From Eden to Exodus: A Journey
into Hebrew Words in Bereshit and Shemot (Kodesh Press, 2024), by Mitchell
First
Reviewed by Rabbi Reuven Chaim
Klein (Rachack Review)
Mitchell First, a New York City
injury attorney with a strong background in Jewish scholarship, began his
career as an author by focusing on Jewish History. However, his more recent
books reflect his growing interest in Hebrew etymology. From Eden to Exodus
is his sixth book, and it continues his exploration of the Hebrew language
through a unique lens.
This book offers two or three
essays on each Torah portion in the books of Genesis and Exodus, each essay
standing alone and focused on a particular Hebrew term in the relevant portion.
Mr. First examines the semantic range of each word, exploring cognates and
related terms to attempt to uncover the original meanings and source languages of
these key words. He deftly uses traditional rabbinic sources, including the
Midrash, Talmud, and Targumim, along with medieval commentators and exegetes,
to ground his insights in established scholarship.
Notably, Mr. First also brings
modern scholarship into the discussion, referencing invaluable resources like
the Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) dictionary, Menachem Zvi Kaddari’s Dictionary
of Biblical Hebrew, and Mossad HaRav Kook’s Da’at Mikra series (which
blends traditional and academic approaches). Like anybody serious about Hebrew
etymology, Mr. First also draws on Rabbi Ernest Klein’s etymological dictionary
of Hebrew, reflecting his appreciation for a wide range of perspectives on
language. Special mention goes to the author affinity for Solomon Mandelkern’s Biblical
concordance, a key tool for his in-depth linguistic investigations.
One of the most engaging aspects
of First’s writing is his willingness to share his opinions on different
interpretations, openly stating which explanations resonate with him and which
he finds less compelling. His conversational tone and sense of humor make this
a surprisingly light read for a subject as profound as Hebrew etymology. As a
regular reader of Mr. First’s weekly articles in The Jewish Link (many
of which are republished in this volume), this reviewer is already familiar
with his characteristic style that balances depth with accessibility. This book
is a valuable addition for anyone interested in exploring the nuanced meanings
of Hebrew words in the Torah, as well as for students of Jewish history and
language.
Order as Meaning: Chronology, Sequence, and Juxtaposition in the Bible (De Gruyter, 2024), by Isaac Gottlieb
Reviewed by Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein (Rachack Review)
In this book, Dr. Isaac Gottlieb (professor
emeritus at the Zalman Shamir Department of Bible in Bar Ilan University) delves
into the importance of order, sequence, and placement in the structure of the
Bible. His analysis recognizes such ordering on multiple levels—from the broad
juxtaposition of entire books (macro-level) to the positioning of individual
verses (micro-level). In doing so, the author examines how the arrangement of many
specific passages and ideas, which may reveal layers of meaning and intention
beyond the surface narrative.
One chapter addresses the
perspectives of the Talmudic sages and Midrashic literature, exploring how the
rabbis of antiquity justified seemingly unrelated or abrupt juxtapositions
within the biblical text. In this context, Gottlieb underscores the Midrashic
tendency to add extra scenes or details as interpretive tools, aiming to bridge
textual gaps and clarify relationships between adjacent, but otherwise seemingly
disconnected, events.
The book then shifts to the
medieval commentators, dedicating individual chapters to Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and
Nachmanides. Gottlieb discusses each commentator's approach to sequence and
order, revealing unique perspectives on whether and how to consider chronological
or thematic unity in biblical interpretation. Ibn Ezra’s stance, for instance,
is particularly nuanced: while he holds that individual commands may maintain
thematic independence, he also posits that they should ultimately align with an
overarching unity of the relevant pericope. Notably, Ibn Ezra’s views are often
shaped by his polemics against Karaite exegetes, who favored a more literal
interpretation and strict adherence to chronological sequence as part and
parcel of their rejection of Rabbinic Judaism. Gottlieb includes an appendix by
Daniel Frank, which delves deeper into Karaite approaches to narrative
sequence.
A chapter dedicated to modern
scholarship discusses the methodologies of Shadal (Samuel David Luzzatto) and
Umberto Cassuto, both of whom brought new, systematic approaches to the topic.
That chapter also explores the approaches taken by various contemporary Bible
scholars like Alexander Rofé, Robert Alter, and Yair Zakovitch. Gottlieb
explores the tension between modern and classical interpretations of sequence,
especially as they pertain to the question of whether the Torah should be read
as a chronological document or if certain passages are arranged
non-sequentially for thematic or pedagogical reasons.
The issue of ein mukdam
u’muchar ba’torah (“there is no ‘before’ and ‘after’ in the Torah”) is
examined in depth, with Gottlieb analyzing the conditions under which different
commentators may accept this principle. A recurring question Gottlieb addresses
is the exact definition of what constitutes pshat (“plain meaning”) and in
what ways Midrashim can be compatible with a literal or literary interpretation.
He explores differences in approach between Rashi and his grandson Rashbam,
particularly on whether contextual and literal readings should take precedence
over homiletic/exegetical interpretations.
Overall, Order as Meaning
is a rigorous, thoughtful work that engages deeply with foundational questions
in biblical interpretation. At times, the book carries a somewhat stilted
“translated” feel, a reminder that it was originally written in Hebrew, which
occasionally interrupts the flow of its otherwise thorough analysis.
Nonetheless, Gottlieb’s systematic and serious analysis makes it a valuable
resource for readers interested in the complexities of biblical sequence and
structure, as well as the interpretive philosophies that have influenced Jewish
exegesis through the ages.
The Haftarah and its Parsha (Jonah Press, 2022), by Richard W. Golden
Reviewed by Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein (Rachack Review)
Richard W. Golden's book The
Haftarah and Its Parsha (Jonah Press, 2022) is a thoughtful and inspiring
work that delves into the unique relationship between each weekly Torah portion
and its corresponding Haftarah read from the Prophets (Neviim). After
retiring from a nearly thirty-year career with the New York State Attorney
General's Office, Golden dedicated himself to Torah study and his photography
hobby. This book is a testament to that commitment, featuring some of his own
photographic works at the start of each of the Five Books of Moses, which adds
a personal and artistic touch.
Golden begins with a clear,
informative introduction to the concept of Haftarah, explaining when and where
it was instituted, as well as surveying the various reasons given for its enactment
as a standard part of the weekly Jewish liturgical practice. This section
provides helpful historical context for understanding the Haftarah’s
significance.
The book is organized as a series
of essays, each dedicated to a weekly Torah portion. Golden examines how each
Torah reading connects to its Haftarah portion, skillfully weaving together
insights drawn exclusively from classical Jewish sources like the Babylonian
Talmud, Rashi, Radak, Ralbag, and Malbim. His style is simple and accessible,
yet it brings out profound lessons through the juxtaposition of the Torah and Haftarah,
revealing how these passages together communicate meaningful and often timeless
ideas.
In every chapter, Golden’s
ability to draw out inspiring messages from these pairings reflects a
“simplistic elegance,” as he distills complex ideas into easily understood
takeaways. This quality makes The Haftarah and Its Parsha both
intellectually and spiritually enriching, and allows it to appeal to readers
across a spectrum of backgrounds — from beginners to those well-versed in
Jewish texts. Overall, Golden’s short work (clocking in at a mere 209 pages) offers
a refreshing look at the weekly Haftarah, making it more accessible and
meaningful for those who seek to connect the messages of the Prophets with the
weekly Torah portion.
