Product Description

The Jewish Study Bible presents the center of gravity of the Scriptures where Jews experience it--in Torah. It offers readers the fruits of various schools of Jewish traditions of biblical exegesis (rabbinic, medieval, mystical, etc.) and provides them with a wealth of ancillary materials that aid in bringing the ancient text to life. The nearly forty contributors to the work represent the cream of Jewish biblical scholarship from the world over. No knowledge of Hebrew is required for one to make use of this unique volume.
The JSB uses The Jewish Publication Society TANAKH Translation, whose name is an acronym formed from the Hebrew initials of the three sections into which the Hebrew Bible is traditionally divided (Torah, Instruction; Nevi'im, Prophets; and Kethubim, Writings). A committee of esteemed biblical scholars and rabbis from the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism movements produced this modern translation, which dates from 1985.
Anyone interested in acquiring a fuller understanding of the riches of the Bible will profit from reading The Jewish Study Bible.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11247 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 2208 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Serious students of Judaism will want to have a copy of this outstanding and surprisingly affordable study Bible, which stands in the tradition of Oxford's great study Bibles. Using the Jewish Publication Society translation, the books of the Jewish canon are presented in their traditional order: Torah (the five books of Moses); Nevi'im (the major and minor prophets); and Kethuvim (the other writings). Leading Jewish scholars introduce each book and offer extensive sidebar commentary, discussing the views of ancient and modern rabbinic scholars. In addition, the volume provides two dozen scholarly essays on different aspects of interpretation: the Bible's use in various periods in Jewish history, in the liturgy, in the Dead Sea Scrolls. There are essays on biblical languages, canonization, textual criticism, philosophical and mystical traditions, and biblical poetry. This landmark volume is at once serious and accessible, and spans the spectrum of Jewish thought.
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Review

"The Jewish Study Bible encompasses a monumental assembly of critical learning and acumen, representing the achievement of an entire generation of Jewish scholars. The commentaries are not only erudite but purposeful and theologically alert. A heroic undertaking, brilliantly conceived and executed with panache."--Jacob Neusner
"Serious students of Judaism will want to have a copy of this outstanding and surprisingly affordable study Bible, which stands in the tradition of Oxford's great study Bibles."--Publishers Weekly, Religion Bookline
"Another superb holiday gift, especially appropriate for non-Orthodox Jews, is The Jewish Study Bible from Oxford University Press, which finally stands alongside the many verse-by-verse commentaries for Christians. This work also is recommended for serious-minded Christian readers."--Associated Press

About the Author
Michael Fishbane is at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

The Word of God
The Jewish Study Bible: featuring The Jewish Publication Society TANAKH Translation is a superb edition of the Holy Bible. As a dedicated Christian, I have a desire to learn more and more about the Word of God. God used the Jewish people to provide humanity with His Word and His Son; therefore, their point of view is valuable to me in my quest for a deeper walk with Him. Although the vast majority of Jews do not yet accept Jesus as their Messiah, The Jewish Study Bible, an easily read English translation written by Jewish scholars, is full of prophetic scriptures pointing to Him (obvious to the Christian) and confirming His exalted position in God the Father's kingdom. Historical explanations of "Old Testament" Tanakh time periods are fascinatingly inserted throughout this Bible as side notes and essays. Linguistic helps also appear to provide greater understanding of individual words and phrases commonly used in the Near Eastern languages of that day. Cultural insights abound. From time to time, this wonderful translation also provides side notes and commentaries that are purposefully inserted explaining Christian principles, beliefs, and teachings from the Jewish point of view. I highly recommend this translation of the Word of God to all who are willing to learn, grow, and be surprised by our Heavenly Father's wisdom, knowledge, and will for our lives. If you do not yet own a copy of this translation, you have no idea how much revelation you are missing!

Illuminating
I have been studying the Word of God for 6 years and I felt a hunger for more. I purchased this Tanakh (Jewish Study Bible) and found it difficult to put down! It is so clear and understandable to a layman in the Torah ,Prophets and Writings. This book draws me closer to God! ; and I am so ever thankful.

Studying the Five Books
Berlin, Adele, Bettler, Marc Zvi and Michael Fishbane, editors. "The Jewish Study Bible", Oxford, 2004.

Studying the Five Books

Amos Lassen

Looking at the Bible section at any bookstore is an overwhelming experience. There are Bibles for every taste, religion and personality. "The Jewish Study Bible" is wonderful for the serious study of the Old Testament, the Five Books of Moses. This edition uses the translation of the Jewish Publication Society (and it is important to note that every translation is a commentary in its own right). In addition to the Five Books, also included are the Prophets (Nevi'im) and the other writings (Ketuvim) and each book is introduced by a Biblical scholar and contains a sidebar commentary. There are also twenty-four essays on various aspects of Biblical interpretation. Here is a very serious and affordable way to study the holy books.
Of the essays included there are those on the Jewish interpretation of the Bible, the place of the Bible in Jewish life and thought and on backgrounds for reading the Bible. The book is loaded with modern scholarship and stays within the traditional Masoretic text. There are also suggestions for further and alternative readings.
This is a Bible for study and not for liturgical use and is intended for both the scholar and the lay reader. It is a great way to look at the historical perspective as well as an overview of how the Jews read the Bible. Of course there are flaws here but, by and large, this is a wonderful way to study the Scriptures.