Commentators' Bible: Genesis

Michael Carasik teaches biblical Hebrew at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the compiler and translator of the JPS Miqra’ot Gedolot Commentators’ Bible series and author of Theologies of the Mind in Biblical Israel and The Bible’s Many Voices (JPS, 2014).

"[The Commentators' Bible: Genesis brings] to life the voices of medieval Bible commentators in a contemporary English translation annotated for lay readers."-Lynn Garrett, Publishers Weekly "The Commentators' Bible series is to be commended for offering lay readers an opportunity to experience the world of medieval Torah commentary."-Rabbi Rachel Esserman, Reporter Group “The [Commentators’ Bible] volumes have been given a layout and a binding that are simply a delight. They are printed with a clear script. The layout . . . is simple, allows quick reference, and invites the reader to join the centuries-long dialogue on the texts of Torah. As Carasik puts it: ‘The page is set up as a conversation among the commentators, in which the reader is encouraged to join.’”-Bulletin for Biblical Research  “Anyone who is unfamiliar with medieval commentary, or who is unable to study the commentators in the original Hebrew, will find The Commentators’ Bible a worthy addition to his or her bookshelves. Carasik has done a real service making this material available.”-The Reporter “The JPS Commentators’ Bible is one of the most useful resources I have in my library. It opens the door to the wisdom of the classic commentators to Jewish students of all levels of Hebrew fluency. The translations are fluid and accessible, and this important work represents an invaluable invitation to join the centuries-long conversation of Torah commentary and interpretation.”-Rabbi Dan Levin, Temple Beth El, Boca Raton, Florida"Each page in The Commentators' Bible: Genesis: The Rubin JPS Miqra'ot Gedolot contains from one to several verses from the book of Genesis, surrounded by both the 1917 and the 1985 JPS translations and by new contemporary English translations of the major commentators. Also included is a glossary of terms, a list of names used in the text, notes on source texts, a special topics list, and resources for further study. This is in large-format volume and is designed for easy navigation among the many elements on each page, including explanatory notes and selected additional comments from the works of Bekhor Shor, Sforno, Gersonides, and Hizkuni, among others."-Reviews by Amos Lassen

• Conventions and AbbreviationsFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat’s on the Page?TextTranslationsQuestionsMajor CommentatorsEditor’s AnnotationsAdditional CommentatorsPrinciples of the TranslationAcknowledgmentsThe Commentators’ Introductions  The Commentators’ BibleGenesis  GlossaryNames Mentioned in the TextSource TextsSpecial TopicsPeshat and DerashMedieval Jewish PhilosophyNahmanides’ MysticismBiblical HebrewResources for Further StudyOther English Translations