Covenant & Conversation: A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible, Genesis, the Book of Beginnings (Covenant & Conversation, 1)

The writing style is easy for the lay person to comprehend. He gives gems of wisdom to ponder and questions that make me think long after I’ve put the book down. I thoroughly enjoy learning about the history of the Jewish people, their land and their faith. I’ve been shown that there is so much I don’t know about my own faith roots and will be forever grateful to Rabbi Sacks for enlightening the path. While I am a Christian, learning/reading from a Jewish perspective has given me new insight into my faith as well as Judaism. This book is interesting and will hold the reader’s attention without a problem. The chapters are 4-6 pages in length and not written for an academician (thank goodness!), so I was able to grasp concepts without a problem.Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has written a wonderful book for Jews as well as non-Jews who want to learn more about the beginning of creation along with relevant, applicable truths for life today. I am not Jewish, but I am interested in learning about the roots of my Christian faith, which are founded and grounded in Judaism. Rabbi Sacks writes in a way that is engaging, understandable and current. He espouses many life truths that apply to everyone, as well as some for Jews alone. I have the entire Covenant & Conversation series and am currently reading the second book in the series, Exodus. I’m learning a lot from the rich truths of this learned man to whom God has gifted such a talent for writing.

Rabbi Jonathon Sacks is always eloquent and easy to read. I value his clear Jewish perspective, history, knowledge of Mishnah and Talmud, of Torah and the Scriptures. He speaks to a Jewish audience and explains for a Christian one, easing communication between the two believers.This book on Genesis is inciteful as always. It's important to know what is assumed in Jewish history/study, what has been passed down for 1000s of years deliberately and delicately intact, not at all ever like a telephone game. Knowing these things brings Scripture to life and connects the stories into one cohesive plan of G-d to restore Creation --- ALL of it!

Each section of the book, covering the weekly reading of the Jewish Bible, consists of 4 short essays, some focusing more on literary analysis, some on major psychological, historical points etc. The strength of this book is its accessibility to those who have great knowledge of the text and those who don't. His essays often bring together the bigger picture in a way that reading the actual text can not always do. I am currently studying in a Orthodox Yeshiva (Jewish Academy) and weekly one of our head Rabbis give a lecture on the weekly reading and it's clear that Rabbi Sacks is brining unique views supported by many commentaries and can bring something new even to those learning these texts for a living, like me.An important note is that the book will give the most benefit to those who have a familiarity with the details of the stories, as well as some familiarity with the text itself, but a quick read online of most translations or even a wikipedia summary would help and enhance the read of the book.Another small criticism I have is that at time Rabbi Sacks deals closely with the text but at times he makes very broad claims based on major scientific and psychological finds and only ties them together, sometimes loosely, at the end of the mini essay, and then later he refers to his claim as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.However, the ultimate point he is trying to make is often refreshing, beautiful, and rarely ever more overreaching than the claims of many classical Jewish commentators.A worthwhile read I recommend to Jew and non-Jew alike.

My rabbi tells me that Exodus is the book that begins the story of the Jewish people. So why did the authorities place Genesis first in the Tanach? I found the answer in this book. According to Rabbi Sacks: "By placing the stories of Genesis before the book of Exodus, with its story for the birth of the Israelites as a nation, the Torah is implicitly telling us of the primacy of the personal over the political."Exodus is the one big story of the birth of a people, but Genesis full of little stories of one person after another. Adam, Abraham, Jonah, Jacob, Joseph—they all take their moment in the spotlight then move offstage to make room for the next person to tell his story.This extremely readable book takes each parasha in turn and looks at its relevance to our lives today.I look forward to its companion essays on Leviticus.

I highly recommend this book. It's a good addition to reading this parsha/weekly portion of the torah. This book covers the weekly torah readings for Genesis. Rabbi Sacks finds four different short essays (about 3-5 pages per essay). They are interesting analysis of the week's parsha and examine the stories from a new perspective, one you may have not thought of. Because they are essays, it allows you to spend enough time to develop a thought. I suggest you purchase this in conjunction with the weekly torah portion (he has a book for each book of the torah).While Rabbi Sacks is an Orthodox rabbi, I would suggest that his words would resonsnate with conservative and reform Jews.Rabbi Sacks is definitely one of the most profound Jewish thinkers in our lifetime. This is a book you should read.The book is also made of good paper stock, has a nicely designed cover and looks nice in a library.

As a messianic "Gentile" believer, I first saw Rabbi Sacks on a TV interview and observed that he conducted himself very well. Since then I have engaged with his teachings and subscribed to his regular Covenant & Conversation emails. He brings something to the Word that others do not - and it is heart-warming and illuminating.We thoroughly recommend this book to all those who believe in the Word and are seeking greater insight than run-of-the-mill christian publications might bring. It is about lifestyle as much a theology, and Sacks introduces many examples to illustrate points from the Word

This just oozes and overflows with insight and wisdom. I’ll definitely be investing in the remainder of this series.Even as a Christian, I feel Rabbi Sacks commentary is an invaluable resource.

This book can change your whole concept of life,it is a privilege to have lived and learned from the wisdom of Rabbi Sachs.This book is good for anybody who cares about the journey of life to achieve more understanding about our contemporaries in life.May he's dear soul rest in peace.

Deep thoughtful insight from Rabbi Sacks for those with deep souls.

Highly recommended. Rabbi Sacks really helped me understand and get to grips with Genesis. What a wonderful start, looking forward to the next installment