How To Start Learning Torah

Studying the Torah

The traditional Jew has always accepted the study of Torah as central to his or her way of life. But without the ability to effectively analyze and interpret the text, one misses the opportunity to gain a deep and authentic appreciation of the Torah's beauty and profundity. In Studying the Torah: A Guide to In-Depth Interpretation, Avigdor Bonchek equips the reader with the proper analytic methods to make reading the Bible both a serious pursuit and a pleasurable pastime. In order for the reader of the Torah text to delve into its veiled, but ultimately visible, layered messages, he or she must first learn the appropriate interpretive techniques. These skills are the same as those used by the classic Jewish Torah commentators (Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and others), all of whom were experts in what scholars today refer to as a "close reading" of the text. Among the "Keys to Interpretation" discussed in this book are the significance of word order, opening sentences, repetitions, word associations, psychological dimensions, and similarities and differences between texts. Each key is illustrated by several examples that offer fresh insight into otherwise familiar text, and the author offers his own original and comprehensive in-depth interpretation of two central biblical stories: the story of Joseph and the ten plagues.

Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom

Crossing the Narrow Bridge

"The world is a very narrow bridge. The main thing is not to be afraid." The joyous, positive message of the outstanding Chassidic luminary, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) is more relevant & needed than ever. "Crossing the Narrow Bridge" gives clear practical guidance as to how his teachings can be applied in everyday life today. The author, Rabbi Chaim Kramer, is director of the Breslov Research Institute, which for the last eleven years has been publishing authoritative translations of Rebbe Nachman's works in English & French. Rabbi Kramer has drawn on years of intimacy with leading figures in the Breslov Chassidic communities to bring this tradition to the reader in the form of numerous anecdotes & insights. Lively, down to earth, & easy to read, "Crossing the Narrow Bridge" covers all aspects of the Rebbe Nachman's teachings--from faith, simplicity, prayer & meditation to earning a living, health-care & bringing up children, etc. Each of the twenty chapters offers a basic understanding of its topic as seen through Rebbe Nachman's own lessons & stories, together with practical suggestions enabling the reader to translate these teachings into his own life