August 2023 MBR The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet
Rabbi Andrue J. Kahn, editor
CCAR Press
355 Lexington Avenue, 8th floor, New York, NY 10017
www.ccarpress.org
9780881233858, $23.95, PB, 376pp

https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Earth-Jewish-Perspectives-Planet/dp/0881233854

Synopsis: The Torah begins by setting forth the heavens and the Earth as God's creation, impelling humanity to steward our planet for its own sake and for its ability to nurture our lives. Yet the human-Divine-environment relationship seems to be in perpetual crisis.

Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Rabbi Andrue J. Kahn, "The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet", provides a contemporary Jewish response to the looming threat of climate change, the widespread desire for experiential spirituality rooted in nature, and the continually changing relationship between humanity, nature, technology, and the Divine.

The leading thinkers contributing to this collection refl ect on human vulnerability in the face of forces of nature, examine conceptions of our place in cosmology, and grapple with environmental destruction. Ultimately, with hope, they creatively explore ways to redeem this sacred Earth.

Critique: "The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet" is comprised of 37 eloquent, informative, insightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking articles. Also included a thirteen page listing of the contributors and their credentials. Exceptionally well organized and presented in five major sections (Theology; Jewish Texts; Encountering the Divine; Sacred Time; Contemporary Responses), "The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, synagogue, college, and university library Judaic Theology collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Rabbi Andrue J. Kahn (https://www.rabbiandruekahn.com) is a Brooklyn-based Reform rabbi crafting new ways to connect with Torah as a guide to meaningful, spiritual living. His Torah guides him, and others, towards lives of justice, connectedness, and meaning based in engaging ancient traditions to enrich our contemporary world.

Koren Lev Ladaat Humash: Bemidbar
Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn, author
Rabbi Zvi Grumer, author
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, translator
Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.
PO Box 8531, New Milford, CT 06776-8531
www.korenpub.com
9789657766293, $29.95, HC, 532pp

https://www.amazon.com/Koren-Lev-Ladaat-Humash-Bemidbar/dp/965776629X

Synopsis: A Humash is a Torah in printed and book bound form (i.e. codex) as opposed to a Sefer Torah, which is a scroll. The word comes from the Hebrew word for five, amesh. A more formal term is amishah umshei Torah, "five fifths of Torah". It is also known by the Latinised Greek term Pentateuch in common printed editions. (Wikipedia).

Newly published by Koren Publishers in a Hebrew/English edition, "Koren Lev Ladaat Humash: Bemidbar" is a seminal and groundbreaking new Humash for young adults, featuring all-new commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn and Rabbi Zvi Grumet. Geared to connection, reflection, and learning, the text is accompanied by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' translation along with selected excerpts from the classical commentators ably translated into English, along with pointed questions to aid understanding, connection to the text, and skill building.

Critique: As with standard Hebrew texts, this large format volume of sacred Jewish writings goes from right to left. Exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation with The Hebrew text on the left page and the English translation on the right hand page, "Koren Lev Ladaat Humash: Bemidbar" is an ideal textbook for personal, community, synagogue, college, and university library Torah Studies collections and supplemental Judaic Studies curriculum lists.

Editorial Note #1: Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shlomo_Einhorn) is an Orthodox rabbi and Dean of School at Yeshivat Yavneh (Yavneh Hebrew Academy) in Los Angeles. He is also a lecturer, educator, and author.

Editorial Note #2: Rabbi Zvi Grumer (https://torahinmotion.org/profile/rabbi-zvi-grumet) is a master teacher, creative educational thinker, and innovative Tanakh scholar whose teaching for more than three decades has inspired students and communities in the US and Israel and throughout the English-speaking world. He engages his listeners in a close reading of the Biblical text, bringing its characters alive and bringing out the compelling nature of the Biblical message.

Editorial Note #3: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (https://www.rabbisacks.org) is an international religious leader, philosopher, award-winning author, and respected moral voice. He was awarded the 2016 Templeton Prize in recognition of his "exceptional contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension." Described by the King of Great Britain as "a light unto this nation" and by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as "an intellectual giant", Rabbi Sacks was a frequent and sought-after contributor to radio, television, and the press both in Britain and around the world.

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