The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet
Rabbi Andrue J. Kahn, editor
CCAR Press
355 Lexington Avenue, 8th floor, New York, NY 10017
www.ccarpress.org
9780881233858, $23.95, PB, 376pp

https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Earth-Jewish-Perspectives-Planet/dp/088123385=
4

Synopsis: The Torah begins by setting forth the heavens and the Earth as Go= d's creation, impelling humanity to steward our planet for its own sake and=
for its ability to nurture our lives. Yet the human-Divine-environment rel= ationship seems to be in perpetual crisis.

Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Rabbi Andrue J. Kahn, "The Sacr=
ed Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet", provides a contemporary Jewis=
h response to the looming threat of climate change, the widespread desire f=
or experiential spirituality rooted in nature, and the continually changing=
relationship between humanity, nature, technology, and the Divine.

The leading thinkers contributing to this collection refl ect on human vuln= erability in the face of forces of nature, examine conceptions of our place=
in cosmology, and grapple with environmental destruction. Ultimately, with=
hope, they creatively explore ways to redeem this sacred Earth.

Critique: "The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet" is comprise=
d of 37 eloquent, informative, insightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking=
articles. Also included a thirteen page listing of the contributors and th= eir credentials. Exceptionally well organized and presented in five major s= ections (Theology; Jewish Texts; Encountering the Divine; Sacred Time; Cont= emporary Responses), "The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet" =
is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, prof= essional, community, synagogue, college, and university library Judaic Theo= logy collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be no= ted that "The Sacred Earth: Jewish Perspectives on Our Planet" is also avai= lable in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Rabbi Andrue J. Kahn (https://www.rabbiandruekahn.com) is a=
Brooklyn-based Reform rabbi crafting new ways to connect with Torah as a g= uide to meaningful, spiritual living. His Torah guides him, and others, tow= ards lives of justice, connectedness, and meaning based in engaging ancient=
traditions to enrich our contemporary world.

Koren Lev Ladaat Humash: Bemidbar
Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn, author
Rabbi Zvi Grumer, author
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, translator
Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.
PO Box 8531, New Milford, CT 06776-8531
www.korenpub.com
9789657766293, $29.95, HC, 532pp

https://www.amazon.com/Koren-Lev-Ladaat-Humash-Bemidbar/dp/965776629X

Synopsis: A Humash is a Torah in printed and book bound form (i.e. codex) a=
s opposed to a Sefer Torah, which is a scroll. The word comes from the Hebr=
ew word for five, amesh. A more formal term is amishah umshei Torah, "five = fifths of Torah". It is also known by the Latinised Greek term Pentateuch i=
n common printed editions. (Wikipedia).

Newly published by Koren Publishers in a Hebrew/English edition, "Koren Lev=
Ladaat Humash: Bemidbar" is a seminal and groundbreaking new Humash for yo= ung adults, featuring all-new commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn and Rabbi = Zvi Grumet. Geared to connection, reflection, and learning, the text is acc= ompanied by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' translation along with selected exce= rpts from the classical commentators ably translated into English, along wi=
th pointed questions to aid understanding, connection to the text, and skil=
l building.

Critique: As with standard Hebrew texts, this large format volume of sacred=
Jewish writings goes from right to left. Exceptionally well organized and = thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation with The Hebrew text on the le=
ft page and the English translation on the right hand page, "Koren Lev Lada=
at Humash: Bemidbar" is an ideal textbook for personal, community, synagogu=
e, college, and university library Torah Studies collections and supplement=
al Judaic Studies curriculum lists.

Editorial Note #1: Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shlo= mo_Einhorn) is an Orthodox rabbi and Dean of School at Yeshivat Yavneh (Yav= neh Hebrew Academy) in Los Angeles. He is also a lecturer, educator, and au= thor.

Editorial Note #2: Rabbi Zvi Grumer (https://torahinmotion.org/profile/rabb= i-zvi-grumet) is a master teacher, creative educational thinker, and innova= tive Tanakh scholar whose teaching for more than three decades has inspired=
students and communities in the US and Israel and throughout the English-s= peaking world. He engages his listeners in a close reading of the Biblical = text, bringing its characters alive and bringing out the compelling nature =
of the Biblical message.

Editorial Note #3: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (https://www.rabbisacks.org) i=
s an international religious leader, philosopher, award-winning author, and=
respected moral voice. He was awarded the 2016 Templeton Prize in recognit= ion of his "exceptional contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimensi= on." Described by the King of Great Britain as "a light unto this nation" a=
nd by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as "an intellectual giant", = Rabbi Sacks was a frequent and sought-after contributor to radio, televisio=
n, and the press both in Britain and around the world.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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Midwest Book Review
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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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