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The JPS Bible Commentary: Ruth

Tamara Cohn Eskenazi author Tikva Frymer-Kensky author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Jewish Publication Society

Published:6th Jul '11

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The JPS Bible Commentary: Ruth cover

Provides a critical, line-by-line commentary of the biblical text, presented in its original Hebrew, complete with vocalization and cantillation marks, as well as the 1985 JPS English translation. The extensive introduction places the book within its historical, literary, and critical context, discusses contemporary interpretations of the story of Ruth, and examines its major motifs and themes.

Thanks to these generous donors for making the publication of this book possible: Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Deutsch.

The latest in the JPS Bible Commentary series, 2011 National Jewish Book Award Winner, Barbara Dobkin Award in Women’s Studies

The moving story of Ruth, with its themes of loyalty, loving kindness (hesed), and redemption, is one of the great narratives of the Bible.

Socially, the Israelites were aware of their responsibility to protect the weak and unprotected among them. Redemption secures the life of the people as a community, not just as individuals. In this story, Boaz fills the familial obligation to marry the widow of a deceased relative who never was able to father children, both to continue the family line and protect an otherwise vulnerable woman.

The authors provide a critical, line-by-line commentary of the biblical text, presented in its original Hebrew, complete with vocalization and cantillation marks, as well as the 1985 JPS English translation. The extensive introduction places the book within its historical, literary, and critical context, discusses contemporary interpretations of the story of Ruth, and examines its major motifs and themes, among them: family, marriage and levirate marriage in biblical and ancient Israel, redemption and inheritance, hesed, and the book’s connection with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

Ruth, the newest in The JPS Bible Commentary series, is a magnificent achievement. This commentary by Tamara Cohn Eskenazi and Tikva Frymer-Kensky is an important addition to the extant scholarship on this biblical book.”—Jewish Book World
"The JPS Bible Commentary: Ruth is a product of the contemporary world and gives voice to contemporary concerns."—David J. Zucker, Women in Judaism

  • Winner of National Jewish Book Award (Women's Studies) 2011

ISBN: 9780827607446

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

216 pages