The Jewish Bible: A JPS Guide (JPS Guides) [Paperback]

Inc. Jewish Publication Society (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2008 | Series: JPS Guides

A clear and concise handbook to the TANAKH

Named one of the “Best of the Best from the University Presses: Books You Should Know About” by the Association of American University Presses.

This new volume in the acclaimed JPS Guides series is an invaluable companion to the Jewish Bible, providing readers with ready access to important facts and Bible basics: how the Bible became the “Bible”; its origins, content, and organization distinctions between the Jewish Bible (the TANAKH) and Christian Bibles a short history of Bible translations, and how they differ Bible commentaries storytelling, poetry, law, prophecy, and Wisdom literature popular methods of Bible study finding meaning through midrash. In addition, there are summaries of all the biblical books; dozens of text boxes; an extensive glossary of Bible terms, places, and people; maps, charts, and tables; and large foldout timelines and family trees—all in color.

Contributions are by leading Bible scholars and educators: Marc Zvi Brettler, Joyce Eisenberg, Michael Fishbane, Michael V. Fox, Leonard Greenspoon, Jill Hammer, Stuart Kelman, Adriane Leveen, David Mandel, Lionel Moses, Shalom Paul, Benjamin Edidin Scolnic, Ellen Scolnic, David E. S. Stein, Barry Dov Walfish, and Andrea Weiss.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An excellent text for adult study groups and high school students beginning their study into the mysteries and wisdom of the Jewish Bible.”—Jewish Book World

 

(Jewish Book World )

“On the whole, the most interesting and helpful aspect of the book is precisely what is stated as its main objective: the book is written from a scholarly point of view, yet it is not burdensome. In today’s parlance, it can be said to be user friendly. Beginning students of the Bible will find here a useful and informative tool. For that reason, this book will be a welcome addition to the libraries of synagogues, yeshivas, colleges, and churches, as well as to the library of any layperson who always wanted to know more about the Hebrew Bible but felt daunted by its complexity.”—Society of Biblical Literature

 

(Society of Biblical Literature )

“Anyone embarking on a voyage through the Bible needs a guide . . . The Jewish Publication Society has produced a concise guide that will help anyone engaged in Bible study.”—AJL Newsletter

 

(AJL Newsletter )

“A great reference work for beginners and more advanced students . . . Anyone interested in Bible study should find something of interest in this excellent guide.”—The Reporter

(The Reporter )

Review

"This is an excellent book for school, synagogue, and public libraries. Both students and teachers will want personal copies as well."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society (September 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827608519
• ISBN-13: 978-0827608511
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #473,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A highly educational piece and essential reading for scholars, students, and non-specialist general readers, November 14, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jewish Bible: A JPS Guide (JPS Guides) (Paperback)

Judaism is a culture with a long history and a belief system that has endured millennia of oppression, evolution, and influence. "The Jewish Bible" is a complete and comprehensive guide to anyone who wants to learn about the Torah and the Talmud. With summaries of each of the Bible's individual books, a glossary of terms, important diagrams and maps, along with scholarly commentary from some of today's most influential Judaic scholars, "The Jewish Bible" is a highly educational piece and essential reading for scholars, students, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in Judaism. No personal, community, or academic library's Judaic Studies reference collections would be complete or comprehensive without the inclusion of The Jewish Publication Society's edition of "The Jewish Bible".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a "Guide", October 24, 2011

By 

Laura Duhan Kaplan (Vancouver BC) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jewish Bible: A JPS Guide (JPS Guides) (Kindle Edition)

This excellent book is designed to increase your ability to appreciate a great work of world literature, the Hebrew Bible. It teaches how the Bible is structured, what the individual components mean on their own terms, and how it has been interpreted in traditional Jewish sources. Each chapter is written by scholar who is an expert in their field. The scholars write clearly and elegantly. The layout is visually appealing and easy to read. No matter how much or how little you know about the Hebrew Bible, you can learn more from this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Satisfied, February 24, 2011

By 

Denise J. Sours - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jewish Bible: A JPS Guide (JPS Guides) (Paperback)

Received this in better condition that I expected. Very happy with the product. The information in the book is very relevant.