While I am studying for exams this week, I did want to put a quick post up here about something that just popped up on my "What I'm Reading" list in my sidebar. In response to several mentions of Torah at STATUS, I felt convicted to review the first five books of the Bible in their Jewish context. Tradition is the foundation for new ways of thinking, just like one must know good dance technique before "breaking the rules" (creating new movements).
We (Christians) are believers in a Jewish messiah who followed Jewish law, so it is to Jewish commentary I look for renewed understanding. Etz Hayim injects history, word origins, literal and interpreted translation, and commentary into the reading of Torah.
I am still getting used to reading a book back to front, but the commentary provides fresh perspective and the comparison of traditional English translations to their Hebrew origins is so healthy.
The title of this post is attributed to Rabbi Hillel, and it translates to "The More Torah, The More Life."