100 Best Torah Books of All Time
We've researched and ranked the best torah books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more
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The Torah is the essence of Jewish tradition; it inspires each successive generation. The current JPS translation, based on classical and modern sources, is acclaimed for its fidelity to the ancient Hebrew. less
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Through a distinguished career of critical scholarship and translation, Robert Alter has equipped us to read the Hebrew Bible as a powerful, cohesive work of literature. In this landmark work, Alter's masterly translation and probing commentary combine to give contemporary readers the definitive edition of The Five Books. Winner of the PEN Center USA Literary Award for Translation and the Koret Jewish Book Award for Translation, a Newsweek Top 15 Book, Los Angeles Times Favorite Book, and San Francisco Chronicle Best Book. less
Recommended by Stephen Greenblatt, and 1 others. Stephen GreenblattIt’s at once elegant and extremely sensitive to the Hebrew original. Alter has thought deeply about the literary power of the text he is translating and he’s highly alert to the precise implications of the Biblical Hebrew. (Source)
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What are we to learn from the narratives in the Torah? A walking, talking snake. A tree that bears mysterious knowledge of Good and Evil. A mark upon Cain for all to see. The early narratives in the Book of Genesis are familiar to us from childhood, yet the meaning of these stories often seem maddeningly elusive. For example: By forbidding Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, did God really not want mankind to be able to distinguish right from wrong? This book examines the early stories in the Book of Genesis, calling attention to the big questions that bother us all, as well as to... more
Recommended by Ben Shapiro, and 1 others. Ben ShapiroA Biblical criticism book that I think is really terrrific. [...] Really terrific. (Source)
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NATIONAL BESTSELLER
"Dennis Prager has put together one of the most stunning commentaries in modern times on the most profound document in human history. It's a must-read that every person, religious and non-religious, should buy and peruse every night before bed. It'll make you think harder, pray more ardently, and understand your civilization better." — Ben Shapiro, host of "The Ben Shapiro Show"
"Dennis Prager’s commentary on Exodus will rank among the greatest modern Torah commentaries. That is how important I think it is. And I am clearly... more
"Dennis Prager has put together one of the most stunning commentaries in modern times on the most profound document in human history. It's a must-read that every person, religious and non-religious, should buy and peruse every night before bed. It'll make you think harder, pray more ardently, and understand your civilization better." — Ben Shapiro, host of "The Ben Shapiro Show"
"Dennis Prager’s commentary on Exodus will rank among the greatest modern Torah commentaries. That is how important I think it is. And I am clearly... more
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The New York Times bestseller that celebrates the dreams, acceptance, and love that parents have for their children . . . now and forever!
From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful, and sometimes humorous, illustrations, and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes, this is a book grown-ups will love reading over and over to kids—both young and old. A great gift for any occasion, but a special stand-out for baby... more
From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful, and sometimes humorous, illustrations, and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes, this is a book grown-ups will love reading over and over to kids—both young and old. A great gift for any occasion, but a special stand-out for baby... more
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A completely redone version of a treasured classic. This newly translated volume, complete with facing Hebrew-English text and shoulder captions for clarity, revitalizes the study of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's classic ethical work. The Path of the Just has long been regarded as the crown-jewel of mussar study. The Gaon of Vilna constantly kept a copy of Mesillas Yesharim at his side, and yet the piercing wisdom of the Ramchal is just as relevant to our own lives. The author gently guides the reader through various levels of character refinement, shining a beacon of...
