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Chumash Stone Edition
A Classic in its own timeÂ… The entire Chumash, newly reset, in one beautiful volume with a new, contemporary English translation of the Torah, faithful to Rashi and the classic Rabbinic commentators, and an anthologized commentary by a team of scholars, under the editorship of Rabbi Nosson Scherman. This commentary draws on the spectrum of biblical commentaries, from the Talmud, Midrash, and the classic Rabbinic commentators, and includes insights of contemporary greats. Also Hebrew/Aramaic texts of Rashi and Onkelos, newly set according to the most accurate texts. Haftaros with new translation, and introductory comments introducing the haftarah and relating it to the Torah reading. The Five Megillos with translation and commentary. Comprehensive index. Lightweight, opaque, acid-free paper for decades of quality use. Special section for your own genealogy and family milestones. Ultra-reinforced binding, using the most durable materials. Elegantly gilded page heads. Ribbon place-marker. The Chumash of choice for synagogue and home!
1403 pages, Hardcover (Travel Size)
First published January 1, 1993
72 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Nosson Scherman
349 books15 followersNosson Scherman (Hebrew: נתן שרמן, born 1935, Newark, New Jersey) is an American Haredi rabbi best known as the general editor of ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications.
Scherman was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, where his parents ran a small grocery store. He attended public school, but in the afternoons joined a Talmud Torah started in 1942 by Rabbi Shalom Ber Gordon, a shaliach of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn. Rabbi Gordon influenced many of the 200 boys in his afternoon Talmud Torah to enroll in yeshiva, including young Nosson Scherman, who became a dormitory student at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas at around age 10. Afterwards, he studied in Beth Medrash Elyon in Spring Valley, New York
Scherman worked as a rebbi (teacher) for about eight years at Torah VoDaas of Flatbush, later known as Yeshiva Torah Temimah. Afterwards he was a principal at Yeshiva Karlin Stolin of Boro Park for six years. During his tenure as principal, he was recommended to Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz, director of a high-end graphics studio in New York named ArtScroll Studios, as someone who could write copy, and they collaborated on a few projects of brochures and journals.
In late 1975, a close friend of Zlotowitz, Rabbi Meir Fogel, died in his sleep, prompting Zlotowitz to want to do something to honor his memory. As Purim was a few months away, he decided to write an English translation and commentary on the Book of Esther, and asked Scherman to write the introduction. The book was completed in honor of the shloshim (the 30-day commemoration of a death) and sold out its first edition of 20,000 copies within two months. With the encouragement of Rabbi Moses Feinstein, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, and other Gedolei Yisrael, the two continued producing commentaries, beginning with a translation and commentary on the rest of the Five Megillot (Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations and Ruth), and went on to publish translations and commentaries on the Torah, Prophets, Talmud, Passover Haggadah, siddurs and machzors. The name ArtScroll was chosen for the publishing company to emphasize the visual appeal of the books.
In its first 25 years, ArtScroll produced more than 700 books, including novels, history books, children's books and secular textbooks, and is now one of the largest publishers of Jewish books in the United States.
Selected bibliography:
Zlotowitz and Scherman are the general editors of ArtScroll's Talmud, Stone Chumash, Tanakh, Siddur, and Machzor series. They co-authored Megillas Esther: Illustrated Youth Edition (1988), a pocket-size Mincha/Maariv prayerbook (1991), and Selichos: First Night (1992). They have also produced a host of titles on which Scherman is author and Zlotowitz is editor.
Scherman contributed translations and commentaries for ArtScroll's Stone Chumash, the ArtScroll Siddurim and Machzorim, and the Stone Tanach. He served as general editor of the 73-volume translation Schottenstein edition of the Talmud from 1990 until 2005.
Scherman attributes his strong English language skills to the stronger general-studies departments that yeshivas had when he was a student, and his correspondence with two out-of-town high school classmates, Mendel Weinbach and Nisson Wolpin. He has said: "During the summers we used to write letters. Does anyone correspond today? We wrote to each other – that helped. We tried to outdo each other; we were big-shot teenagers. The only way to learn how to write is to write."
Scherman was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, where his parents ran a small grocery store. He attended public school, but in the afternoons joined a Talmud Torah started in 1942 by Rabbi Shalom Ber Gordon, a shaliach of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn. Rabbi Gordon influenced many of the 200 boys in his afternoon Talmud Torah to enroll in yeshiva, including young Nosson Scherman, who became a dormitory student at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas at around age 10. Afterwards, he studied in Beth Medrash Elyon in Spring Valley, New York
Scherman worked as a rebbi (teacher) for about eight years at Torah VoDaas of Flatbush, later known as Yeshiva Torah Temimah. Afterwards he was a principal at Yeshiva Karlin Stolin of Boro Park for six years. During his tenure as principal, he was recommended to Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz, director of a high-end graphics studio in New York named ArtScroll Studios, as someone who could write copy, and they collaborated on a few projects of brochures and journals.
