Bedside Torah

This has long been one of my favorite books. The way I use it is that I read the Torah portion first -- not the synopis the author provides at the beginning of each of his "chapters" -- and then I read his commentaries. Some of them really resonate with my daily life today. Others are more "food for thought" for me. Since I'm not Jewish, I'm not necessarily reading this book so that I can understand Judaism. I just find the book to be universally insightful, and it's a lovely way to end an evening and to further my spiritual journey.

Artson, Bradley. "The Bedside Torah", McGraw Hill. 2000. Looking at the Torah in Modern Times Amos Lassen "The Bedtime Torah" is a wonderful introduction to the study of Jewish texts which has a lot to say and does so in an engaging manner. The language is easy to comprehend and the insights are thought provoking. Best of all is that the chapters are just the right length for a quick read before going to bed. We are taken through the wisdom of the Torah and we see its counsel and the holiness of the writings that form the core of the Jewish religion. Rabbi Artson concentrates on the Jewish personal values of love and family and of helping others and he gives us a personal and loving look at Judaism. The book is basically a series of commentaries--three for each Torah portion and each section of the Torah is given to us in language that is easily understood. This makes it easy for those who have not read the Torah in its original to get a general idea what the holy books say. It is not only interesting but fun to read different interpretations of any Torah passage as modern insights are brought in so that the writings become applicable to out daily lives. The book also induces one to look to the Torah itself and by getting a good night's rest before doing so increases understanding and awareness.

This is very nice bed time reading that makes you want to stay awake and read on to the next entry. I love the different angles for each Torah portion which gives the feeling of a very good Torah discussion. All the insightful commentary in this book brings out the beauty of the Torah. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Judaism and anyone who wants add more insight to their weekly Torah study.

I was stunned by Mr. Hinkle's criticism that this book is "Judeacentric." Well, a Rabbi writing about a book that is central to our religion - what did he expect? If he wants a balanced viewpoint, he should read a comparable book by an academic scholar of religion. I would never dream of criticizing a Christian scholar for writing from a Christian standpoint, a Buddhist writing from a Buddhist standpoint, etc. Allow we Jews the same courtesy, Mr. Hinkle.

This a wonderful book with insightful Torah commentaries focusing on Jewish personal values like love, family, helpfulness, and so forth. This book can be a powerful introduction to Judaism, or a powerful introduction to a personal, loving side of Judaism that is sometimes overlooked in favor of community values. The book starts with an introduction that explains the centrality of Torah in Judaism and how to read Torah when the stories seem crude or unjust. The rabbi inteprets Torah while assuming a just, loving God. The bulk of the book is made up of commentaries. There are three commentaries for each section of the Torah. Each section of the Torah is also paraphrased, so if you have never read the Torah, this is an easy way to get the general idea. But it's the three commentaries for each of the Torah sections that are the best part. The rabbi's commentaries mix basic good human judgment with an open heart, bouncing the mixture off the Torah. He interprets Judaism in a sensible, loving light. Are Jews a "chosen people"? Yes, he says, chosen to live a responsible life in concert with the values of Torah, not chosen to view ourselves as better than others. He asks, what are we to make of these long lists of names in the Torah? He suggests lists of names are created for a reason, because the names were important to an event or people. He suggests we get ourselves on other people's lists in our own lives, by helping our communities, friends and family.