Etz Hayim: Study Companion » (New Edition)

David Wolpe, the author of six books, is the rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. He has taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the University of Judaism, and Hunter College, and he lectures widely at universities, synagogues, and institutes throughout the country.

Jacob Blumenthal was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary and serves as the founding rabbi of Shaare Torah synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Janet L. Liss is Production Editor at The Jewish Publication Society.

An outstanding aid to reading Torah and the essays in Etz Hayim

Why is the Bible a special, sacred text? From where/whom does it come? How does the Bible help define who we are as modern Jews? We engage in Bible study in our search for answers to such questions; but few of us can attempt this study alone.

Etz Hayim, the landmark Torah commentary publication of the Conservative movement, contains 41 challenging essays that examine various issues relating to the understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Prepared by eminent rabbis and scholars, these essays explore diverse, sometimes controversial, topics relating to Bible study, such as: biblical archeology, marriage and family, revelation, and justice.   The Etz Hayim Study Companion has been prepared specifically to help understand and appreciate these exceptional essays.

Each original Etz Hayim essay appears in its entirety in the study companion, accompanied by an insightful summary and thought-provoking questions designed for individual or group study. The study material not only leads to a deeper understanding of the Biblical text itself, but also presents discussion topics to enhance the learning experience. Included in the volume is a foreword by David Wolpe and a helpful guide to making the best use of the book by Jacob Blumenthal.

The Etz Hayim Study Companion is the perfect accompaniment to Etz Hayim for those who want to appreciate its essays, and for anyone simply looking to explore some of the more fascinating aspects of Bible study.