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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Have you ever wondered what the Old Testament--especially the Old Testament law--has to do with your Christian life? You are not alone. Some Christian leaders believe we should cast off the Old Testament now that we have the New. Carmen Joy Imes disagrees. In this warm, accessible volume, Imes takes readers back to Sinai, the ancient mountain where Israel met their God, and explains the meaning of events there. She argues that we've misunderstood the command about "taking the Lord's name in vain." Instead, Imes says that this command is about "bearing God's name," a theme... more
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One of the outstanding works of Reform Judaism. less
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The festive holiday of Shavuot is best known for its all-night Torah learning. The Jewish Sages teach that staying up all night is more than just a celebration of Torah, it is a tikkun, a spiritual rectification. The 16th-century mystic Rabbi Itzchak Luria, the Arizal, prepared a study guide for the night of Shavuot. This guide is presented here, in both Hebrew and English, together with a selection of penetrating insights and commentaries drawn primarily from the mystical teachings of the Zohar and the Arizal. less
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What happens when two termites (Termites eat Arks don't they?) try to get onto Noah's Ark? less
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SRS The concepts and laws of proper speech arranged for daily study. Based on his works, Sefer Chofetz Chaim and sefer Shmiras Haloshon includes Vignettes from the life of the Chofetz Chaim. less
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Turn the Scriptures over to Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg and what do you get? A unique blend of brilliant literary insights and theological wisdom, derived from a lifelong immersion in rabbinic traditions and lore. With amazing literary sensitivity, Zornberg ingeniously breathes new life into Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Rachel, and Joseph. The author's vibrant spirit, charming personality, and infectious enthusiasm for the Bible draw the reader into the search for meaning where real life and the biblical story intersect. The Beginning Of Desire... more
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
21
Derived by the author from interviews and oral histories, these eighty-nine original Hasidic tales about the Holocaust provide unprecedented witness, in a traditional idiom, to the victims' inner experience of "unspeakable" suffering. This volume constitutes the first collection of original Hasidic tales to be published in a century.
"An important work of scholarship and a sudden clear window onto the heretofore sealed world of the Hasidic reaction to the Holocaust. Its true stories and fanciful miracle tales are a profound and often poignant insight into the souls of those who... more
"An important work of scholarship and a sudden clear window onto the heretofore sealed world of the Hasidic reaction to the Holocaust. Its true stories and fanciful miracle tales are a profound and often poignant insight into the souls of those who... more
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Abraham Joshua Heschel was one of the most revered religious leaders of the 20th century, and God in Search of Man and its companion volume, Man Is Not Alone, two of his most important books, are classics of modern Jewish theology. God in Search of Man combines scholarship with lucidity, reverence, and compassion as Dr. Heschel discusses not man's search for God but God's for man--the notion of a Chosen People, an idea which, he writes, "signifies not a quality inherent in the people but a relationship between the people and God." It is an extraordinary description of the... more
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Become Torah time travelers through Bible study! Your children will LOVE learning about the Torah with our Weekly Torah Portion Activity Book. Includes 54 fun Torah Portion worksheets spanning the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. PLUS five weekly study guides and a handy answer key for teachers and parents. Suitable for Kids Ages 7-12.Our Weekly Torah Portion Activity Book includes: Creative writing and coloring activitiesScripture references for further Bible studyQuiz questions to help your children remember what they've learned less
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In this groundbreaking and insightful new commentary, one of the world's leading biblical scholars unveils the unity and continuity of the Torah for the modern reader. Richard Elliott Friedman, the bestselling author of Who Wrote the Bible?, integrates the most recent discoveries in biblical archaeology and research with the fruits of years of experience studying and teaching the Bible to illuminate the straightforward meaning of the text -- "to shed new light on the Torah and, more important, to open windows through which it sheds its light on us."
While other... more
While other... more
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From Madonna's music videos to the glossy pages of celebrity magazines and back to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Jewish mysticism has stepped into the modern consciousness like never before. In this classic work, world-renowned scholar Adin Steinsaltz answers the major questions asked by modern Jews about the nature of existence in God's universe. The title The Thirteen Petalled Rose is taken from the opening of the classic Jewish text on mysticism, the Zohar, and refers to the "collective souls of the Jewish people," which scholars have likened to the fullness of a rose and its... more
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Her home was small, yet everyone - hundreds of people - found a place in it. Her heart was open even wider than her doorway, and somehow every Jew - thousands and thousands of them - found a beloved place in it. That was Rebbetzin Henny Machlis.
Henny was a girl from Brooklyn - Idealistic, friendly, down to earth, lots of fun. In Sara Yoheved Rigler's masterwork, Emunah with Love and Chicken Soup, we see how this "typical" American Jewish girl transformed herself into a legend - a holy woman who many believe was the Sarah Imeinu (Sarah, our Matriarch) of our time.
