This is the Torah [Paperback]

Alfred J. Kolatch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1994

What are the origins of the countless laws, customs, and traditions that govern the writing and reading of the Torah? Following the "why" format that he introduced in his Jewish Books of Why, Rabbi Kolatch explores the many Torah rites and rituals that are currently practiced in the synagogue. A concise, straightforward presentation reflecting the practices of Jews of all denominations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The most sacred and adored object of Judaism is the Torah, the first five books of the Bible purportedly given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai over 3200 years ago. Popular in its orientation, this book uses a question-and-answer format to address over 500 questions frequently asked about the Torah. Included are queries regarding its origin (divine or human?), its handling in the synagogue, and its use in the liturgy and service. Kolatch's authoritative answers encompass all branches of Judaism but lean heavily to a traditionalist approach. An excellent index adds to the usefulness of the book. For most popular Judaica collections.
- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Authoritative . . . excellent." -- Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Jonathan David Publishers (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082460377X
• ISBN-13: 978-0824603779
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,881,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Source, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: This is the Torah (Hardcover)

This book is worthwhile reading for those who want a solid background of how we came to have the Torah in the form it is today. It includes history of Torah survival and the key early and classical commentators. It explains how a Torah scroll is written and then is to be read. The book is mostly in question and answer format and is a worthwhile investment.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Place it next to your Webster's Dictionary, August 21, 2007

By 

Michael J. Kahn - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: This is the Torah (Paperback)

In terms of covering everything that could be mentioned, this book does an excellent job of that. The narrative is easy and answers short to each questioned posed. Unfortunately, its not a book designed to be read like a novel; the subject matter is aimed only at those with some knowledge of Jewish Tradition (involving use of the Torah) and not for a genral audience. Its better as a referrence book and should be thought of as such. It is still a good book and I recommend it to anyone who has the questions listed in the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding answers to your Torah questions, January 8, 2010

By 

Evelyn Reich - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: This is the Torah (Paperback)

This is the Torah needs to be in every Judaic library. It's a valuable source of researh information for all ages.