Customer Reviews

JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH: Cloth Edition

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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

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

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.

The Tanakh, an edition of the Holy Scriptures of Judaism, put out by the Jewish Publication Society (JPS), now has a dual-language edition (Hebrew and English), which is incredibly useful for scripture study.

The word Tanakh consists of the first letters of the words denoting the three sections of the text: the Torah (the Law), consisting of the first five books; the Nevi'im (the Prophets), which includes major and minor prophets, as well as some of the history books; and the Kethuvim (the Writings), which consists of poetry, wisdom literature, stories and eschatological literature, and some further history books.

The Tanakh is not simply a new translation of the Christian Old Testament. Indeed, most Christian readers would be surprised at the differences inherent in the Tanakh. For one thing, the ordering of the books in the Tanakh is different from the order in the Christian Old Testament. The intent behind the differing order demonstrates one of the key differences in focus of Judaism and Christianity. The ordering of the Old Testament, with the minor prophets, and their call to repentance and future deliverance of the people of Israel by God, is anticipatory of the Messianic age, and hence provide a `run-up' to the New Testament. Obviously, Judaism does not have the same focus toward Jesus. Thus, the conclusion of the Tanakh leads to the return from exile, the restoration of the people of Israel to the land of promise, and the return of the worship of God to the appointed place, the Temple.

Also, the chapter/verse division is somewhat different. This can be seen in side-by-side comparison with other English Bible translations, but also becomes apparent in comparison with other Jewish editions.

'English translations usually list thirty-nine books of the Bible. Meanwhile, Hebrew Bibles classically have presented twenty-four books -- counting the following groups as one book each: the two part of Samuel; the two parts of Kings; the Twelve ('Minor') Prophets; Ezra and Nehemiah; and the two parts of Chronicles. Some aspects of our book design presume the thirty-nine-book division: the tables, book openings, and chapter numbers. But we ended only the conventional twenty-four books with a closing prayer and with the sum total of verses.'

The Tanakh was originally translated and published in three sections, corresponding to the three divisions of the text. Begun in 1955, The Torah was completed in 1962; then there was a wait until The Nevi'im was released in 1978, and The Kethuvim in 1982. This edition of the Tanakh is the compilation of these efforts by JPS, with revisions, especially of the 1962 Torah translation.

This edition, while incorporating the Hebrew text, is not meant for ritual practice. The intended readership of this volume is the scholar or the general reader; it is not set up for liturgical use -- as the preface states:

'It meets only the traditional rabbinic standards (halakhah) for formatting a study Bible, which are less stringent than those for ritual texts.'

The introduction is quite frank about the difficulties that arise in working with ancient manuscripts. In a section entitled The Unbroken Chain of Uncertainty, the editors address the problem of which documentation and corrective (the masorah, which gives rise to the name masoretic text, meaning, authoritative and 'marked') is used, given the variances that arise in ancient manuscripts with fairly equal claim of authority. Drawing on the MCW (Michigan-Claremont-Westminster) electronic BHS (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia), JPS has a text nearly identical with the Leningrad Codex (a 1000-year old volume of the text, the oldest nearly complete volume known). In using this documentation, JPS editors have also done the following in making the text accessible and authoritative:

- added chapter and verse numbers, all of which were added much later

- redivided the Psalms to 150 (the Codex has divisions into 149)

- inserted markings to show codex paragraphing as well as possible scribal errors

- filling in cross-references

The editors point out some of the omissions:

'Like the medieval scribes, we culled most of our nearly six hundred notes from the larger body of masoretic lore (roughly two hundred thousand notes!); we do not pretend to have been exhaustive.'

These notes deal with textual anomalies, and are written in such a manner than a glossary helps decipher them.

This is a rewarding volume for anyone who seeks to tap into the power of the original language side-by-side with a unique and powerful translation of the Hebrew scriptures.

This is by far one of the largest and most neatly bounded books I have ever owned. Simply stated, the page layout is very spacious with the Hebrew text on the right-hand side and the new JPS translation on the left. For those familar with Hebrew, this edition of the Tanakh also contains the vowel points which helps in the correct pronunciation of the Hebrew words. Also, each verse is indicated, not only in the English text, but also in the Hebrew as well, directly across the page! This makes it easier to pinpoint key words and phrases and to compare with other translations. It sure is nice to have an authoritative translation of the Jewish scriptures without any Christian influence (I have nothing against Christians, because I'm also a believer). For those of you who enjoyed this edition, I would also recomend another: THE STONE EDITION OF THE TANACH by Artscroll publications. The Stone Edition contains both the Hebrew text on the right-hand page and the English on the left all marked with Haftarahs, which also includes a brief commentary section by the Rabbi's of the middle ages!

All in all, this is a valuable contribution! Thumbs up!!!

Shalom , everyone !
The JPS Hebrew / English Tanakh is a serious study Tool . This Tanakh is a fantastic Hebrew Bible to own. Serious Hebrew students and lay persons alike will find much to like about this Tanakh.

First of all , the design of this Tanakh is awesome. The Hebrew font is very legible. Just the right size. The English portion of the text is beautifully type set also.
The Hebrew and English Texts are represented together in seperate columns on each and every page. This dual format makes moving from Hebrew to English very easy. The verse numbers are in English in both the Hebrew and English Texts. This is a handy feature.
The color of this Tanakh is a pleasing blue with gold letters on the front.
This edition contains an intro to the Hebrew text, which is based on the Leningrad Codex. I especially like the footnotes that are included on almost every page . These are very useful indeed. The notes that are in Hebrew (with a glossary explaining the abbreviations )are a real bonus.

This is a seriously great Tanakh to have. NO COMPLAINTS HERE !

