Torah Anthology: Beginnings (Me'Am Lo'Ez Series)

Introduction and portions of Bereshit and Noach. The Torah Anthology is a clear, modern translation of Me'am Lo'ez, hailed as "the outstanding work of Ladino literature" Written by Rabbi Yaakov Culi, one of the greatest Sepharadie sages of his time, the book was first published in 1730. It changed the spiritual climate of the entire Mediterranean region. Eastern Jews esteemed Me'am Lo'ez as a major classic. Reading it each day was a religious duty, it was a highly popular text for synagogue classes held each evening. Many count Me'am Lo'ez among the best commentaries ever written on the Torah-in any language. The book is a veritable encyclopedia of Jewish knowledge. The language of the translation is simple, clear, modern, and above all, alive. While remaining true to the original Hebrew, the translation brings the people and events of the Torah to life. Where points in the text itself are not clear, notes are provided to make each idea perfectly lucid. No longer must a person be a scholar to read Judaism's most basic book.This volume can be given to a young child, and he will immediately find it a fascinating text. Everything that he has heard about Judaism will be there. He will be able to see it and understand it. Yet, no matter how far he advances in his studies, he will continue to find this book a valuable guide. At each level, and with each reading, he will discover new insights and ideas. It is a volume that he will never outgrow. Translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.