"This commentary on the weekly Torah readings is the best I have seen in years."
Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Rosen
Parashah Themes in Historical Perspective is a two-volume collection of Rabbi Evan Hoffman's essays, arranged according to the annual Torah reading cycle. For each essay, a biblical verse or passage serves as the point of departure for an exploration of broader themes in the history of the Jewish people or the evolution of Jewish thought and practice. Classical rabbinic texts as well as external and non-canonical sources are examined in a spirit of free inquiry. The author seeks to understand the historical context in which the sages and early exegetes offered their respective interpretations. For the layman accustomed to exclusively traditional methods of interpretation, these essays offer entrée to the realm of academic Jewish studies. Scholars, too, will benefit from those essays in which the author breaks new ground. For anyone who has wondered how certain Jewish customs came to assume their current forms, or how other biblical rites ceased altogether to be operative in contemporary Judaism, this work will be of particular interest.
Rabbi Evan Hoffman has served as the rabbi of Congregation Anshe Sholom in New Rochelle, NY since 2012. He previously served as Assistant Rabbi of Park East Synagogue in Manhattan. A graduate of Yeshiva College (summa cum laude), he received ordination from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, earned an M.A. in Modern Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School and completed doctoral coursework in American Jewish History. For many years, he has taught Jewish History courses at synagogues around the New York metropolitan area. Many of his lectures are available on yutorah.org. Rabbi Hoffman is the author of a widely disseminated weekly essay series titled "Thoughts on the Parashah." He is also the Rabbinic Editor of Talmud Israeli - Daf Yomi for US. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Westchester Board of Rabbis. In October 2019, Rabbi Hoffman was honored to serve as Guest Chaplain and offered the Opening Blessing in the United States House of Representatives.
