JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH: Cloth Edition [Leather Bound]

Inc. Jewish Publication Society (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999

Bound in navy leatherette with gilded edges and navy satin ribbon; padded binding.

The JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH features the oldest-known complete Hebrew version of the Holy Scriptures, side by side with JPS’s renowned English translation. Its well-designed format allows for ease of reading and features clear type, an engaging and efficient two-column format that enables readers to move quickly from one language to another, and an organization that contemporary readers will find familiar.

The Hebrew text of this TANAKH is based on the famed Leningrad Codex, the Masoretic text traceable to Aaron Ben Moses ben-Asher, ca. 930 CE Ben-Asher researched all available texts to compile an authoritative Bible manuscript. In 1010 CE his work was revised by Samuel ben Jacob, a scribe in Egypt. Lost for centuries, the manuscript was eventually discovered in the mid-nineteenth century and became known as the Leningrad Codex.

This edition adapts the latest BHS edition of the Leningrad text by correcting errors and providing modern paragraphing. The English text in this TANAKH is a slightly updated version of the acclaimed 1985 JPS translation. Wherever possible, the results of modern study of the languages and culture of the ancient Near East have been brought to bear on the biblical text, which allows for an English style reflective of the biblical spirit and language rather than of the era of the translation.

This edition also includes an informative preface that discusses the history of Bible translation, focusing on the latest JPS English translation of the Holy Scriptures. It is the result of a 30-year interdenominational collaboration of eminent Jewish Bible scholars. Readers are sure to appreciate one of the most intensive projects in the history of The Jewish Publication Society.

 

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Virtually every rabbi and library will want this volume.”—Associated Press

(Associated Press )

Product Details

• Leather Bound: 2040 pages
• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society; 2 Sub edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827606567
• ISBN-13: 978-0827606562
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential - it fills a profound need, July 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH: Cloth Edition (Leather Bound)

There are a number of excellent Hebrew-English editions of the Torah but until now I had been unable to find a suitable and concise Hebrew-English edition of the entire Tanakh. This new JPS edition is excellent. The others I have seen either use archaic translation (the old Jerusalem Bible) or are colored by the particular ideologies of their translators and sponsors (the Stone Edition Tanach, which is quite beautiful but whose value as a study bible is limited by its nonliteral translations -- see especially the Shir HaShirim --and because it includes only commentary from a traditional viewpoint). Unfortunately, there's no room for new commentary or annotations (other than technical translation notes, plus the traditional Masoretic notes), but you probably can't expect that in a single volume edition. At some point it would be nice to see, maybe, a 3-volume edition that leaves some room for commentaries from a variety of viewpoints, but for now the 1-volume edition is essential. It will make a good family bible or a convenient resource for study.

Also recommended for alternate viewpoints: Plaut, Torah A Modern Commentary and The Haftarah Commentary; The Stone Edition Chumash and Tanach; Everett Fox, The 5 Books of Moses; Ellen Frankel, The 5 Books of Miriam

95 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Hebrew-English Bible - Excellent Translation!, October 23, 2003

By 

Jana L. Perskie "ceruleana" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH: Cloth Edition (Leather Bound)

JPS' "Hebrew-English Tanakh: The Traditional Hebrew Text And The New JPS Translation" is the best Bible I have seen for the purpose of study. The translation is superior and when in doubt, the Hebrew text is right there, alongside the English, to compare. This edition was recommended to me when I began a two year course on Judaism and Jewish Life sponsored by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

This JPS edition of the Tanakh, composed of the Pentateuch, the Nevi'im (Prophets), and the Kethuvim (Writings), was translated from the original authoritative Hebrew text into the modern idiom of English in three stages, representing the collaboration of academic scholars with rabbis from the three major branches of organized Jewish life in America. The Torah was published in 1962, The Prophets in 1978, and the Writings in 1982. The text preceding the Preface, and the Preface itself, include an excellent history of the Hebrew text.

I have read this edition through, and find it to be a most rewarding experience. The English translation is the closest to the original Hebrew that I have seen. The print is clear and easy to read and the notes are superior. The Hebrew font is large enough to read without eye strain, and includes vowels - which is a plus for me. And the book is beautifully bound. I continue to refer to it almost daily for study purposes and for my own personal edification. I think this is one of the best book purchases I have ever made.
JANA

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Astounding Bible!, April 17, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH: Cloth Edition (Leather Bound)

I am a 12 year old, who is a Christian and I'm learning Hebrew. When I ordered this book I didn't know if it would have vowels in it or not (some Hebrew has no vowels, only consonants). It is just what I've wanted, vowels and all! The English is in the left column of each page and the Hebrew in columns on the right. This helps me to understand it better because I don't know much Hebrew and I'm fluent in English. I would suggest this Bible (for Christians the Old Testament) for people that are interested in Hebrew. For those who are familiar with the Christian order of books in the Old Testament, this Bible has them in a different order (just so you won't be surprised). I hope you will enjoy this Bible as much as I do.