For years, both Jewish and Christian Accordance users have benefitted from the JPS Torah Commentary (5 volumes). Last month, in time for Passover, we released the JPS Commentary on the Haggadah. Now we are pleased to announce three more volumes in the JPS Bible Commentary Series for the Accordance Library. Anyone who studies the Old Testament or is engaged in Jewish studies will want to add these titles to their digital shelves.
Already own the JPS Torah Commenary or the JPS Commentary on the Haggadah? Custom Upgrades to all 12 available are available!
Megillot
The Five Scrolls or Five Megillot (חמש מגילות) refer to the books of Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther. The JPS Commentary on the Megillot contains all but Lamentations, which is not yet published. This final installment will be added to Accordance after its release.
The four volumes that are included were written by an internationally recognized team of scholars, all experts on their individual subjects. The volume on Ruth was initially begun by Tikva Frymer-Kensky, who unfortunately passed away before the commentary could be completed. Tamara Cohn Eskenazi completes the volume attempting to use any of the initial author’s notes that were available so as to give her the primary voice of the writing. Other volumes include Adele Berlin’s commentary on Esther, Michael V. Fox on Ecclesiastes, and Michael Fishbane on Song of Songs.
Click/tap the image above to see an excerpt of Berlin’s JPS Commentary on Esther combined with the Hebrew Bible and JPS w/Strong’s in Accordance for Windows.
Those already familiar with the JPS Bible Commentary Series through the five volumes on the Torah will instantly notice a familiar format of introductory material–often with brief essays going into greater depth about the book’s theme, history of interpretation and intertextual issues–followed by insightful commentary with gleanings from rabbinic wisdom. Introductions provide not only what one would expect from a professional commentary, but also an exploration of rabbinic traditions on each text.
The commentary itself is extremely accessible as the English translation stands as the primary base with Hebrew phrases transliterated into English. Rabbinic wisdom can be found both in the commentary as well as sometimes in greater detail in the footnotes.
JPS Bible Commentary: The Megillot (4 Volumes)
$169
Haftarot
The haftarot (הפטרות) are an ancient part of Hebrew liturgy. These supplemental readings are excerpted from the Prophets (Nevi’im) and accompany each weekly Sabbath reading from the Torah as well as readings for special Sabbaths and festivals.
Click/tap the image above to see an excerpt of Fishbane’s JPS Commentary on Haftarot combined with Readings & Prayers for Jewish Worship, the Hebrew Bible and JPS w/Strong’s in Accordance for Mac.
In the JPS Commentary on the Haftarot, noted Bible scholar Michael Fishbane introduces each haftarah with an outline and discussion of how that passage conveys its meaning, and he follows it with observations on how it relates to the Torah portion or special occasion. Individual comments, citing classical rabbinic as well as modern commentators, highlight ambiguities and difficulties in the Hebrew text, which appears in concert with the JPS translation. The haftarot are also put into biblical context by a separate overview of all prophetic books (except Jonah) that are excerpted in the haftarah cycle.
JPS Bible Commentary: Haftarot
$39.90
Jonah
As with the JPS Commentaries on the Torah and Meggilot, readers will find a familiar format in Uriel Simon’s treatment of Jonah. Simon provides a critical line-by-line commentary of the biblical text, which is presented in its original Hebrew, complete with vocalization and cantillation marks, as well as the JPS English translation. It includes a scholarly introduction, extensive bibliographic and critical notes, and other explanatory material.
Click/tap the image above to see an excerpt of Simon’s JPS Commentary on Jonah paired with JPS w/Strong’s in Accordance Mobile.
More than just giving comment, The JPS Commentary on Jonah also explores theological aspects of the minor prophet (see the section “The Theme of the Book and the History of Its Exegesis” as well as exploring literary aspects and canonical concerns.
JPS Bible Commentary: Jonah
$39.90
Haggadah
Last month, in time for Passover, we released the JPS Commentary on the Haggadah. The Passover haggadah enjoys an unrivaled place in Jewish culture, both religious and secular. And of all the classic Jewish books, the haggadah is the one most “alive” today. Jews continue to rewrite, revise, and add to its text, recasting it so that it remains relevant to their lives.
The product features an extended introduction by Tabory, the classic Hebrew haggadah text side by side with its English translation, and Tabory’s clear and insightful critical-historical commentary.
JPS Bible Commentary: Haggadah
$39.90
12-Volume Commentary Set
The three new additions of the JPS Bible Commentary Series for the Hebrew Bible can be purchased by themselves at introductory pricing or in a new 12-volume commentary set.
If you already own the JPS Torah Commentary and/or the JPS Commentary on the Haggadah, our Custom Upgrade feature makes certain you never pay twice for titles you already own!
- JPS Torah Commentary (5 Volumes)
- JPS Commentary on the Haggadah
- JPS Bible Commentary : The Megillot (4 Volumes)
- JPS Bible Commentary: Haftarot
- JPS Bible Commentary: Jonah