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Henny was a girl from Brooklyn - Idealistic, friendly, down to earth, lots of fun. In Sara Yoheved Rigler's masterwork, Emunah with Love and Chicken Soup, we see how this "typical" American Jewish girl transformed herself into a legend - a holy woman who many believe was the Sarah Imeinu (Sarah, our Matriarch) of our time.
more
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Holy Woman chronicles the life, times, hardships, and legacy of Rebbitzen Chaya Sara Kramer, an extraordinary woman whom many considered a Jewish saint. A survivor of the medical experiments of Nazi death camp Doctor Joseph Mengele, she made a new life in Israel, where she married an unusually gifted mystic. In spite of penury and deprivation, the couple was an inspiration and guide to thousands. More of a life manual than a biography, this book explicates the profound life lessons by which Rebbitzen Kramer lived. Author Sara Yoheved Rigler draws the reader into the inner circle of her own... more
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A historic new project from ArtScroll Mesorah: The Jaffa Family Edition Mesillas Yesharim: Way of the Upright. Access the wisdom of Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's mussar classic, Mesillas Yesharim, in an entirely new way, in ArtScroll's monumental new translation and elucidation. Phrase-by-phrase translation, in the format of the Schottenstein Talmud and the ArtScroll Rashi and Ramban, shows us the richness of Ramchal's writing. Extensive explanatory notes, based on dozens of commentaries, as well as Torah and mussar classics, give us a deeper understanding of this classic work. The unique... more
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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This Bible study guide is presented as an extension to Rob and Sheila Skiba's Virtual House Church. It is designed to show you how the themes, stories, and words of the Torah (the five books of Moses) are woven throughout the writings of the prophets and New Testament. There is much wisdom to be gained from the Torah. The word is often translated as "law" but really, it represents the instructions of our loving Father to His children. This book has an Introduction written by Rob Skiba, but the rest of it consists of just Scripture (with no commentary), carefully arranged for weekly Bible... more
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One of the most respected religious thinkers of our time makes an impassioned plea for the return of religion to its true purpose—as a partnership with God in the work of ethical and moral living.
What are our duties to others, to society, and to humanity? How do we live a meaningful life in an age of global uncertainty and instability? In To Heal a Fractured World, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks offers answers to these questions by looking at the ethics of responsibility. In his signature plainspoken, accessible style, Rabbi Sacks shares with us traditional interpretations of the Bible,... more
What are our duties to others, to society, and to humanity? How do we live a meaningful life in an age of global uncertainty and instability? In To Heal a Fractured World, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks offers answers to these questions by looking at the ethics of responsibility. In his signature plainspoken, accessible style, Rabbi Sacks shares with us traditional interpretations of the Bible,... more
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The Holy Fire: The Teachings of Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto is a journey into the mind and spirit of a sublime hasidic master in his moments of joy and tranquillity, and later, in his time of personal and communal catastrophe. The reader takes a voyage into the rich and variegated world of twentieth-century Hasidism in Poland, a world destroyed by the Holocaust. This is a volume inspired by a deeply sensitive and poetic individual of faith who is grappling with an unfolding disaster. While the Holocaust has engendered a voluminous body of religious and... more
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This book-length meditation on the Hebrew alphabet offers profound insights into many important ideas found in Jewish thought. From time immemorial, the Hebrew alphabet has been considered to be more than a collection of individual letters. Indeed, the essence of each letter of the Hebrew alphabet can be seen as a fundamental building block of the world. Jewish scholars throughout the ages have meditated on these letters, deriving spiritual inspiration in the process. In The Inner Meaning of the Hebrew Letters, Robert M. Haralick looks closely at each of the Hebrew characters, helping us to... more
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In this astute mix of cultural critique and biblical studies, John H. Walton presents and defends twenty propositions supporting a literary and theological understanding of Genesis 1 within the context of the ancient Near Eastern world and unpacks its implications for our modern scientific understanding of origins.
Ideal for students, professors, pastors and lay readers with an interest in the intelligent design controversy and creation-evolution debates, Walton's thoughtful analysis unpacks seldom appreciated aspects of the biblical text and sets Bible-believing scientists free to...
