Publisher's Synopsis
In the spirit of Nechama Leibowitz's classic, New Studies in the Weekly Parsha, Rabbi David Kasher offers 54 essays exploring the vast but understudied genre of Jewish literature known as parshanut, or Torah commentary. From the masters of midrash who began the tradition, to the medieval commentators who defined the style, on down to the scholars of the modern age, Kasher leads an impassioned and engaging tour through the history of Jewish Biblical interpretation.
"With engaging clarity and vivacity, Kasher presents a wide range of traditional commentaries on the biblical text. In each chapter, he poses a central question which then becomes a field for vigorous discussion, pursued in a contemporary conversational tone. Kasher arrives at sometimes provocative resolutions and the reader is drawn into the work of parshanut, of biblical interpretation, which is clearly a passion for him, and irresistibly becomes a passion for the reader too."
- Dr. Avivah Gottleib Zornberg, Author of Genesis: The Beginning of Desire
"Rabbi David Kasher has written a magnificent commentary on the Torah. With echoes of Nechama Leibowitz, the work beautifully synthesizes traditional commentaries with creative insights. Intellectually deep and yet accessible to all. A masterful book."
- Rabbi Avi Weiss, Founder of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah & Yeshivat Maharat
"To read this book is to get a front row seat in the classroom of a master teacher. Rabbi Kasher's voice is as accessible as his insights are profound. From the most learned reader to the true beginner, Rabbi Kasher leaves us enriched and wiser, granting us access to our own sacred inheritance."
- Rabbi Sharon Brous, Founder and Senior Rabbi, IKAR
"If a student approached me and said: "I will read one book, but only one book, on the Torah. If I fall in love, I'll stay. If it falls flat for me, I'm out" - this is the book I would tell them to read."
- Rabbi Benay Lappe, President and Rosh Yeshiva, SVARA
