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Shadal on Leviticus
$19.95 – $29.95
Author : kopress
“Daniel Klein continues to spread the teachings of an important, but too often overlooked, biblical interpreter” – Jewish Link of NJ
“A true scholarly achievement” – Professor Martin Lockshin
Samuel David Luzzatto (1800-1865), known by his Hebrew acronym Shadal, was the leading Italian Jewish scholar of the 19th century. A linguist, educator, and religious thinker, he devoted his talents above all to the interpretation of the Bible. As a master of Hebrew grammar and usage, he focused on the plain meaning of the text. Although he was a devout believer in the divinity, unity, and antiquity of the Torah, Shadal approached the text in a remarkably free spirit of inquiry, drawing upon a wide variety of sources, ancient and contemporary, Jewish and non-Jewish. As a result, his interpretations may strike even the modern reader as fresh and novel.
Review by Mitchell First: https://kodeshpress.mystagingwebsite.com/a-noteworthy-commentary-on-leviticus/
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Steven Rohde Gotlib –
Rabbi Shmuel David Luzzatto (AKA “Shadal”) is one of the most underrated Jewish thinkers out there. He was an Italian Jewish scholar whose commentary draws from a remarkably wide range of Jewish and Non-Jewish sources with a strong conviction that Judaism at its core should be “a religion without mysteries” to those who want it to be a meaningful part of their lives and that our ancient laws were meant to foster social utility and cohesion in ways that many developed countries are still striving to implement today. He was completely unafraid to accept the truth from wherever it came and use that truth to make the Torah’s language more accessible to anyone and everyone who wished to study it. This commentary being available in English is such a blessing and I cannot reccomend picking it up enough.
By the way, this particular volume also includes the translation of a powerful letter from Shadal that answers several questions relating to faith and study style that’s perfect for delving into over Shavuot. This line in particular stuck out to me:
“True religion is not the science of divine matters (a science that is too far above the reach of man); it is an intimate belief, a filial devotion, that extends itself in the acts of a spontaneous and indeterminate cult, as in the case of the Judaism that preceded Moses, or – as in the case of Mosiam – in practices and observances that are determined by law. The goal of such law is not that God may become known and worshipped by us, as if He were in need of our homage, but rather (1) to keep alive in our minds the idea of God and Providence, and (2) to accustom us to keep reign on our desires and to undergo privations patiently, and indispensible attitude for rendering us superior to the passions and temptations of vice.”
Steven Rohde Gotlib