The Translation is not always word for word( but show me a Tanakh,Christian Bible that is ? ). What I believe that the translators tried to do was give you , the reader , an easily readable translation that is true to the flavor of the Hebrew Text. Their efforts are very commendable indeed.

This volume should hold up for many, many years to come. It is of solid construction.

A WORD TO THE WISE : LEARN TO READ HEBREW FOR YOURSELF. ANYTIME YOU READ A TRANSLATION , ANY TRANSLATION , YOU ARE AT THE MERCY OF THE TRANSLATORS. THE GREAT FLAW OF BELIEVERS IS THAT MOST CANNOT READ THEIR TANAKH'S / BIBLES IN THE TONGUE IT WAS WRITTEN IN. THIS ALLOWS TRANSLATIONAL BIAS TO CREEP IN TO READERS WHO ARE UNAWARE.

All in all , this truly a great Tanakh to have.
IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO MY JPS , I WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE !

Shalom ,
L.L. MAYNOR
3/9/07

I am a student in a bible course. I bought this Tanakh to help me wih my cross-refrencing between NIV and JPS translations. The text really illuminates and brings forth the original meaning of the text. It not only has an excellent translation, it is also a very beautiful book. If you are anything close to a biblical scholar, I highly reccomend this translation. However, if you cannot read Hebrew, don't waste your money on this edition, go with the standard edition, which has the same translation, without the Hebrew.

After reading the JPS English Translation of the Tanakh alone, I was interested in reading the Tanakh in the Hebrew. I decided to get the Traditional Hebrew/JPS English Tanakh. I have some knowledge of Hebrew, but not enough to read it completely. Therefore, this Tanakh was a practical choice. Now I can read the Hebrew text and have the English translation close by when I need it.

The set up of the book is well done, the book opens from left to right, Hebrew is in the right column/English is in the left, and the print is clear. The hardcover leatherette version is a deep navy with gold lettering on the cover. There are gold page edges and a navy place holder. It is a treasure!

The English translation is not very good.

I found constant errors in Genesis. Take for instance Genesis 3:15, the JPS translate it "They will smash..."

The Hebrew text says "Hu" (a transliteration of course). "Hu" is 3rd person masculine singular in Hebrew meaning "He". The text should read "He will smash". But the sentence uses "He" (Hu)... not they(Henah or Heym). Hebrew has a word for plural fem. it is "Henah".

Therefore, the next sentence is not talking of "descendents" (They) but a particular descendent or offspring of the woman... "Hu", or in English "He".

If the text were intended to read "They will smash.." Moses (or whoever one may think was the author) would have used "Henah" or "Heym" (They 3mp). The text clearly reads "Hu..rosh". "He will smash your head".

Also the Hebrew verb conjugation of smash does not make sense, if the subject (actor of the verb) is "They". It is also conjugated in 3rd (ms). and is directed toward "rosh" meaning (head, or chief). In this case "your head". It should read "He will smash your head and you will strike his heel".

They most likely translated it differently for theological reasons, i.e. Messianic Jews and Christians use it as a Messianic Prophecy. I do not think ("they") is justified in this case, since Zerah "meaning seed or offspring" in the previous sentence is used in the 2nd. fem. singular form "her seed (singular)", "her offspring (singular)". Also the Rabbis (70 or 77 Rabbi's) who translated the Hebrew text into the Greek Septuagint 300 years before Jesus or Christianity, translated it "He will smash your head.." as well. And their text predated the Len. Codex, Theological bias should not prevent one from accurately translating the text.

I also thought Gen. 1:1 could have been better. The prefix of the letter "Beyt" is most accurately translated "In" not "When"("Ka-a-sher"/"Kaasher" is "when" in Hebrew) . So the text should read "In the beginning". The word "rashert" (in this case "Ba-rashert") has a root relating to the beginning or head of a river. And implies that time began to flow from this point! How interesting!

Einstein's theory (E=mc2) imples time, space (length, width, and depth), and matter has a beginning, and whatever brought the univese into existence was eternal. Genesis 1:1 is similar in this sense and tries to make this clear, showing "Elohim" or God was outside the Universe (time,space, matter) when this process started and as such is Eternal in nature. Furthermore "shamayim" is a dualistic plural noun implying "two" of something, so in Genesis 1:1 it should read "heavens", not heaven (singular). The Ancient Hebrews believed there was the shamayim (two) meaning "sky", and the outer realm beyond the sky (what we now call "space") where the stars and planets were, i.e. "heavens" dualistic plural. I feel the (JSP) translation also does not do it justice.

POSITIVE NOTE:
On a positive note the earliest Hebrew Text is there so that is a plus. i.e the Len. Codex Text. : )

All I am saying is I do not see how a group when all sitting down together mistranslate it. This makes me suspicious or that perhaps they had a theological bias when translating. A good translation does not add to or take away anything from the text. It most precisely tranlates it into the language that best conveys the true meaning of the text.

Thank you and Shalom!

I had no idea exactly what I was getting when I ordered this Tanakh. I saw an earlier publication by JPS (pure English, not Hebrew), and expected the same with the Hebrew text... I was more than pleasantly surprised, however, to find a leather-bound volume that was more beautiful than I had ever conceived. The text is large and readable, the footnotes insightful, and the introduction to the text detailed and helpful. I would recommend this version of the Old Testament to Jews and Christians alike, whether a layman or clergy, or to anybody that wished to see the book that Jesus read while He walked this book. I am incredibly happy with my purchase.

Note: I've received e-mails saying that Jesus read the Septuagint in Greek, and not the Bible in Hebrew. Look at the facts: Jesus was a poor carpenter's son, with no background in Greek. A local synagogue in Jesus' day would contain holy scriptures in Hebrew, just like they do today. Finally, the Septuagint wasn't even translated until around 200 CE.