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A translation of the Kabbalah for the layperson includes a compact presentation of each primary text and features a practical analysis and vital historical information that offer insight into the various aspects of Jewish mysticism. less
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With the seemingly insurmountable pressures placed on families today, many parents lack the spiritual foundation and practical knowledge to chart a clear-cut course in child-rearing. Parents question whether nurturing their children's souls is even possible in the fast-paced materialistic culture in which we live. Utilizing the insight that springs from her knowledge of Torah wisdom, her personal experiences and the experiences of those she has counseled, Slovie Jungreis-Wolff, a longtime parenting coach and advisor to young couples and families teaches in detail how to approach the entire... more
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Two years ago, Ben Greenwood's parents walked out the door and never returned. The police have all but given up finding them when Ben stumbles upon a peculiar letter addressed to his dad. “You are the most wanted man in the Unseen Kingdoms. Unless you come to us, we cannot help. For your child's sake, tell us what you know.”
The letter is from an organisation called the Royal Institute of Magic and is dated a day before his parents disappeared. Like most people, fourteen-year-old Ben hasn't the faintest idea what the Royal Institute of Magic is, but he has his first clue: the logo... more
The letter is from an organisation called the Royal Institute of Magic and is dated a day before his parents disappeared. Like most people, fourteen-year-old Ben hasn't the faintest idea what the Royal Institute of Magic is, but he has his first clue: the logo... more
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
42
This work offers a step-by-step approach to character refinement. Facing Hebrew and English, with an introduction by Rabbi Yitzchok Isaac Sher of Slobodka.
Lift yourself higher; transform yourself into the person you want to be. Far from pop-culture self-help books, this is a work developed hundreds of years ago by R' Menachem Mendel Levin, a prolific writer and Torah scholar whose breadth of knowledge is astonishing. Drawing from classic sources to form a step-by-step program for self-improvement and character refinement, this book gives hope and help to all who wish to perfect... more
Lift yourself higher; transform yourself into the person you want to be. Far from pop-culture self-help books, this is a work developed hundreds of years ago by R' Menachem Mendel Levin, a prolific writer and Torah scholar whose breadth of knowledge is astonishing. Drawing from classic sources to form a step-by-step program for self-improvement and character refinement, this book gives hope and help to all who wish to perfect... more
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Within this volume, Reb Kalonymus teaches the art of self-observation with an emphasis on organizing and running a spiritual community. The reader is exhorted to be mindful of God at all times, with specific advice given for enhancing the experience of prayer. By addressing adults who are not withdrawn from worldly pursuits, Reb Kalonymus has provided a timeless guide to Jewish spirituality that will be an invaluable resource for today's seekers. less
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Gateway to Judaism delivers an engaging insider look at the mindset, values, and practices of contemporary traditional Judaism. Rabbi Becher demonstrates that Judaism today is anything but anachronistic rites and disjointed rituals. Rather, his book opens a portal to a vibrant lifestyle that brings joy and meaning to Jewish living. Based on years of answering thousands of challenging inquiries, Becher's work blends elements of Jewish philosophy and law with an intensely practical explanation of how Jews actually live. less
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This first collection of Heschel's essays - compiled, edited and with an introduction by his daughter Susannah Heschel, is a stunning reminder of the virtuosity of one of the most well respected minds in Judaic studies. less
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This Bible study guide is presented as an extension to Rob and Sheila Skiba's Virtual House Church. It is designed to show you how the themes, stories, and words of the Torah (the five books of Moses) are woven throughout the writings of the prophets and New Testament. There is much wisdom to be gained from the Torah. The word is often translated as "law" but really, it represents the instructions of our loving Father to His children. This book has an Introduction written by Rob Skiba, but the rest of it consists of just Scripture (with no commentary), carefully arranged for weekly Bible... more
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The classic guide to the ageless heritage of Judaism
Embraced over many decades by hundreds of thousands of readers, To Be a Jew offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to traditional Jewish laws and customs as they apply to daily life in the contemporary world. In simple and powerful language, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin presents the fundamentals of Judaism, including the laws and observances for the Sabbath, the dietary laws, family life, prayer at home and in the synagogue, the major and minor holidays, and the guiding principles and observances of life, such as... more
Embraced over many decades by hundreds of thousands of readers, To Be a Jew offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to traditional Jewish laws and customs as they apply to daily life in the contemporary world. In simple and powerful language, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin presents the fundamentals of Judaism, including the laws and observances for the Sabbath, the dietary laws, family life, prayer at home and in the synagogue, the major and minor holidays, and the guiding principles and observances of life, such as... more
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In The Heart of Torah, Rabbi Shai Held’s Torah essays—two for each weekly portion—open new horizons in Jewish biblical commentary.
