The Women's Haftarah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Haftarah Portions, the 5 Megillot & Special Shabbatot - Hardcover

Goldstein, Elyse

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1580231330 ISBN 13: 9781580231336

Publisher: Jewish Lights, 2004

Synopsis

Women rabbis are changing the face of Judaism.
Discover how their interpretations of the Prophets, Writings,
and Megillot can enrich your perspective.

The Haftarah is a potent tool for understanding the values, ethics, and moral lessons contained in the Torah readings. In this first-of-its-kind volume, more than eighty women rabbis from the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements offer fresh perspectives on the beloved texts that make up the Haftarah―the Prophets and Writings―and the Five Megillot.

Based on readings that are rich in imagery―some poetic, some narrative, some dark and brooding―their commentaries include surprising insights on the stories of Deborah and Yael, David and Goliath, David and Bathsheva, and the witch of Endor, among many others. Themes such as Jerusalem as woman, the story of Jonah and the fish, and other prophetic images are informed and challenged by this groundbreaking work.

A rich resource, a major contribution to modern biblical commentary, and the ideal companion to The Women’s Torah Commentary, The Women’s Haftarah Commentary will inspire all of us to gain deeper meaning from the Hebrew scriptures and a heightened appreciation of Judaism.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

Discover how women rabbis’ interpretations of the Prophets, Writings, and Megillot can strengthen your understanding of all Jewish scripture.

In this first-of-its-kind collection, more than eighty women rabbis come together to offer their unique experiences and perspectives on selections from the Prophets and Writings, and on the Five Megillot.

Included are commentaries by ordained women in the Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative movements; women from across these denominations who are congregational leaders, Hillel college campus rabbis, community service professionals, academics, and chaplains; women from the United States, Canada, and Israel.

The Women’s Haftarah Commentary will challenge—and possibly change—the way you experience Judaism as it illuminates the historical significance of female portrayals in the Haftarah and Five Megillot, and the subtle meanings behind these powerful biblical texts.

About the Author

Rabbi Elyse Goldstein, one of the leading rabbis of a new generation, is director of Kolel: The Adult Center for Liberal Jewish Learning, a full-time progressive adult Jewish learning center. Goldstein lectures frequently throughout North America. She is also editor of The Women's Torah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Torah Portions; and The Women's Haftarah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Haftarah Portions, the 5 Megillot and Special Shabbatot; and author of the award-winning New Jewish Feminism: Probing the Past, Forging the Future and ReVisions: Seeing Torah through a Feminist Lens (all Jewish Lights).

Rabbi Elyse Goldstein is available to speak on the following topics:

• Women and Judaism
• Reform Judaism
• Jewish Parenting
• General Judaica

About this edition

• Publisher: Jewish Lights
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1580231330
• ISBN 13: 9781580231336
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 560