Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece...
Review: Ok.. So I am a little biased, being that I am Jewish, but I do believe that most would agree. This book presents the "important" aspects of the "Hebrew Bible" with Telushkin's use of excellent language. I have tried other Biblical interpretations from various Rabbis and have often found myself creeping into a steady decline to sleepy-land. But this book is an exception! I have read the author's other works and decided to give this one a try (despite the 700 page factor being a mild intimidation). This book ultimately has lead me to appreciate my Jewishness. Thanks Rabbi Telushkin!
Rating:
Summary: A neglected viewpoint critical to the Christian faith
Review: Other than the Christian Bible (until I read this book, I only thought of THE Bible as exclusively Christian), this is the only book about scripture that I've read written by a Jew. I've read agnostics, atheists, and Christians views on the Bible, but never the Jewish perspective outside of scripture itself--this was a mistake. Understanding from this perspective has opened my eyes to so many things I found confusing about the Christianity. So many Christians believe that the Old Testament is negligible in its importance, yet Christ reaffirmed the Old Testament teachings again and again. As for the reviewer that faulted the author in his interpretation of Christian theologies like the godhood of Christ or the Virgin Birth, Christians reading this book need to remember that Rabbi Telushkin is NOT A CHRISTIAN. He is Jewish. He would no more defend the truth of Christianity than Christians would Islam. Yes, we have some common beliefs, but each religion is unique and separated from theological unity by critical, fundamental differences. Understanding this, the rabbi is actually not as harsh about Christianity as he could have been--he simply does not share our beliefs about Christ's deity, and the book reflects this. Don't fault him because he's true to his faith. I'm sure as with Christian authors, there are Jewish authors who disagree with Rabbi Telushkin. I don't know if his are the accepted interpretations of Jewish scripture or just personal opinion. Still, I found much of what he had to say so very enlightening that I would not hesitate to recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians. It clarified so many issues for me and did nothing but strengthen my faith in Jesus. I look forward to reading other Jewish authors so that my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ will be even stronger. Shalom, Rabbi Teluskin, and thanks.
Rating:
Summary: A neglected viewpoint critical to the Christian faith
Review: Other than the Christian Bible (until I read this book, I only thought of THE Bible as exclusively Christian), this is the only book about scripture that I've read written by a Jew. I've read agnostics, atheists, and Christians views on the Bible, but never the Jewish perspective outside of scripture itself--this was a mistake. Understanding from this perspective has opened my eyes to so many things I found confusing about the Christianity. So many Christians believe that the Old Testament is negligible in its importance, yet Christ reaffirmed the Old Testament teachings again and again. As for the reviewer that faulted the author in his interpretation of Christian theologies like the godhood of Christ or the Virgin Birth, Christians reading this book need to remember that Rabbi Telushkin is NOT A CHRISTIAN. He is Jewish. He would no more defend the truth of Christianity than Christians would Islam. Yes, we have some common beliefs, but each religion is unique and separated from theological unity by critical, fundamental differences. Understanding this, the rabbi is actually not as harsh about Christianity as he could have been--he simply does not share our beliefs about Christ's deity, and the book reflects this. Don't fault him because he's true to his faith. I'm sure as with Christian authors, there are Jewish authors who disagree with Rabbi Telushkin. I don't know if his are the accepted interpretations of Jewish scripture or just personal opinion. Still, I found much of what he had to say so very enlightening that I would not hesitate to recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians. It clarified so many issues for me and did nothing but strengthen my faith in Jesus. I look forward to reading other Jewish authors so that my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ will be even stronger. Shalom, Rabbi Teluskin, and thanks.
Rating:
Summary: As a "Mormon", I am really excited about this book.
Review: This coming year, Latter Day Saints (Mormons) worldwide will study the Old Testament as we do every four years. I sm so delighted to have this book. I have only skimmed it and read the one story about Esau and Jacob and the Birthright, but it is all I hoped it would be and more. Thank you, Rabbai Telushkin for such a great resource.
Rating:
Summary: An eye opener.
Review: Unless we look at the Jewish Biblical traditions, we will never know the full depth of the Hebrew Scripture [Old Testament]. Some of these essays will be familiar, but most will possess fascinating and different ways of interpreting these foundational stories. Christians began as a movement within Second Temple Judaism. We will have lost a great deal if we do not rediscover the wealth of our Jewish Biblical heritage.
Rating:
Summary: An eye opener.
Review: Unless we look at the Jewish Biblical traditions, we will never know the full depth of the Hebrew Scripture [Old Testament]. Some of these essays will be familiar, but most will possess fascinating and different ways of interpreting these foundational stories. Christians began as a movement within Second Temple Judaism. We will have lost a great deal if we do not rediscover the wealth of our Jewish Biblical heritage.
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