Held probes the portions in bold, original, and provocative ways. He mines Talmud and midrashim, great writers of world literature, and astute commentators of other religious backgrounds to ponder fundamental questions about God, human nature, and what it means to be a religious person in the modern world. Along the way he illuminates the centrality of empathy in Jewish ethics, the predominance of divine love in Jewish theology, the... more
Held probes the portions in bold, original, and provocative ways. He mines Talmud and midrashim, great writers of world literature, and astute commentators of other religious backgrounds to ponder fundamental questions about God, human nature, and what it means to be a religious person in the modern world. Along the way he illuminates the centrality of empathy in Jewish ethics, the predominance of divine love in Jewish theology, the... more
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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Growth Through Torah supplies the reader a Torah perspective on topics that are relevant for daily living, self-image, emotions, interpersonal relationships, attitudes conducive to happiness and joy, character traits, and the many benefits of living a Torah lifestyle. In Growth Through Torah, Rabbi Pliskin, Director of Aish Hatorah Counseling Center, focuses on practical insights from the weekly Torah readings. Portion by portion, ideas and reflections of great Torah scholars are cited that will enable the reader to grow as a person in many areas of his life. Stories from the lives of Torah... more
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In The Book of Jewish Values, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin has combed the Bible, the Talmud, and the whole spectrum of Judaism's sacred writings to give us a manual on how to lead a decent, kind, and honest life in a morally complicated world. Telushkin speaks to the major ethical issues of our time, issues that have, of course, been around since the beginning. He offers one or two pages a day of pithy, wise, and easily accessible teachings designed to be put into immediate practice. The range of the book is as broad as life itself:
The first trait to seek in a spouse... more
The first trait to seek in a spouse... more
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The weekly Torah readings occupy and rightly so, a prominent place in the Jewish child's heart and mind. 'The Little Midrash Says' series was created to facilitate the child's understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the weekly parsha. Mr.S. Forst's striking illustrations will help the child visualize the scenes described in the text. Parents and educators are urged to regard the text merely as a springboard and guide,and to elaborate on it. The weekly quizzes ('Are you a Parsha expert?') and the 'problem of the week' should stimulate a family-wide discussion of the weekly Torah-portion less
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Lady, an Irish Setter puppy, is leading a simple life on a farm in Ohio during the 1940's. Lady's biggest desire is to become an expert hunting dog like her mother. She has no idea that her life is going to take her down a path where she will find herself in the middle of incredibly dangerous situations, including a world war. On several occasions, Lady will have to find the courage to risk her life in order to save someone she loves. The loyalty and bravery that Lady shows throughout her lifetime illustrate what it truly means to have the heart of a hero. less
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This Bible study guide is presented as an extension to Rob and Sheila Skiba's Virtual House Church. It is designed to show you how the themes, stories, and words of the Torah (the five books of Moses) are woven throughout the writings of the prophets and New Testament. There is much wisdom to be gained from the Torah. The word is often translated as "law" but really, it represents the instructions of our loving Father to His children. This book has an Introduction written by Rob Skiba, but the rest of it consists of just Scripture (with no commentary), carefully arranged for weekly Bible... more
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Drawing on the timeless wisdom of the torah.Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis reminds us of the principlesnecessary for living a better and more committed life.Inspirational and deeply moving. This book willtouch your heart like no other. less
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
62
Patterns in Time - Chanukah, is part of a remarkable new series which reveals patterns subtly hidden by our Sages inthe Midrash, and uses them to uncover the structure of patterns hidden in time. The author draws a dramatic and moving picture of the historical processes that created Chanukah, spanning time from the Garden of Eden through the Messianic age.