In late 1975, a close friend of Zlotowitz, Rabbi Meir Fogel, died in his sleep, prompting Zlotowitz to want to do something to honor his memory. As Purim was a few months away, he decided to write an English translation and commentary on the Book of Esther, and asked Scherman to write the introduction. The book was completed in honor of the shloshim (the 30-day commemoration of a death) and sold out its first edition of 20,000 copies within two months. With the encouragement of Rabbi Moses Feinstein, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, and other Gedolei Yisrael, the two continued producing commentaries, beginning with a translation and commentary on the rest of the Five Megillot (Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations and Ruth), and went on to publish translations and commentaries on the Torah, Prophets, Talmud, Passover Haggadah, siddurs and machzors. The name ArtScroll was chosen for the publishing company to emphasize the visual appeal of the books.
In its first 25 years, ArtScroll produced more than 700 books, including novels, history books, children's books and secular textbooks, and is now one of the largest publishers of Jewish books in the United States.
Selected bibliography:
Zlotowitz and Scherman are the general editors of ArtScroll's Talmud, Stone Chumash, Tanakh, Siddur, and Machzor series. They co-authored Megillas Esther: Illustrated Youth Edition (1988), a pocket-size Mincha/Maariv prayerbook (1991), and Selichos: First Night (1992). They have also produced a host of titles on which Scherman is author and Zlotowitz is editor.
Scherman contributed translations and commentaries for ArtScroll's Stone Chumash, the ArtScroll Siddurim and Machzorim, and the Stone Tanach. He served as general editor of the 73-volume translation Schottenstein edition of the Talmud from 1990 until 2005.
Scherman attributes his strong English language skills to the stronger general-studies departments that yeshivas had when he was a student, and his correspondence with two out-of-town high school classmates, Mendel Weinbach and Nisson Wolpin. He has said: "During the summers we used to write letters. Does anyone correspond today? We wrote to each other – that helped. We tried to outdo each other; we were big-shot teenagers. The only way to learn how to write is to write."
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 16, 2013
Artscroll's Stone Edition of the Chumash is a fine work in many ways. It combines an intuitive and easy-to-read layout with a fine selection of commentary that presents Torah as it has been traditionally understood by our sages, all bound up in a well-crafted, fine-looking volume with pages that are large enough to incorporate the Hebrew text, Targum Onkelos, English translation, Rashi's commentary, and commentaries and notes in English in a manner that is attractive and user-friendly, but small enough that the book can be carried around fairly easily.
The translation is solid enough. It sometimes departs a bit too far from the literal for my tastes, for example, rendering passages as interpreted by Onkelos and/or Rashi. In most such cases, however, such decisions of translation are at least acknowledged with a note that includes the more literal English translation. The translation of the Shir HaShirim seems particularly odd in that the translation provided is of Rashi's allegorical interpretation of the text rather than of the original text itself. But, perhaps the literal accuracy of the translation need not necessarily be the end goal with a work such as this which is ultimately intended to be read in the Hebrew with the English serving primarily as guidance and commentary.
The Stone Chumash, in both content and quality of design, is a good resource for Torah study. The volume is clearly designed to be read and read again and it holds up well under regular use. I wouldn't go so far as to suggest relying on it as one's only chumash, but then I'm not sure I could do so for any currently available chumash.
The translation is solid enough. It sometimes departs a bit too far from the literal for my tastes, for example, rendering passages as interpreted by Onkelos and/or Rashi. In most such cases, however, such decisions of translation are at least acknowledged with a note that includes the more literal English translation. The translation of the Shir HaShirim seems particularly odd in that the translation provided is of Rashi's allegorical interpretation of the text rather than of the original text itself. But, perhaps the literal accuracy of the translation need not necessarily be the end goal with a work such as this which is ultimately intended to be read in the Hebrew with the English serving primarily as guidance and commentary.
The Stone Chumash, in both content and quality of design, is a good resource for Torah study. The volume is clearly designed to be read and read again and it holds up well under regular use. I wouldn't go so far as to suggest relying on it as one's only chumash, but then I'm not sure I could do so for any currently available chumash.
