Studying the Tanakh

[Velo Princesse]

I am looking for books that will help me study specific books in the Tanakh. I have found several for the "Old Testament" but none for the Tanakh. I really want the Jewish perspective... So... what books do I need?

Thank you so much.

 

[Velo Princesse]

Ohhh... by "specific books" I mean that I would like a book on only Job or only Genesis, as opposed to a grouping of books.

 

[I_are_sceptical]

About twenty-five years ago I visited a Jewish bookstore in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and there were books on EACH of the books of the Tanakh, so yes, they exist. Unfortunately I don't recall who wrote or published any of them, but if you can find a Jewish bookstore in a nearby city they should be able to help you.

 

[français]

First off, I would start off by reading commentary.. Tanach with commentary by Rashi is great. It goes in detail, explaining things very well!
But if you are not looking for commentary.. I would suggest buying books online. Sadly, many bookstores do not carry a lot of books on Judaism. But online, there are tons of places where you can order books!


I can not think of any books in particular at the moment.. But if you are near a Rabbi, I am sure that if you ask him he can give you a great list of awesome books you can read!

 

[ChavaK]

I would recommend the Stone Chumash; it's got great commentary.
Soncino press has issued each book of the Tanach with extensive
commentary. It has been around for a long time so you can probably
pick up volumes at used book stores, Ebay, or online used book
stores.
Also, call Chabad and your local shuls; they generally give
classes that you can attend....

 

[Velo Princesse]

I spoke with my Rabbi and made an appointment to talk to him. Also, I signed up for the next set of classes which start next Thursday. YEAH!

 

[ChavaK]

I spoke with my Rabbi and made an appointment to talk to him. Also, I signed up for the next set of classes which start next Thursday. YEAH!

Alright!!!!!!
Let us how it goes.
Gut shabbas!

 

[Velo Princesse]

I met with my Rabbi yesterday. I just needed to pick up the syllabus for the class, but I got a nice opportunity to talk to him. He said that I definitely am not a convert because of my maternal line even though I was not reared a Jew. So, we are going to "come up with something fun" to commemorate the occasion. That sounds exciting.

I didn't get to ask him a lot of questions because my kids were home alone, but I have a meeting with him on Thursday when the kids are in school.

Just wanted to update you...

 

[ChavaK]

I met with my Rabbi yesterday. I just needed to pick up the syllabus for the class, but I got a nice opportunity to talk to him. He said that I definitely am not a convert because of my maternal line even though I was not reared a Jew. So, we are going to "come up with something fun" to commemorate the occasion. That sounds exciting.

I didn't get to ask him a lot of questions because my kids were home alone, but I have a meeting with him on Thursday when the kids are in school.

Just wanted to update you...

Very good! It should be fun planning a "return" ceremony.
So what does the syllabus for the class include? And which
edition of the Tanach or Chumash are they using?

 

[GeratTzedek]

I would recommend the Stone Chumash; it's got great commentary.
Soncino press has issued each book of the Tanach with extensive
commentary. It has been around for a long time so you can probably
pick up volumes at used book stores, Ebay, or online used book
stores.
Also, call Chabad and your local shuls; they generally give
classes that you can attend....

I agree. The Stone edition has an enormous commentary below the scripture... It will take me the longest time just to make it through THAT.

And welcome home!

 

[Velo Princesse]

I got The New JPS Translation. It has a 1985 copyright. If you search for "Tanakh" on Amazon, it is the blue paperback w/ yellow writing. I got that one because when I studied messianic prophecy several years ago it was the one I had then and I liked the feel of it.... and it was cheap. I was going to get the Stone edition but it was much more pricey and I have other books to buy right now also. I intend to get it later.

The course syllabus has a pretty extensive book list for a 5 week class. The primary text is Essential Judaism by George Robinson. Plus, there are 7 other books to read and a 5 page article in the back of the syllabus.

The course covers Jewish perspectives, G-d, classical Jewish texts, public and private prayer, Jewish life, Holy days, the Jewish relationship with Christianity and Islam, and the Jewish world today.

Unfortunately, I can't get all of the books right now but I intend to get them soon and read them. I am also reading my Tanakh at 5 pages a day. It will take 1 year to get through it at that pace but with all of my other reading and school and family it is the most I can do. I intend to up it to 10 pages next year when I am not in school anymore.

There is also a Talmud class on Wednesdays that I want to start going to. It is with the sisterhood and I was told that the ladies there will "eat me up." LOL. Plus, my synagogue offers Hebrew and Yiddish classes.

So very much! But it is exciting.

On a side note: Just claiming my Jewishness is making me want to take better care of my house and study more in school. I kind of feel like I have something to live up to and a community to answer to now. I don't know if that is typical or if I am just kind of weird, but I thought it was interesting...

 

[Nooj]

Genesis: Translation and Commentary

The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary

Both by Robert Alter, whom I'm a big fan of. Cheers.