In a delightfully eclectic structuring of rich sources, the book uncovers a hidden Chanukah. In the process, the author illuminates some of the most important concepts of Torah philosophy, bringing clarity to complexity. This is... more
In a delightfully eclectic structuring of rich sources, the book uncovers a hidden Chanukah. In the process, the author illuminates some of the most important concepts of Torah philosophy, bringing clarity to complexity. This is... more
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A Jewish response to Christian missionaries, providing both a practical guide and sources that counter missionary claims about Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew scriptures. less
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An easy-to-understand introduction to Judaism's most sacred text The foundation of Hebrew and Jewish religion, thought, law, and society is the Torah-the parchment scroll containing the text of the Five Books of Moses that is located in every synagogue. This accessible guide explains the Torah in clear language, even to those who were not raised in the Jewish religious tradition. Christians who want to know more about the Jewish roots of Christianity need to understand the Torah, as do followers of Islamic tradition and those interested in the roots of Abrahamic faiths. The Torah For... more
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Leviticus used to be the first book that Jewish children studied in the synagogue. In the modern church it tends to be the last part of the Bible that anyone looks at seriously. Because Leviticus is largely concerned with subjects that seem incomprehensible and irrelevant today — rituals for sacrifice and regulations concerning uncleanness — it appears to have nothing to say to twenty-first-century Christians. In this excellent commentary on Leviticus, Gordon Wenham takes with equal seriousness both the plain original meaning of the text and its abiding theological value. To aid in... more
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For centuries the story of Adam and Eve has resonated richly through the corridors of art, literature and theology. But for most moderns, taking it at face value is incongruous. And even for many thinking Christians today who want to take seriously the authority of Scripture, insisting on a "literal" understanding of Genesis 2–3 looks painfully like a "tear here" strip between faith and science. How can Christians of good faith move forward? Who were the historical Adam and Eve? What if we’ve been reading Genesis and its claims regarding material origins wrong? In what cultural context was... more
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Mark Russell & Shannon Wheeler's faithful-yet-irreverent approach to the Bible made their book GOD IS DISAPPOINTED IN YOU a modern cult classic. Now, by popular demand, they turn their attention to the best parts left out of the canonical Bible, including the Midrash, the Apocrypha, Gnostic Gospels, and more! And if you thought the BIBLE had some weird stuff in it... less
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
71
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Judean desert between 1947 and 1956 was one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. Hidden in the caves at Qumran by the Essenes, a Jewish sect in existence before and during the time of Jesus, the Scrolls have transformed our understanding of the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, and the origins of Christianity. This fully revised edition of the classic English translation by Geza Vermes, the world's leading scholar on the subject, offers an astonishing look into the organization, customs, and beliefs of the community at Qumran. Enhanced by... more
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At first glance, the Book of Leviticus seems like barren material for lively preaching. Most expositors merely skim the surface for messages on tithing or sabbath-keeping. Yet Leviticus is one of the most important books of the Old Testament; it not only describes the complete religious system of ancient Israel, it also lays the theological foundation for the Christian gospel.
