys to Interpretation" discussed in this book are the significance of word order, opening sentences, repetitions, word associations, psychological dimensions, and similarities and differences between texts. Each key is illustrated by several examples that offer fresh insight into otherwise familiar text, and the author offers his own original and comprehensive in-depth interpretation of two central biblical stories: the story of Joseph and the ten plagues.
Publisher: Jason Aronson, Incorporated
ISBN: 1461630819
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
The traditional Jew has always accepted the study of Torah as central to his or her way of life. But without the ability to effectively analyze and interpret the text, one misses the opportunity to gain a deep and authentic appreciation of the Torah's beauty and profundity. In Studying the Torah: A Guide to In-Depth Interpretation, Avigdor Bonchek equips the reader with the proper analytic methods to make reading the Bible both a serious pursuit and a pleasurable pastime. In order for the reader of the Torah text to delve into its veiled, but ultimately visible, layered messages, he or she must first learn the appropriate interpretive techniques. These skills are the same as those used by the classic Jewish Torah commentators (Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and others), all of whom were experts in what scholars today refer to as a "close reading" of the text. Among the "Keys to Interpretation" discussed in this book are the significance of word order, opening sentences, repetitions, word associations, psychological dimensions, and similarities and differences between texts. Each key is illustrated by several examples that offer fresh insight into otherwise familiar text, and the author offers his own original and comprehensive in-depth interpretation of two central biblical stories: the story of Joseph and the ten plagues.
Making Wise the Simple
Author: Johanna W. H. van Wijk-Bos
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 1467421065
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 368
Book Description
Too long restricted to children's storybooks and cinematic extravaganzas, the Torah -- comprising the first five books of the Bible -- is an underappreciated mother lode of divine instruction, vitally important for Christians and the church. Convinced that both those who take the Torah too literally and those who neglect it are guilty of a naïve simplicity, Johanna van Wijk-Bos presents guidelines to help ordinary Christians recover this treasure in their faith and practice. Having lived in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation, van Wijk-Bos recognizes that after the attempted annihilation of the Jews from Christian Europe, it cannot be business as usual for Christianity. In light of the Holocaust, Christians must commit themselves to the restoration of just relations between Christians and Jews. This commitment to address all that fractures human relations undergirds van Wijk-Bos's call for Christians to reengage the Torah. Making Wise the Simple points out how God's care for and engagement with the whole world in the Torah set the tone for the entire biblical story. The book pays special attention to how our treatment of strangers lies at the heart of the Torah's teaching. Without attempting a purely Jewish reading of the Torah, van Wijk-Bos reclaims the Torah as a vibrant word for the Christian community in covenant with God. Written in a personal style conversant with current scholarship but sprinkled with anecdotes, this book is for everyone who has a hunger and enthusiasm for what the biblical text may convey, the courage to ask disturbing questions of the text, and an openness to old words that may bring forth new things, perhaps even making one wise.
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 1467421065
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 368
Book Description
Too long restricted to children's storybooks and cinematic extravaganzas, the Torah -- comprising the first five books of the Bible -- is an underappreciated mother lode of divine instruction, vitally important for Christians and the church. Convinced that both those who take the Torah too literally and those who neglect it are guilty of a naïve simplicity, Johanna van Wijk-Bos presents guidelines to help ordinary Christians recover this treasure in their faith and practice. Having lived in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation, van Wijk-Bos recognizes that after the attempted annihilation of the Jews from Christian Europe, it cannot be business as usual for Christianity. In light of the Holocaust, Christians must commit themselves to the restoration of just relations between Christians and Jews. This commitment to address all that fractures human relations undergirds van Wijk-Bos's call for Christians to reengage the Torah. Making Wise the Simple points out how God's care for and engagement with the whole world in the Torah set the tone for the entire biblical story. The book pays special attention to how our treatment of strangers lies at the heart of the Torah's teaching. Without attempting a purely Jewish reading of the Torah, van Wijk-Bos reclaims the Torah as a vibrant word for the Christian community in covenant with God. Written in a personal style conversant with current scholarship but sprinkled with anecdotes, this book is for everyone who has a hunger and enthusiasm for what the biblical text may convey, the courage to ask disturbing questions of the text, and an openness to old words that may bring forth new things, perhaps even making one wise.
Directing the Heart
Author: Rabbi Yael Levy
Publisher: Way In, Incorporated
ISBN: 9781733238403
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 168
Book Description
"Directing the Heart: Weekly Mindfulness Teachings and Practices from the Torah" contains meditations and suggestions for Mindfulness practice inspired by the first five books of the Bible. For each week of the year, Rabbi Yael Levy searches out teachings from the Torah for guidance on how to love in the face of loss, to be open to joy, gratitude and beauty and to live with disappointments, sadness and pain. Using Rabbi Levy's own translations from the Hebrew, "Directing the Heart" can serve as a sourcebook for spiritual exploration for people of all faiths and paths. The book highlights the usefulness of taking time each day to set intentions and engage in spiritual practice. Each chapter includes a poetic meditation on the week's text followed by a recommendation for how to bring the teaching into daily life. Interest in Mindfulness has moved into mainstream American culture and Jewish Mindfulness adds an innovative spiritual component; Rabbi Levy has been exploring its potential for nearly two decades. Her approach strives to awaken the attention - to direct the heart - and strengthen the ability to meet well all that we encounter.
