Friday, January 10, 2014

What's Beyond the Bible Text? A Springboard for Discussion

Did you ever open a Chumash and wonder "What's Beyond the Bible Text?" This book is full of background and questions in order of the Parsha. It is great for group reading as well as individual learning.


What's Beyond the Bible Text?
Judging the Book by its Cover -  a first glance review:

This book is a professional text. It is well researched and put together in a clear fashion. 

The cover uses the word "Bible" and not Torah or Chumash, as does the rest of the book. So, expect to read about Joseph instead of Yosef and Isaac instead of Yitzchok, etc.


Some Details I Liked:

I enjoyed the concept of the book a lot. To ask questions and probe for deeper understanding of familiar information.

Who This Book is For:

Being that the names are written in the Anglicized version, I would say that this book appeals to those that are comfortable with that terminology. It is also for people with understanding of the text already, as well as the general events of the Parsha. 

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

This book is not for young readers, as it discusses every topic in the Bible equally, including why people would be considered tamei after intimate relations.

What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better: 

So, I would have liked some answers or at least the start of one, rather then ending each chapter with a bunch of questions.

In Conclusion:  

For the right crowd, this can be an unbelievable tool to start Torah discussion at the Shabbos table or the classroom.

Disclaimer:


I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.