In Holiness to the Lord, Allen P. Ross enables preachers and teachers to mine the riches of Leviticus and deliver them to a contemporary audience. Following the same practical method he used in the acclaimed... more
In Holiness to the Lord, Allen P. Ross enables preachers and teachers to mine the riches of Leviticus and deliver them to a contemporary audience. Following the same practical method he used in the acclaimed... more
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Since man was created in the image of God, each organ of the human body has a spiritual as well as a physical meaning. Rebbe Nachman said that his teachings discuss every limb of the body. This work draws on them to heighten our awareness of the awesome spiritual power we have at our fingertips and our other limbs. less
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The Psalms are the most-read part of the Old Testament, but their importance for ethics has often been overlooked. However, the Psalms offer some of the most potent ethical instruction in the Bible. In this book internationally renowned Old Testament scholar Gordon Wenham examines the source of the Psalms' power, reflects on their main ethical themes, and shows how they function as prayers that change us. Wenham makes an important contribution to biblical scholarship and breaks new ground in discussions of Old Testament ethics, yet he writes accessibly, making this book invaluable for... more
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Tzava'at Harivash is an anthology of teachings and instructions attributed to the Baal Shem Tov and his successor, R. Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezhirech. Segments of Tzava't Harivash have been translated before. This however, is its first complete English rendition. The translation, by a foremost authority on Chassidism and Jewish Mysticism, is enhanced by source-references, brief commentaries, notes on the passages that were perceived to be controversial, and a comprehensive introduction less
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Rav Kook's writings, due to their poetic and mystical nature, are difficult even for those fluent in Hebrew and rabbinical texts. Gold from the Land of Israel uses a clear, succinct style to grant the reader a window into his original and creative insights. This book elucidates his thoughts on many fascinating topics, including:
Can we reconcile the Torah's account of creation with modern science? What is the Torah's view on vegetarianism? What is the purpose of death? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do we have dreams? Will the Third Temple have animal sacrifices? Who... more
Can we reconcile the Torah's account of creation with modern science? What is the Torah's view on vegetarianism? What is the purpose of death? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do we have dreams? Will the Third Temple have animal sacrifices? Who... more
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The unpredictability and anxiety associated with the coronavirus pandemic can cloud and confuse everybody's thinking. Excuses, self-deception and addictive logic can harm your recovery and relationships. Don't let it.
Author Abraham Twerski reveals how self-deceptive thought can undermine self-esteem and threaten the sobriety of a recovering individuals and offers hope to those seeking a healthy and rewarding recovery.
Abnormal thinking in addiction was originally recognized by members of Alcoholics Anonymous, who coined the term "stinking thinking." Addictive thinking... more
Author Abraham Twerski reveals how self-deceptive thought can undermine self-esteem and threaten the sobriety of a recovering individuals and offers hope to those seeking a healthy and rewarding recovery.
Abnormal thinking in addiction was originally recognized by members of Alcoholics Anonymous, who coined the term "stinking thinking." Addictive thinking... more
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Part of the Jewish Encounter series
"What is hateful unto you, do not do unto your neighbor. That is the whole Torah, all the rest is commentary. Now, go and study."
This is the most famous teaching of Hillel, one of the greatest rabbis of the Talmudic era. What makes it so extraordinary is that it was offered to a gentile seeking conversion. Joseph Telushkin feels that this Talmudic story has great relevance for us today. At a time when religiosity is equated with ritual observance alone, when few Jews seem concerned with bringing Jewish... more
"What is hateful unto you, do not do unto your neighbor. That is the whole Torah, all the rest is commentary. Now, go and study."
This is the most famous teaching of Hillel, one of the greatest rabbis of the Talmudic era. What makes it so extraordinary is that it was offered to a gentile seeking conversion. Joseph Telushkin feels that this Talmudic story has great relevance for us today. At a time when religiosity is equated with ritual observance alone, when few Jews seem concerned with bringing Jewish... more
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Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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This Is My God is Herman Wouk's famous introduction to Judaism completely updated and revised with a new chapter, Israel at Forty. A miracle of brevity, it guides readers through the world's oldest practicing religion with all the power, clarity and wit of Wouk's celebrated novels. less
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This Bible study guide is presented as an extension to Rob and Sheila Skiba's Virtual House Church. It is designed to show you how the themes, stories, and words of the Torah (the five books of Moses) are woven throughout the writings of the prophets and New Testament. There is much wisdom to be gained from the Torah. The word is often translated as "law" but really, it represents the instructions of our loving Father to His children. This book has an Introduction written by Rob Skiba, but the rest of it consists of just Scripture (with no commentary), carefully arranged for weekly Bible... more
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Each Torah portion in The Torah: A Women’s Commentary features:
* A central commentary written by a biblical scholar.
* A second, shorter commentary from another biblical scholar that compliments, supplements, or challenges the primary interpretation.
* A compendium of post-biblical interpretations highlighting issues related to women.
* A contemporary commentary reflecting social, philosophical, and theological concerns that link the Torah portion to current issues.
