Review by —Leonard Bielory, MD, Professor of Medicine, Allergy, Immunology and
Ophthalmology, Springfield, New Jersey -January 2024
Author Zev Bar Eitan has masterfully unveiled a hidden gem of Torah commentary
in his multiple books on the Spanish Torah commentator Abravanel, weaving a
captivating narrative of each parashah and in segments by each aliyah that
breathes life into a previously illusive resource. This literary work is a testament to
Bar Eitan’s ability to make a once unapproachable but valuable resource with
incredible intricacies accessible and engaging for the common reader.
Abravanel’s style is that he questions various aspects of the Torah passages
and even other meforshim [commentators]. Bar Eitan takes us on a mesmerizing
journey through the interpretations of the enigmatic figure, whose legacy has
often been overshadowed by the passage of time.
Bar Eitan’s meticulous research is evident as he provides readers with a
vivid and intimate view of Abravanel’s way of thinking and sometimes razor-sharp
responses.
One of the book’s standout qualities is Bar Eitan’s talent for storytelling. He
effortlessly blends Abravanel’s interpretations and historical facts with a narrative
style that grips the reader from the first page. The prose is both eloquent and
accessible, making the complex historical context comprehensible for readers of
all backgrounds. This unique skill allows the audience to connect with Abravanel
on a personal level, transcending the centuries that separate us.
Bar Eitan’s dedication to shedding light on a lesser-known historical figure
demonstrates his commitment to broadening our understanding of the Torah.
Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, he successfully resurrects
Abravanel from the shadows of the important commentators such as Rashi,
Maimonides, and Nachmanides, placing him in the spotlight where he rightfully
belongs. The author’s passion for his subject matter is palpable, making
Abravanel’s World of Torah not just another sefer but a compelling and immersive
experience.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to transport readers into the mind of
an incredible commentary. By providing context and background, Bar Eitan
enriches the narrative, allowing readers to appreciate the significance of
Abravanel’s contributions within the broader historical landscape of some of the
world’s most respected Torah commentators.
Zev Bar Eitan’s Abravanel’s World of Torah (to date published through
Bamidbar, vol. I, Desert Glory, Desert Disgrace) is a triumph in bringing to light a
previously untapped resource in readable English. Through his meticulous
research and engaging narrative, Bar Eitan has succeeded in bringing the
Abravanel’s commentary to life, making it accessible and compelling for readers
of all levels. Abravanel’s World of Torah is a must-read for Torah enthusiasts and
anyone seeking an immersive journey into another stimulating and thought-
provoking viewpoint on the Torah.
Review by Yitzchok Adlerstein in Cross-Currents, February 2017
We’re not supposed to say it. But for many people it is true. They have their favorite parshios of Chumash, and their not-quite favorites. The latter begin, for some, this coming week. Nothing wrong, chas v’shalom. It’s just that some have a harder time getting into a parshah without a story line, and dramatic action has all but come to an end for Chumash Shemos.
Help is available. The Abarbanel is one of the most exciting tools to making any parshah come alive, because he takes a stab at filling in so many of the missing details in the text. He is often disregarded, however, because his treatment is so long.
Keeping “Abravanel’s World of Torah: A Structured Interpretation- Shemot Vol. II, Assembled at Sinai” on your desk for the next weeks will make the second half of Chumash Shemos a more valuable experience.
To read the full review, please see Curing the Annual Chumash Doldrums: New Volume of Abarbanel
Review by Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin May 2016
Abravanel’s World of Torah
A Structured Interpretation
Shemot: Sinai Rules
By Zev Bar Eitan
Renaissance Torah Press, 2016, 549 pages
A good introduction [to Don Yitzchak Abravanel] one of Judaism's great thinkers.
Rabbi Zev Bar Eitan makes a significant and necessary contribution to biblical scholarship with this continuation of his acclaimed book on Abravanel on Genesis because Isaac Abravanel (also spelt Abarbanel) was an incisive interpreter of the Bible.
To read the full review, please see Amazon's website
Review by Rabbi Gil Student, Jewish Action, Summer 2013
Rabbi Yitzchak Abarbanel (Abravanel) lived at the end of the time of the Spanish Rishonim and his books reflect his end-of-an-era status. He dutifully surveys the opinions of his predecessors before critiquing them and offering his own brilliantly creative interpretations. Like many Spanish Torah scholars, the Abarbanel had a sustained interest in philosophy, language and the literal meaning of the Bible. Therefore, his Torah commentary in particular is an adventure in medieval thought, with the Abarbanel mediating a battle between the greatest minds and offering his own substantial contributions. However, while his expansive commentaries are fascinating reading, they are often too long and too technical for the average reader.
Zev Bar Eitan has devised a creative way to redeem Abarbanel for the masses. With ample literary talent, Bar Eitan retells the story of the Book of Genesis based on the Abarbanel’s commentary. A careful reader will find many hidden interpretations in the simple prose, the fine details of the story as understood by the Abarbanel. Additionally, Bar Eitan offers tastes of the dramatic philosophical debates that the Abarbanel conducts, replacing the lengthy proofs with a summary accessible to contemporary readers. The result is a unique and exciting trip through Bereishit and its medieval commentators.
Review by Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Five Towns Jewish Times, 2013
Every so often a translation comes along that not only gives the reader an accurate understanding of the original writer’s thought – but the translator redefines the norm of what to do in a translation. Reb Zev Bar Eitan’s Abravanel’s World of Torah is just such a work. It is not a literal translation of the Abravanel’s classic commentary on Chumash – it is more like a restatement.
The Abravanel lived between 1437 and 1508 – a transitional figure between the Rishonim and the Achronim of Biblical commentary. The great Roshei Yeshiva and Baalei Mussar of the Slabodka tradition have used the Abravanel in their Shmuessim. But for some reason, their Talmidim have not.
Why not? Because, truth to tell, it can be confusing in the “instant coffee” generation of Chumash consumerism. The Abravenel’s depth and profundity lie behind layers and layers of questions that the contemporary reader does not wish to trudge through.
Enter Reb Zev Eitan. Clearly, he is an experienced teacher and is attuned to what makes the modern student tick and what resonates with him (or her).
The restatement involves two ideas. Firstly, he is able to unfold many latent processes of understanding in the work of this remarkable Rishon – that the ordinary reader might have missed, but upon second examinations attuned to the subtleties in the Abravanel’s wording are definitely there. This is one extraordinary aspect of this translation.
A second aspect of the translation is the couching of the thoughts and concepts in the contemporary vernacular – but without diluting or changing the Abravanel’s thought. This serves to speak to the modern reader, bringing the text to life. An example? On page 61 he describes Adam HaRishon’s errors.
Man was his own undoing. His gross misapplication of creation’s purpose beset great potential. He failed to thrive. Big time.
The vivid imagery that Reb Zev employs does serve the Abravanel well.
“Comprised of equal parts of dust and eternal soul, he chose dust. Choice carries consequence and Adam slunk, soiled.”
A second example, with the Akeidah of Yitzchak:
Binding and offering of Yitchok set a monumental precedent. Human reason needs to temper ideas and notions, subjecting them ultimately to the Torah and highest reason: that latches man to Hashem’s altar.
The eloquence of the translator here imbues the work with new life. It is a work that cannot easily be put down. I highly recommend this translation to anyone who wishes to enter into the depth of the Abravanel’s thought processes. And personally, I cannot wait for the next volumes to come out.
