The JPS Rashi Discussion Torah Commentary

by Sarah Levy; Steven Levy

Publisher:

Jewish Publication Society

, 2017

Overview

Rashi, the medieval French rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040–1105), authored monumental commentaries on the Hebrew Bible and the Babylonian Talmud. With The JPS Rashi Discussion Torah Commentary, his commentary on the Torah—regarded as the most authoritative of all Torah commentaries—is finally accessible to the entire Jewish community.

Steven and Sarah Levy quote from the biblical text in both Hebrew and English, highlight Rashi’s comments relating to the parashah, and delve into his perceptive moral messages in the context of twenty-first-century dilemmas. Each portion features three essays with analysis and discussion questions that draw on universal human experiences, enabling families and Shabbat study groups to deepen their understanding of Rashi and the portion over the three Sabbath meals.

Readers with little or no knowledge of Hebrew, the Torah, or Jewish practice will feel comfortable diving into this discussion commentary. All Hebrew terms are defined, quoted verses contextualized, and less familiar Jewish concepts explained.

Key Features

• Accessible to a wide audience
• Provides biblical context for verses discussed
• Helps summarize and explain less well-known Jewish concepts and cultural practices

Contents

Top Highlights

“Considering the circumstances that a person had to overcome may greatly enhance the significance of his or her achievements.” (Page 18)

“the verse] ‘He revealed to His people His powerful works, in giving them the heritage of nations’ (Ps. 111:6).” (Page 3)

“it provides restitution to the victim from the funds paid for the convict’s services” (Page 56)

“We are informed that rest is not merely the cessation from work, but rather is itself an affirmative creation: a fundamental creation in and of itself.” (Page 4)

“Joseph observed people, and as a result Jewish history has been irrevocably altered” (Page 29)

Praise for the Print Edition

The Levys use Rashi's brilliance to generate lively discussions about our own lives. Selections of his insightful and often surprising ideas, translated into terse, clear and straightforward English, illuminate and explain interesting points and ask revealing questions about phrases and words in the Torah portion.

—Chana Shapiro, Atlanta Jewish Times

This is a book for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of the Torah and its relevance to our lives and times.

—Amos Lassen

Steven and Sarah Levy have written an engaging invitation to think about Rashi’s commentary to the Torah and its implications for today. It should prove helpful to families and educators, enhancing their learning and Shabbat experiences.

—Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, emeritus chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth

Product Details

• Title: The JPS Rashi Discussion Torah Commentary
• Author: Sarah Levy and Steven Levy
• Edition: 2nd or Revised and expanded
• Series: Series Title (Series Abbreviation)
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
• Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 216
• Religious Group: Jewish
• Resource Type: Commentary
• Topic: Rabbinic Judaism

About the Editors

Sarah Levy is a licensed neuropsychologist who lectures and works with children and families

Steven Levy is an attorney and director of a real estate investment fund.