The Soul of the Text captures the richness and diversity of the Jewish literary tradition. With 23 selections ranging from the Bible to twentieth-century fiction and poetry, this anthology is a versatile addition to a high school world religions or Jewish studies curriculum. Selections are accompanied by author biographies and questions for use in shared inquiry discussion. Each of the book's four sections includes a brief introductory essay by a noted scholar in the field.

THE BIBLE AND MEDIEVAL COMMENTARIES

The Creation to the Tower of Babel Genesis 1–4, 6–9, 11

Commentary on Genesis Moses Nahmanides

Commentary on Genesis Moses Maimonides

The Story of Abraham Genesis 12–13, 15–19, 22

Commentary on Genesis Rashi

The Story of David and Bathsheba II Samuel 11–12

RABBINICAL LITERATURE

A Threefold Cord

Torah Study

Who Is Wise?

Issues of Life and Death

The Story of Rabbi Eleazar and the Ugly Man

Beyond the Letter of the Law

A Heavenly Voice

YIDDISH LITERATURE

Bontshe Shvayg I. L. Peretz

Chava Sholem Aleichem

Gimpel the Fool Isaac Bashevis Singer

THE HOLOCAUST AND ERETZ ISRAEL

The Meaning of This Hour Abraham Joshua Heschel

Miriam Ivan KlÌma

Written in Pencil in the Sealed Railway-Car Dan Pagis

Fable of the Goat S. Y. Agnon

The Land of Israel Abraham Isaac Kook

Hannah Senesh: Her Life and Diaryand

Blessed Is the Match Hannah Senesh

The Diameter of the Bomb Yehuda Amichai