New Book Series Connects Modern Israelis to Torah

A new five-volume book series titled "Davar Torah" aims to bridge the gap between contemporary Israelis and the Torah, catering to those who identify as "religious at heart" or wear a "transparent kippah." The series, published by Yedioth Books and edited by Nachum Langental, a former Member of Knesset known for his work in bridging divides between religious and secular communities, presents the Five Books of Moses with Rashi's commentary, divided by weekly Torah portions.

Each volume includes essays by prominent rabbis and scholars, offering diverse interpretive perspectives on the biblical text. The series also features a Shabbat prayer siddur in the style of the "Rinat Yisrael" edition at the end of each book. Langental explained that the goal is to provide readers with varied interpretive additions to the well-known biblical text, emphasizing a range of opinions and styles.

The collection features contributions from a wide array of figures, including Rabbi Kook, Rabbi Yaakov Medan, Professor Nechama Leibowitz, Rabbi Yamima Mizrachi, Dr. Yisrael Eldad, Dr. Yitzchak Meitlis, Rabbi Yuval Sherlow, Rabbi Shai Piron, Rabbi Shlomo Goren, Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, and Langental himself, among others.

This innovative literary and religious project is built on the principle of intergenerational connection to the Torah. Langental articulated this in his preface, stating, "Every generation has its interpreters, its demands, and its interpretations." The series offers concise "Davar Torah" pieces designed to provoke thought and make the Torah personally relevant to each reader, fulfilling the desire for "quick and short words of Torah" that leave room for contemplation.