Nominated for the Sophie Brody Medal, by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to Jewish literature published in the United States.In Jewish practice, the first five books of the Bible, referred to as the Torah, are divided into 54 weekly portions. The central element of the Sabbath service in the synagogue is the public chanting of the appropriate Torah portion for the week. Torah and Commentary: The Five Books of Moses by Sol Scharfstein is a new, highly readable translation of the Torah, Judaism s most sacred text, and is accompanied by interpretations of over 2,000 biblical passages. The interpretations are by classical and contemporary rabbinic commentators, and the translation and commentaries are presented in easy-to-read language. The commentaries cover religious practices, history, theology, laws, customs, and ethical concepts. The volume is beautifully illustrated in color and provides background material about the Torah s place in Judaism, and the various ritual practices related to the Torah and Sabbath services. Also included and illustrated in color are biographical sketches of the most highly regarded biblical commentators, such as Rashi, Maimonides, and others. Sol Scharfstein s own comments relate to the contemporary message of the biblical passages. Torah and Commentary introduces individuals of all faiths to an encounter with the Jewish understanding of the Bible, the spiritual foundation shared in common by all the great monotheistic faiths.

Product Description: The reading of the Torah as part of the synagogue service on Sabbaths, festivals, and fast days is followed by the reading of a selection from one of the prophetic books. This reading is known as the Haftarah, from the Hebrew word that means conclusion or to take leave of...read more

Product Description: Book by Scharfstein, Sol

Product Description: A Passover Haggadah with an easy to understand egalitarian translation with over 20 explanatory notes and commentaries that enhances its usefulness. Each Hebrew line is numbered so that participants at a seder can follow the leader at the recitation of the service...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Presents source documents, with introductory essays, relating to various aspects of Jewish history. (view table of contents)

A historical and contemporary overview of customs and ceremonies as practiced by Jews from Biblical times to the present, discussing the changes that have taken place through the centuries

Offers a look at the major events and historical figures in Jewish history, from the first Hebrews and the Exodus to the world Jewry of today

Records the many stories of the journey of the Jewish people through history

Describes the people, history, government, religion, archaeology, culture, and economy of Israel, and looks at its role in the politics, powerplays, and wars of the Middle East (view table of contents)

Product Description: Very cute, brightly illustrated beginning reader's book with the basic elements of Hanukah presented in an imaginative way.

Suggests the good deeds we can do to follow God's rules, such as caring for animals, learning, praying, helping, honoring our parents, and sharing.

Presents questions about the customs, rituals, and symbols of several Jewish holidays. Answers are hidden under flaps.

Product Description: Book is in good condition

Product Description: Book by Sol Scharfstein, Elias Persky

Product Description: To teach and learn accurate Siddur reading by the mechanical method.