The Language of Truth: The Torah Commentary of the Sefat Emet [Hardcover]

Judah A. Alter (Author), Dr. Arthur Green (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0827606508 | ISBN-13: 978-0827606500 | Publication Date: October 1, 1998

One of the leading scholars of Hasidism and modern Jewish theology has brought together and translated a wide selection of the Torah teachings of the Sefat Emet—one of the last great masters of Polish Hasidism. Green’s personal insightful commentary on the words of the Sefat Emet create a remarkable work of Jewish scholarship, bringing the teaching of this insightful master to a wide audience.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Recommended...for all libraries (congregational, school, or seminary/university) that attempt to reach out to the spiritually inquiring Jewish adult."—AJL Newsletter

(AJL Newsletter )

Language Notes

Text: English, Hebrew (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew

Product Details

• Hardcover: 428 pages
• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827606508
• ISBN-13: 978-0827606500
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #337,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Jewish Texts > Torah

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Job, May 9, 2001

By 

jason hirsch (Brooklyn, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Language of Truth: The Torah Commentary of the Sefat Emet (Hardcover)

Sfat Emet is an incredibly succinct and somewhat enigmatic work. There are portions that are so cryptic that one must read them several times in order to absorb their full meaning. Accordingly, Prof. Green's elucidation can be quite helpful. Furthermore, while Prof. Green taps into the universalism inherent in Sfat Emet, he is generally moderate in his interpretation of the Rebbe's work. As a result, he very rarely offends the sensibilities of the more traditional reader (i.e., one that might refer to "the Sfas Emes"). Finally, the historical information is good reading.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Universalism and Judaism, July 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Language of Truth: The Torah Commentary of the Sefat Emet (Hardcover)

First published at the end of the 19th century, this is a work of startlingly radical theology. Green summarizes one short comment:

"There is an openness in this teaching to an authentic universalism that is rare in Jewish sources. All the tongues of humanity praise G*d, each in their own distinctive way but as part of the universal chorus. The Moses who "created openings, gates of Torah" in all the places and tongues of the world is not like the religiously imperialistic missionary who translates his own Bible into all the languages and thus rejoices at the spread of G*d's word. Here the "openings" have to come from within those languages and the cultures that are an inseparable part of them. If we understand that there is really but one G*d and listen to the prophet who says: "Everywhere incense and sacrifice are offered to My name" (Mal. 1:11), we will begin to understand our task as participants in and listeners to the truly universal human chorus."

The Gerer rebbe points out the real Torah was the innermost utterance of Hashem which created the universe. Everything in the universe is manifestation of Hashem. Even the Hebrew Torah itself is a "clothing" on top of the original Torah - a kind of translation, if you will.

One can only marvel at the succinct style and unique vision of this great spiritual master. While studying the Sefat Emet, I am struck by the spiritual poverty of this generations Torah leaders.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent translation of a Hasidic classic., March 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Language of Truth: The Torah Commentary of the Sefat Emet (Hardcover)

Arthur Green, the noted interpreter and translator,has again written a work that is sure to become a classic in the field of English-language translations of Hasidism.He has taken the "Sfas Emes" of the Gerrer Rebbe,shortened it, faithfully translated it into English and written his own comments after each section.For those capable, the Hebrew original is provided at the end of the book. As one would expect, Dr. Green provides an informative and scholarly introduction to Polish Hasidism, of which Ger is certainly one of the best-known. This book is a must for anyone who wants to deepen his understanding of Hasidism by studying a primary source.