Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary » (Standard, Bilingual Ed.: Hebrew & Eng.)

This mammoth book is a humas for the spirit and the mind. It is based on the renowned JPS 1985 translation of the Torah and features separate p'shat and d'rash commentary themes, showing two approaches to interpreting the Torah. There are also essays on key themes by prominent Conservative Movement rabbis and scholars; a special section, halakhah l'ma-aseh, that points out where Jewish laws are based on biblical passages; and indications of traditional readings for Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities.

Etz Hayim is a publication of the Conservative Jewish Movement produced through a joint venture consisting of The Rabbinical Assembly, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and The Jewish Publication Society.

Publishers Weekly

The first new Torah commentary for Conservative Judaism in over 70 years, Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, boasts an all-star editorial cast. Harold Kushner's d'rash (interpretive commentary) explores the importance of social justice in Judaism, while Chaim Potok's contributions attempt to ground the Torah historically by ascertaining its meaning to the ancient Israelites. A special section edited by Elliot Dorff and Susan Grossman investigates the Jewish legal tradition and its foundations in the Torah; biblical scholar Michael Fishbane offers commentary on the haftarah (Torah portions to be read in the synagogue throughout the year). This commentary is a monumental achievement, incorporating recent archaeological findings, textual interpretations and (for the first time) the opinions of female rabbis. (Oct. 12) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.