Ecclesiastes : A New Translation with Introduction (Anchor Bible, Vol 18c)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Background Material
Review: To read Kohelet is to enter into the world of the realist who has become embittered and cynical, but not altogether wrong. As becomes apparent in Seow's volume, Kohelet is written (and probably codified into the Tanach) as in contradistinction to Mishlei (Proverbs). The volume is extensive and the interpretations quite well-thought out and valid. It is rare for the author to favor one interpretation over another which is refreshing since it does not appear that Seow has an axe to grind one way or the other. I would have liked to have seen more aggadic and talmudic references to the verses but that was not overly forthcoming. Still, it is an excellent volume for adult ed and has lots of good sermon material in it. It is especially fun to teach it at the same time you are teaching Proverbs.

Rabbi Cy Stanway
Temple Beth Miriam, Elberon, NJ