Wisdom of the Jewish Sages: A Modern Reading of Pirke Avot (Hardcover)

by Rabbi Rami Shapiro (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Shapiro offers the reader new insights into wonderful old texts. I found his comments challenging and also calming. A gem -- for the first-time reader as well as the one who returns again and again."

-- Judith Hauptman, Associate Professor of Talmud, Jewish Theological Seminary

"Rami Shapiro gives current voice to our sages who taught the inner guidance about two millennia ago. This is ageless wisdom in words that not only stimulate growth but that also echo deep and compassionate realization."

-- Rabbi Dr. Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi, Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal

"Rami Shapiro has searched within to find a contemporary language for the ancient rabbinic sages. Now once again we can hear their voices and take their wisdom to heart."

-- Rodger Kamenetz, author of The Jew in the Lotus

"In this wonderful interpretive translation of a Jewish classic, Rabbi Shapiro combines a sensitivity to the text with spiritual insight: a book to linger over and to share."

-- Rabbi David J. Wolpe, author of The Healer of Shattered Hearts: A Jewish View of God -- Review

Review
"Shapiro offers the reader new insights into wonderful old texts. I found his comments challenging and also calming. A gem -- for the first-time reader as well as the one who returns again and again."

-- Judith Hauptman, Associate Professor of Talmud, Jewish Theological Seminary

"Rami Shapiro gives current voice to our sages who taught the inner guidance about two millennia ago. This is ageless wisdom in words that not only stimulate growth but that also echo deep and compassionate realization."

-- Rabbi Dr. Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi, Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal

"Rami Shapiro has searched within to find a contemporary language for the ancient rabbinic sages. Now once again we can hear their voices and take their wisdom to heart."

-- Rodger Kamenetz, author of The Jew in the Lotus

"In this wonderful interpretive translation of a Jewish classic, Rabbi Shapiro combines a sensitivity to the text with spiritual insight: a book to linger over and to share."

-- Rabbi David J. Wolpe, author of The Healer of Shattered Hearts: A Jewish View of God

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Harmony/Bell Tower (March 21, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517799669
• ISBN-13: 978-0517799666
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #635,240 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #51 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Philosophy
  #55 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Sacred Writings > Talmud

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and lucid poetic rendering; _not_ a "translation", February 12, 1999

By	John S. Ryan "Scott Ryan" (Silver Lake, OH) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Rabbi Rami Shapiro, liturgical poet extraordinaire, here provides a marvelously lucid poetic rendering of Pirke Avot in the style of, e.g., Stephen Mitchell's _Tao Te Ching_.

I must disagree, however, with the reviewers who have called Rabbi Shapiro's work a _translation_. It is not, and he himself recommends (in the book's equally lucid preface) that it be read in conjunction with -- _not_ as a replacement for -- a more conventional translation.

Like Mitchell's _Tao Te Ching_, this work is an interpretive rendering -- or, as its subtitle indicates, a "modern reading." And a very good one it is; Rabbi Shapiro is one of today's most responsible and insightful liberal-Jewish commentators on traditional Jewish texts.

But _do not_ mistake this work for a "translation." If you're looking for one, try Rabbi Jacob Neusner's _Torah From Our Sages_.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...is testimony to the humanity of Judaism's wisest rabbis, April 7, 1997

By A Customer

This book is easy to pick up, turn to any page, and read something that can resonate inside you. It helped me to understand that being Jewish is deeply spiritual - and every day of Jewish life is a rich yet gentle experience. It was at once accessible and long-lasting. I'm going to buy copies for my friends and family. An excellent book, one that should be carried with people as they go through their daily routine

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will touch the heart of anyone who reads it, February 7, 1997

By A Customer

This breathtaking book gives to us the richness and wisdom of these ancient sages, while providing an excellent translation from the original Hebrew. I encourage readers of all ages and backgrounds to absorb this wonderful book into their minds and souls. The thoughts expressed in this book can have a profound effect on one who reads it. Get it today