* Creative responses in the form of poems, prose, or modern midrash.
Free... more
* A central commentary written by a biblical scholar.
* A second, shorter commentary from another biblical scholar that compliments, supplements, or challenges the primary interpretation.
* A compendium of post-biblical interpretations highlighting issues related to women.
* A contemporary commentary reflecting social, philosophical, and theological concerns that link the Torah portion to current issues.
* Creative responses in the form of poems, prose, or modern midrash.
Free... more
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Here is an accessible and inspiring introduction to the Jewish spiritual tradition known as Mussar. Well known in the Orthodox Jewish world, Mussar is an illuminating, approachable, and highly practical set of teachings for cultivating personal growth and spiritual realization in the midst of day-to-day life. The ultimate goal of Mussar is to become a more whole and holy person. The path is simple: learn to be a mensch, a deeply good and decent human being, or what has been called an "extraordinary ordinary person."
The core teaching of Mussar is that our deepest essence is... more
The core teaching of Mussar is that our deepest essence is... more
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For centuries, countless readers from all backgrounds and cultures have been inspired by the uplifting tale of the biblical Ruth, a story that nurtures hope and instills belief in a brilliant future. Now, in a revolutionary new reading of the Book of Ruth, Rabbi Moshe Miller brings us a commentary that provides an entirely new perspective on this timeless tale. In Rising Moon, the reader will discover that beneath the seemingly simple surface of this fable-like story - the story of a princess of Moab, who leaves her homeland after suffering terrible personal losses and is then reduced to... more
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
96
The weekly Torah readings occupy, and rightly so, a prominent place in the Jewish child's heart and mind. 'The Little Midrash Says' series was created to facilitate the child's understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the weekly parsha. Mr.S. Forst's striking illustrations will help the child visualize the scenes described in the text. Parents and educators are urged to regard the text merely as a springboard and guide,and to elaborate on it. The weekly quizzes ('Are you a Parsha expert?') and the 'problem of the week' should stimulate a family-wide discussion of the weekly Torah-portion.... more
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The Horizontal Society is an exposition of rabbinic thought as exemplified by Maimonides. The thought streams of Greece, Rome, and Christendom serve as a contrast. This work is in the Hebrew rhetorical tradition of melisa. The main text in five sections--The God of Israel, The Books of Israel, The Governance of Israel, The Memory of Israel, and The Folly of Israel-focuses on these core matters. It includes numerous references to orient the reader. The mode is similar to the author's previous work, such as Golden Doves with Silver Dots: Semiotics and Textuality in Rabbinic Tradition,... more
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This Bible study guide is presented as an extension to Rob and Sheila Skiba's Virtual House Church. It is designed to show you how the themes, stories, and words of the Torah (the five books of Moses) are woven throughout the writings of the prophets and New Testament. There is much wisdom to be gained from the Torah. The word is often translated as "law" but really, it represents the instructions of our loving Father to His children. This book has an Introduction written by Rob Skiba, but the rest of it consists of just Scripture (with no commentary), carefully arranged for weekly Bible... more
99
The Laws and Customs of the Year of Mourning. For generations, people have wanted a book that sets forth the laws of mourning, clearly and accurately, citing relevant sources and the customs of various communities in Israel, America and Europe. less
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In The Heart of Torah, Rabbi Shai Held’s Torah essays—two for each weekly portion—open new horizons in Jewish biblical commentary.
Held probes the portions in bold, original, and provocative ways. He mines Talmud and midrashim, great writers of world literature, and astute commentators of other religious backgrounds to ponder fundamental questions about God, human nature, and what it means to be a religious person in the modern world. Along the way he illuminates the centrality of empathy in Jewish ethics, the predominance of divine love in Jewish theology, the primacy of... more
Held probes the portions in bold, original, and provocative ways. He mines Talmud and midrashim, great writers of world literature, and astute commentators of other religious backgrounds to ponder fundamental questions about God, human nature, and what it means to be a religious person in the modern world. Along the way he illuminates the centrality of empathy in Jewish ethics, the predominance of divine love in Jewish theology, the primacy of... more
Don't have time to read the top Torah books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.