The JPS Rashi Discussion Torah Commentary: (JPS Study Bible)

Rashi, the medieval French rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040–1105), authored monumental commentaries on the Hebrew Bible and the Babylonian Talmud. With The JPS Rashi Discussion Torah Commentary, his commentary on the Torah-regarded as the most authoritative of all Torah commentaries-is finally accessible to the entire Jewish community. Steven and Sarah Levy quote from the biblical text in both Hebrew and English, highlight Rashi’s comments relating to the parashah, and delve into his perceptive moral messages in the context of twenty-first-century dilemmas. Each portion features three essays with analysis and discussion questions that draw on universal human experiences, enabling families and Shabbat study groups to deepen their understanding of Rashi and the portion over the three Sabbath meals. Readers with little or no knowledge of Hebrew, the Torah, or Jewish practice will feel comfortable diving into this discussion commentary. All Hebrew terms are defined, quoted verses contextualized, and less familiar Jewish concepts explained.

Table of Contents:
Preface Introduction Genesis Bere’shit Contesting the Inheritance Rest: An Affirmative Creation What the First Man Could Have Learned from the Thirty-Third U.S. President Noaḥ Nature versus Nurture The Power of Persuasion United Nations Lekh Lekha The Immigrant Experience Ladies First Consider It Done Va-yera’ Healing without a Medical License Learning by Doing Your Money or Your Life Ḥayyei Sarah A Full Glass Woman of Valor Leash Your Dog Toledot Rags to Riches It’s Not My Fault Death and Taxes Va-yetse’ Making a Difference No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service An Attitude of Gratitude Va-yishlaḥ Conflict Resolution Sweat Equity Who Is Wealthy? Va-yeshev WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)  Favoritism An Observant Jew Mikkets Who Is Powerful?  BFF (Best Friends Forever)  The Choice Is Yours Va-yiggash When Honesty Is Not the Best Policy Grandparents Jewish Continuity Va-yeḥi A Final Request The Evil Eye Blessing Children Exodus Shemot Name-Calling Growing Up Courage of Conviction Va-’era’ Family Matters Showing Gratitude Peaceful Coexistence Bo’ Know Your Audience Private Display of Protection Holy Days Be-shallaḥ The Heart That Sings A Voice of Their Own Honor the Student Yitro First Person National Unity Be Prepared Mishpatim Criminal Treatment Charity Begins at Home Robin Hood Terumah Collective Responsibility I Don’t Know Visual Aids Tetsavveh Good to the First Drop Always on My Mind From My Perspective Ki Tissa’ Age of Majority Paradigm Shift Accentuate the Positive Va-yak’hel TGIF     Pedigree Name Recognition Pekudei Public Accounting Check Out Your Assumptions Just Do It (Right) Leviticus Va-yikra’ Terms of Endearment Time to Reflect Leadership Tsav Change of Clothes Environmental Impact Reframing Language Shemini Drinking Responsibly Humility Creatures as Teachers Tazria‘ Revealing Wrongdoing 20/20     Sticks and Stones Metsora‘ Twitter     Die Goldene Medina Flipper     ’Aḥarei Mot Family Business Blood Libel Law and Order Kedoshim Do Something! Making Excuses Everyone’s Business ’Emor Nobel Nobleman It’s the Thought That Counts Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow Be-har Universal Care Early Intervention Employee Relations Be-ḥukkotai Worth the Effort The Blessing of Peace Strength in Numbers Numbers Be-midbar Love Languages In Loco Parentis Good Neighbors Naso’ Musical Accompaniment Keeping What You Have Holy Matrimony Be-ha‘alotekha Catching Flies Retirement Returning Lost Objects Shelaḥ-Lekha The Blessing of a Skinned Knee A Separate Piece Strings Attached Koraḥ Bad Neighbors Cooling-Off Period Pursuing Peace Ḥukkat Outsider-Insider Relations Strong Suit Forgive and Forget Balak Common Enemies Free to Choose Rise and Shine Pinḥas Order     Leading by Example Going the Extra Mile Mattot The Sound of Silence Anger Costs Children First Mase‘ei A Matter of Perspective Name That Town Urban Planning Deuteronomy Devarim Veiled Criticism George Washington Slept Here Mirror Image Va-etḥannan It’s All a Gift The Challenges of Leadership Modesty ‘Ekev Don’t Tread on Me Follow-Through Mameloshen Re’eh Personal Best According to His Needs Spring Break Shofetim Honorable Discharge Protecting the Environment Kindness to Strangers Ki Tetse’ Lending a Hand Acknowledging the Good Newlyweds Ki Tavo’ Keeping It Fresh Counting Your Blessings Taking Ownership Nitsavim/Va-yelekh Empathy Not in Heaven Choose Life Ha’azinu Jewish Exceptionalism Loyalty Consolation Prizes Ve-zo’t ha-berakhah The Last Lecture Forever Young Shalom in the Home Subject Index Index of Sources

About the Author :
Steven Levy is an attorney and director of a real estate investment fund. Sarah Levy is a licensed neuropsychologist who lectures and works with children and families.    

Review :
"The Levys use Rashi's brilliance to generate lively discussions about our own lives. Selections of his insightful and often surprising ideas, translated into terse, clear and straightforward English, illuminate and explain interesting points and ask revealing questions about phrases and words in the Torah portion."-Chana Shapiro, Atlanta Jewish Times "This is a book for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of the Torah and its relevance to our lives and times."-Reviews by Amos Lassen "The JPS Rashi Discussion Torah Commentary is an excellent way for those unfamiliar with Rashi to begin studying his commentary. . . . The essays and questions offer discussion material for a variety of ages-from children to adults. The book is a good resource for use in adult study sessions or Hebrew school classes."-Rabbi Rachel Esserman, Reporter Group “Steven and Sarah Levy have written an engaging invitation to think about Rashi’s commentary to the Torah and its implications for today. It should prove helpful to families and educators, enhancing their learning and Shabbat experiences.”-Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, emeritus chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth   “I have not seen anything like it. Its systematic focus on Rashi, with good stories and questions, helps us to understand and apply Rashi’s teachings to our modern lives.”-Rabbi Gerald Friedman, emeritus rabbi of Temple Beth Sholom of Pascack Valley, New Jersey   “A great way to learn Rashi together as a family.”-Rabbi Neal Gold, Association of Reform Zionists of America    “Fun, deep, and engaging, this wonderful guidebook is guaranteed to get everyone talking about the Torah portion.”-Ruchama King Feuerman, author of In the Courtyard of the Kabbalist