Publisher: Way In, Incorporated
ISBN: 9781733238403
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 168
Book Description
"Directing the Heart: Weekly Mindfulness Teachings and Practices from the Torah" contains meditations and suggestions for Mindfulness practice inspired by the first five books of the Bible. For each week of the year, Rabbi Yael Levy searches out teachings from the Torah for guidance on how to love in the face of loss, to be open to joy, gratitude and beauty and to live with disappointments, sadness and pain. Using Rabbi Levy's own translations from the Hebrew, "Directing the Heart" can serve as a sourcebook for spiritual exploration for people of all faiths and paths. The book highlights the usefulness of taking time each day to set intentions and engage in spiritual practice. Each chapter includes a poetic meditation on the week's text followed by a recommendation for how to bring the teaching into daily life. Interest in Mindfulness has moved into mainstream American culture and Jewish Mindfulness adds an innovative spiritual component; Rabbi Levy has been exploring its potential for nearly two decades. Her approach strives to awaken the attention - to direct the heart - and strengthen the ability to meet well all that we encounter.
The Torah Revolution
Author: Reuven Hammer
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN: 1580234577
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
The Torah is the foundation stone of Jewish existence. Embedded within these teachings of Moses are core concepts that radically transformed the important religious insights of the patriarchs into a dynamic new religion that would go on to influence the world. This religion of Israel yielded a new way of understanding God and the meaning of the human life. Some of these concepts have never been fully realized, some have gone unrecognized, and many are obscured under so many layers of interpretation that the original vision is difficult to discern. In this accessible look at these revolutionary teachings of Moses, Dr. Reuven Hammer presents fourteen radical ideas found in Torah, explains their original intentions, and shows how understanding these "truths" can help you better understand the narrative and laws of Judaism. Dr. Hammer shows you that when taken together, these value concepts present a picture of the world and human life that is surprisingly modern and relevant: humani
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN: 1580234577
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
The Torah is the foundation stone of Jewish existence. Embedded within these teachings of Moses are core concepts that radically transformed the important religious insights of the patriarchs into a dynamic new religion that would go on to influence the world. This religion of Israel yielded a new way of understanding God and the meaning of the human life. Some of these concepts have never been fully realized, some have gone unrecognized, and many are obscured under so many layers of interpretation that the original vision is difficult to discern. In this accessible look at these revolutionary teachings of Moses, Dr. Reuven Hammer presents fourteen radical ideas found in Torah, explains their original intentions, and shows how understanding these "truths" can help you better understand the narrative and laws of Judaism. Dr. Hammer shows you that when taken together, these value concepts present a picture of the world and human life that is surprisingly modern and relevant: humani
Torah Umadda
Author: Norman Lamm
Publisher: Jason Aronson
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
Lamm, president of Yeshiva University, examines whether there is room within a traditional religious education for secular studies. He supports the argument that a mixture of traditional religion and worldly knowledge is not only acceptable, but recommended. Among those whose ideas he examines are Maimonides, Samson Raphael Hirsch, and Abraham Isaac Kook.
Publisher: Jason Aronson
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
Lamm, president of Yeshiva University, examines whether there is room within a traditional religious education for secular studies. He supports the argument that a mixture of traditional religion and worldly knowledge is not only acceptable, but recommended. Among those whose ideas he examines are Maimonides, Samson Raphael Hirsch, and Abraham Isaac Kook.
The Way Into Judaism and the Environment
Author: Jeremy Benstein
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN: 158023268X
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the Jewish understanding of the natural world and the key concepts central to Jewish environmentalism. At a time of growing concern about environmental issues, this book explores the relationship Jews have with the natural world and the ways in which Judaism contributes to contemporary social/environmental issues. It also shows readers the extent to which Judaism is part of the problem and how it can be part of the solution. Offering both an environmental interpretation of Judaism and a Jewish approach to environmentalism, this book examines: What environmentalism is. What the creation stories can teach us about who we are and what nature is. The relevance of Torah and traditional sources.
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN: 158023268X
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the Jewish understanding of the natural world and the key concepts central to Jewish environmentalism. At a time of growing concern about environmental issues, this book explores the relationship Jews have with the natural world and the ways in which Judaism contributes to contemporary social/environmental issues. It also shows readers the extent to which Judaism is part of the problem and how it can be part of the solution. Offering both an environmental interpretation of Judaism and a Jewish approach to environmentalism, this book examines: What environmentalism is. What the creation stories can teach us about who we are and what nature is. The relevance of Torah and traditional sources.