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WE ARE

PLEASED TO PRESENT:

Recalling the Covenant: A Contemporary Commentary on the Five Books of the Torah

 

by Rabbi Moshe Shamah

Recalling the Covenant is a result of an extensive study of the traditional interpretations of the Bible, together with analysis of the modern research relating to the numerous subjects discussed. It is a close and careful reading of the Five Books of Moses according to their plain sense. However, plain sense in this case includes meaningful acknowledgement of intertextual associations, explanations of what appear to be intentional quirks in wording or syntax, straightforward metaphoric accounts and symbolic allusions, as well as employment of other literary techniques that have often been underestimated in importance. It must be stressed that the author consistently insists on interpretations being in harmony with the text. 
Thus, this work points to the integrity of the biblical text and opens a window on a deeper understanding of it. It makes a compelling contribution to bringing out the biblical meaning in a manner that more closely comports with its original intention than has often been the case. Accordingly, it will be found to be of value to all seeking a more profound understanding of the biblical text, whether scholar or interested layman.
The material is presented in chapters that reflect the division of the Torah into weekly portions that have been traditional in the Jewish world for many centuries.

About the Author

Rabbi Moshe Shamah studied in some of the finest rabbinical seminaries, including Ner Israel Rabbinical College and Beth medrash Govoha of Lakewood. He received a Master's degree in education from Loyola College of Maryland. He went on to found Sephardic Institue in 1968, which he actively heads until this day. Also in 1968, he began studying with Rabbi Solomon D. Sassoon and became his close disciple.

Rabbi Shamah served as the long-time principal of Sephardic High School, and leads a congregation in Brooklyn, NY where he currently resides with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shabbat-Table Talks

 

by Rabbi Ralph Tawil

Shabbat meals are a time for the family to share feelings about important issues and a time for parents to convey their deepest Torah values to their children. They provide a special opportunity to engage guests and family in thought-provoking discussions about Torah values. Yet, this precious opportunity may be lost unless someone makes a conscious decision to make it happen.

 

The Shabbat-Table Talks presented in this newly published volume are designed to give readers the tools to engage those around the Shabbat table in value discussions. The talks are broken down by the weeklyperasha and help the table talk leader by providing thought-provoking discussions along with questions,and possible answers that will engage his or her family and guests.

 

“Rabbi Ralph Tawil has provided us with a wonderful gift in presenting the perashiot of the Torah with not only a clear statement as to what value and ideal to teach from the perasha, but also guides us with good pedagogic techniques. His writing is clear and accessible to one and all. We, as parents, are in his debt. This is a book that should be read and used by every Jewish parent every Shabbat.”

– Rabbi Ezra Labaton z”l

About the Author

Rabbi Ralph Tawil is a graduate of Columbia University in New York with a B.A. degree in Biology and of the AzrieliGraduate school of Jewish Educationof Yeshiva University. He was ordainedby the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University.

 

RabbiTawil served as a rabbi at Congregation Beth Torah in Brooklyn, New York, and was principal of Hillel Yeshiva High School in New Jersey. Rabbi Tawil is a graduate of the Jerusalem Fellows Program. He is presently the principalof Yavneh School in Qiryat Tiv’on and resides in Pardes Hannah, Israel with his wife Michal and six children.

Recalling the Covenant: Humash Shemot (Synagogue Edition, 2018)

by Rabbi Moshe Shamah

 

Recalling the Covenant: Humash Shemot, which includes the Torah readings and haftatot with English translation, is comprised of excerpts from Rabbi Moshe Shamah’s Recalling the Covenant: A Contemporary Commentary on the Five Books of the Torah (Ktav, 2015). Some of the rabbi’s comments were modified to fit the nature of the publication. Commentary from the classical mefarshim, including Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, Ramban, etc., were included where deemed necessary. 


Rabbi Shamah’s commentary, Recalling the Covenant, was the result of an extensive study of the traditional interpretations of the Torah, together with analysis of modern research related to the numerous subjects discussed. It is a close and careful reading of the Five Books of the Torah according to their plain sense (peshat). Peshat in this case includes meaningful acknowledgement of intertextual associations, explanations of what appear to be intentional quirks in wording or syntax, as well as employment of other literary techniques.

About the Author

Rabbi Moshe Shamah studied in some of the finest rabbinical seminaries, including Ner Israel Rabbinical College and Beth medrash Govoha of Lakewood. He received a Master's degree in education from Loyola College of Maryland. He went on to found Sephardic Institue in 1968, which he actively heads until this day. Also in 1968, he began studying with Rabbi Solomon D. Sassoon and became his close disciple.

Rabbi Shamah served as the long-time principal of Sephardic High School, and leads a congregation in Brooklyn, NY where he currently resides with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

About the Humash

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