Unlocking the Torah Text: 5 Volume Set - Hardcover

Shmuel Goldin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 9652296481 ISBN 13: 9789652296481

Publisher: Gefen Publishing House (IS), 2014

Synopsis

Unlocking the Torah Text provides an in-depth journey into the Torah portion through a series of studies on each parsha. Each study opens with a brief summary of the narrative and then presents probing questions designed to strike to the core of the text. These questions are addressed through a review of traditional commentaries spanning the ages, combined with original approaches. Deep philosophical issues and perplexing textual questions are carefully examined and discussed in clear and incisive fashion. The actions and motivations of the patriarchs, matriarchs and other biblical figures are probed with an eye towards determining the lessons to be learned from the lives of these great personalities. Clear distinction is made between pshat (straightforward literal meaning) and Midrash (rabbinical exegesis) as both of these approaches to biblical text are carefully defined and applied. Finally, thought-provoking connections are raised between the eternal Torah narrative and critical issues of our time. Each study is thus constructed to encourage continued discussion and study of the Torah narrative.

About this title

Review

" clear and straightforward answers also lead to engaging tangents and digressions, which further instruct and enlighten the reader."

" a significant contribution toward understanding a number of questions raised by literal readings"

" Unlocking the Torah d104 is appropriate for lay readers and is a valuable source of material and thought starters for religious leaders of all stripes."

--Dr. Fred Reiss"San Diego Jewish World" (01/21/2015)

Unlocking the Torah d104 offers a unique blend of scholarship and accessibility that is extremely worthwhile for the scholar and novice alike. Each Parsha is broken down into a series of studies featuring: provocative questions, a wide array of approaches from the classical to the modern, original thought, and points for continued discussion. Rabbi Goldin's approach distinguishes between pshat, the straightforward meaning of the text, and midrash, rabbinic exegesis. His ideas and discussions reflect the leadership role that he has played within the modern Orthodox community, and he challenges his readers towards continued dialogue and debate.

Since they first began to appear as individual volumes, Rabbi Goldin's works have become a mainstay for family study and discussion at countless Shabbat tables. They have also been widely used by rabbis, educators and lay people as an invaluable resource for study groups, classes, drashot and Divrei Torah. The complete set will be a treasured addition to any home library and makes a perfect gift for Bar/Bat mitzvot, weddings and other occasions.

-- (12/02/2015)

"Looking for an intellectually challenging approach to studying the weekly Torah portion? Enjoy intriguing, though-provoking questions? Searching for a dvar Torah to offer guests around the Shabbat table? Then Rabbi Shmuel Goldin's Unlocking the Torah d104: An In-Depth Journey Into the Weekly Parsha is for you."

"not only a stimulating read, but a personal exploration as well."

"...the excitement lies in the text - the seeming contradicions and paradoxes, the hidden message, the unusual twist that sparks questions."

"a very broad, well-grounded perspective"

"Goldin's sharp insights are sprinkled throughout..."

"In a most intimate way, Rabbi Goldin has shared not only his insights, but also his struggle to discover God and himself - not only to search for answers, but to live the question."

-- (03/06/2015)

...Unlocking the Torah d104 contains three or four different divrei Torah on every parsha... this is very significant and important.

Every chapter opens with an excerpt or theme from the parsha that the chapter will be dealing with. A number of questions are then asked on the excerpt. What follows, however, is what makes this book unique: The question is then answered in accordance with several, often radically different, approaches. At times the differences of opinion are reconciled, at others times, they are left to "agree to disagree". The chapters conclude with contemporary examples, personal stories, or an anecdote to help solidify the message, leaving readers with further food for thought.

The author is not shy to bring up "delicate" and "difficult" topics. He readily challenges the Torah's text, and puts the Torah's characters and episodes in a very real perspective. Some of the highlights of the book include discussions on: who wrote the Torah (Devarim), re-writing history to serve political interests (Devarim), dealing with doubts in one's faith (Ekev), the legitimacy of eating meat (Re'eh), and rabbinic authority and infallibility (Shoftim), just to name a few.

This is not a "Shabbat table" parsha book. It is an in-depth study on some of the more relevant themes in the weekly parsha. It is advanced but accessible, appropriate for scholars and laymen alike.

-- (08/17/2015)

Edition details

• Publisher: Gefen Publishing House (IS)
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 9652296481
• ISBN 13: 9789652296481
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 1772