UNLOCKING THE TORAH TEXT provides an in-depth journey into the Torah portion through a series of studies on each parsha. Each study opens with a brief summary of the narrative and then presents probing questions designed to strike to the core of the text. These questions are addressed through a review of traditional commentaries spanning the ages, combined with original approaches. Deep philosophical issues and perplexing textual questions are carefully examined and discussed in clear and incisive fashion. The actions and motivations of the patriarchs, matriarchs and other biblical figures are probed with an eye towards determining the lessons to be learned from the lives of these great personalities. Clear distinction is made between pshat (straightforward literal meaning) and Midrash (rabbinical exegesis) as both of these approaches to biblical text are carefully defined and applied. Finally, thought-provoking connections are raised between the eternal Torah narrative and critical issues of our time. Each study is thus constructed to encourage continued discussion and study of the Torah narrative. With the publication of this final volume, Devarim (Deuteronomy), the five-volume series is complete.
"This is not a Shabbat table parsha book. It is an in-depth study on some of the more relevant themes in the weekly parsha. It is advanced but accessible, appropriate for scholars and laymen alike."
Rabbi Ari Enkin, Torah Book Reviews blog
"In my quest for more insights into Torah and weekly Torah learning, aside from the standards (Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, Or haChaim) and the modern ones I love (Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Rabbanit Nechama Liebowitz, Rabbi Menachem Liebtag) I had ordered Rabbi Goldin's Unlocking Torah Text for sefer Breishit and sighed with relief and a smile at finding another gem. In the style I myself use for teaching Torah, Rabbi GOldin poses questions and investiagates and suggests and ezplains key questions in Torah wording. . I have since ordered all the rest of his Unlocking the Torah Text books."
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