BOOK REVIEW

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

ARTSCROLL ENGLISH TANACH
THE JEWISH BIBLE
With Insights From Classic Rabbinic Thought

OVERVIEW: All 24 books of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings are now at your fingertips in one magnificent volume, as interpreted by the classic sages of Talmudic and Rabbinic literature. This is a remarkable achievement. It enables everyone to obtain a basic knowledge of the entire Tanach from "In the beginning" to the return to Eretz Yisrael. For home, for office, for synagogue, for gifts this is an indispensable Book for the People of the Book. Edited by Rabbi Nosson Scherman in collaboration with an international team of scholars.

Newly set, accurate, carefully researched Hebrew text
Crisp, clear introductions
New English translation, based on the research of an international team of Torah scholars
Illuminating notes and comments
All Haftarahs clearly indicated
Explanatory charts, illustrations and maps
Full index of topics
Stunningly beautiful page layout
Specially-milled bible paper
Reinforced binding; ribbon place-markers

MY REVIEW: I have many Bibles in different translations. This one is extremely helpful in understanding passages which may not accurately represent the Hebrew nuances in other English versions. This Bible provides background on the Jewish Scriptures from both the Hebrew language and also from over 2,000 years of rabbinic thought and application. For me, the most exciting part of this Bible is the informative footnotes and commentaries at the bottom of the pages. The comments illuminate the text and seems to be from a conservative, orthodox viewpoint. I liked it when I opened to Genesis and read: “In the beginning of God’s creating the heavens and the earth--when the earth was astonishingly empty,…” I like the words, “astonishingly empty.” That’s good. That’s very good. I recommend this Bible for those who are serious students of the Word. You will not be disappointed. However, if you have a translation you like and that you use for general reading, inspiration, spiritual guidance and devotion then you do not need this or any other translation. I am a serious student of God’s Word and I have found this Bible very helpful. My copy is the hardback edition and I am very pleased with it.