How about:

https://www.logos.com/product/3930/the-jps-torah-commentary-genesis

From Umberto Cassuto

Answering the query on the Tanakh, unless you're pocket change is over-flowing your pocket, Tanakh isn't that much different from something like the NRSV (Old Testament).  True, on a few of the Christianized passages (eg the virgin vs young woman, it'll track the hebrew closer). I like Tanakh mainly for its notes (which tend to be a little more forthcoming on 'who knows what the ??? this hebrew word means!).

We need an edition of Miqra'ot Gedolot and more midrashim!

You can find an English translation of Rashi's commentary on the Bible here.

You could also search the internet for weekly Torah lessons, e.g. by the former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.

Milkman said:

Perfect.

So if the milkman got some extra cash, would you suggest purchasing the Talmud?

Honestly, unless you find a cash box stuffed with windfall, no. Unless you feel like you will be quoting from the Talmud often, it isn't really necessary. Get it if you have extra cash floating around, but most of these other resources will quote the Talmud if they are referencing it. That should suffice for the time being. It is something you can access online in a variety of ways.

mike said:

Milkman, have you checked out Umberto Cassuto? He's a great Genesis rabbi..

I agree that this is a resource to have.  My brother was once on a plane reading this commentary in English.  He left his seat to use the restroom and returned to find a group of Hasidic Jews hovering over his seat.  They had not known that Cassuto's work was translated into English but they told my brother that he is regarded as an authority and greatly respected, and read by all Jewish scholars today.

Disciple of Christ (doc) said:

MJ. Smith said:

You've received several excellent answers. The first book on this list I recommend as initial reading for anyone with any interest in Jewish interpretation - it gives you an appropriate perspective for everything else you read. It's an account of a contemporary group of Jewish laity in New York meeting regularly to study Genesis.

• Reading the Book: Making the Bible a Timeless Text by Burton L. Visotzky (essential to understanding Jewish perspective)
• Baal Shem Tov Genesis Exodus (Volume 1) by Rabb Eliezer Shore (Hasidic Judaism)
• Adam as Israel: Genesis 1-3 as the Introduction to the Torah and Tanakh by Seth D. Postell
• Between the Lines of the Bible by Yitzchak Etshalom (literal interpretation the Jewish way - Exodus volume better than Genesis but still essential for its methods)
• The Last Trial--On the Legends and Lore of the Command to Abraham to Offer Isaac as a Sacrifice: The Akedah by Shalom Spiegel and Judah Goldin
• Armenian Apocrypha Relating to Abraham by Michael E. Stone (just to throw in something exotic to broaden the prespective)
• One on the Trials of Abraham that I can't recall author or title - but it's very good.
• What's Bothering Rashi? by Avigor Bonchek available in book form or online

Thanks helpful list. Need these as a collection in Logos.

Milkman said:

Btw does it offend to write out Yahweh name in the three letters?

KS4J's excerpt indicates that the ever expanding hedge around the law appears to have encompassed this as well, at least for some Jews. I don't consider myself a deliberate nose tweaker, but I do believe it is inevitable that others will feel tweaked by things I say from time to time. I have read a few spirited defenses as to why the Name is given this kid glove, euphemistic treatment, and they all tend to revolve around the idea of honoring the Name as being holy. That is an honorable gesture...and on some levels it can even be wise...even life preserving. However, not all efforts to maintain holiness are appropriately dutiful. I think being cautious regarding YHWH's Name is wise. I think not using His Name in the ways He intends for it to be used is something less than wise. I think the hedges of Jewish oral law, including much related to the Name, are a violation of Deut. 4:2 and Deut. 12:32. I think that using the Name to encourage human obedience to the One to whom it refers is an appropriate use of the Name. Just be careful.

Boaz used the Name to great his workers, and they returned the greeting. Ruth 2:4 That isn't exemplary of fastidious non-use for considerations of holiness. It is rather using the Name to bless others...by showing oneself to be considerate of Him in one's dealings.

By the way, I am working on a book right now about the Name, and the main consideration isn't about how it is pronounced. It is about what the Name means. It is a prophetic Name that reveals (will reveal) aspects of Him and His work and His methods and the certainty of His victory. It also reveals things about Him that are virtually unknown, mainly because that is just how He has chosen for His plan to prophetically play out. Jer. 23:20; Jer. 30:24. In the end, all understand precisely what it means to fear His Name.

BKMitchell said:

 

Hello Milkman,

Yes, what you want is the, Mikraot Gedolot

Check the following out at link below (click on 'Look Inside' to preview)

 http://www.mysefer.com/prodtype.asp?cookiecheck=yes&PT_ID=81

Here is some information about what the Mikraot Gedolot is:

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikraot_Gedolot

(2) http://people.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/TalmudMap/MG.html

Now, there if a the full Mikraot Gedolot is a little much for you and if you find Rashi script difficult you will simply love:

The Chumash Chorev Full Set Ha-Menukad. It was the a few commentaries and a Targum.

http://www.judaism.com/chumash-chorev-full-set-ha-menukad/dp/BCJDA/

Brian is right Miqraot Gedolot is the place to start. You'll need a translated edition:

http://jps.org/about/news.php?id=141

However Genesis isn't out yet. How is your German?

Veli Voipio said:

Reading this thread cost me $48

[:D]

What did you buy?

Two good choices...enjoy!

I have copies of Umberto Cassuito's Genesis (2 vol.) and Exodus in hardback.  They are excellent.

If Logos ever gets around to developing my deeply longed-for Biblical Studies base package and/or Unobtanium package, I hope they will include the Magnes Press collection in it. I was really kinda ticked that it wasn't included in the latest Portfolio version...they had plenty of room for it.