September 1, 2008
A beautiful edition. Not being Jewish, I'm not sure what a Chumash actually is. I bought a copy of this shortly after I started studying Hebrew. For the Torah (or Pentateuch, the Five Books of Moses), the Hebrew text is on the right hand page along with the Onkelos Targum and Rashi (in Rashi script, which I have trouble with). On the left hand page, a new translation of the Hebrew in English. A commentary in English is under the texts on both sides of the page. I was surprised that the commentary included Kabbalistic ideas. For the rest of the texts, the Haftaros and the Megillos, the Hebrew text and English translations split the page in columns, with sparse commentary in English at the bottom. The Torah portion was the first Hebrew text I completed reading (I had to look up a lotta words in my BDB though.) Several years later, when the Gospel Doctrine classes were studying the Old Testament, I used this book for the Torah portion again, switching to the Rubin Edition for Joshua, Judges, and 1 & 2 Samuel. For most of the rest of the Old Testament I used my Stone Edition Tanach. I learned a lot from reading in the Hebrew and also from the commentary. Loved it.
May 2, 2021
Superb! The complete Torah in Hebrew, English, and a commentary on the text. Uniquely presented in this edition is a Rashi commentary that I haven't seen elsewhere. It even comes with an extensive family tree diagram blank for you to fill out.
I prefer this Orthodox conservative Tanakh over the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) because of the translation. In my opinion it reads better.
Overall it's quality, heavy, carefully layed out, and a tight/solid binding. This will last for years to come.
I prefer this Orthodox conservative Tanakh over the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) because of the translation. In my opinion it reads better.
Overall it's quality, heavy, carefully layed out, and a tight/solid binding. This will last for years to come.
December 15, 2017
While this Chumash does seem very (some may say "too") dependent on Rashi in both its commentary notes and its translation choices for the more difficult Hebrew, I find the traditional notes and Rabbinic commentary Enlightening even when I don't completely agree with it. I like the Koren fonts for Hebrew a little more and the Koren tendency to put the Hebrew on the left instead of the right page, but the fonts for the Hebrew are easy to read and the traditional page layout is maintained. The pages in the full-size version are large enough for the Targum Onkelos, Rashi's commentary in Hebrew, and English translation and commentaries. The JPS translation is more literal than the Artscroll, and as I said, the Artscroll relies heavily on Rashi.
I use more modernist Tenakh and Torah commentaries often, but having an Orthodox version which skews traditional and is very useful for understanding Judaism as it is understood by Haredi and other Orthodox rabbis. The book design is excellent and sturdy. The pictures at the end at quite good. I find that I use it with Jewish Study Bible quite a bit.
I use more modernist Tenakh and Torah commentaries often, but having an Orthodox version which skews traditional and is very useful for understanding Judaism as it is understood by Haredi and other Orthodox rabbis. The book design is excellent and sturdy. The pictures at the end at quite good. I find that I use it with Jewish Study Bible quite a bit.
January 8, 2017
This is an absolutely beautiful work. The cover is embossed and the writing on the cover and throughout is beautiful.
The Book contains "Five Fifths of the Law", more commonly known as the five Books of Moses, or the first five books of the Old Testament in the Bible.
Inside, you will find the Hebrew font large, beautiful, and easy to read (assuming you can read Hebrew). On the opposite page, you will find the English translation. Beneath these, you will find commentary in Hebrew and English.
This is not only a great resource for students of Scripture in its original language, it is a treasure for your dresser, table or nightstand.
The Book contains "Five Fifths of the Law", more commonly known as the five Books of Moses, or the first five books of the Old Testament in the Bible.
Inside, you will find the Hebrew font large, beautiful, and easy to read (assuming you can read Hebrew). On the opposite page, you will find the English translation. Beneath these, you will find commentary in Hebrew and English.
This is not only a great resource for students of Scripture in its original language, it is a treasure for your dresser, table or nightstand.
September 29, 2021
I feel compelled to give the Torah 5 stars bc obviously it is THE Torah. My favorite book within is Exodus by far, followed in order of preference: Genesis, Numbers, Leviticus, Deuteronomy. I thought there were parts that were repetitive and overly punitive, but those were balanced out with complex characters and potential for growth. (Spoiler) I think it’s a compelling literary device that the Israelites never cross the River Jordan (!!!) In this edition, I appreciated the commentary and the inclusion of Masoretic notes (little riddles of gematriya at the end of each parsha). For a more complete devar Torah, I suggest you go to shul ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2013
Best Chumash I've ever read. Now if I could just read Rashi script!
January 11, 2022
This Torah commentary has an extensive English commentary explaining the text based on what the editors deemed to be the “correct” sources. The theology is Orthodox so it does not include scholarship outside classical Jewish sources. The editors don’t fully acknowledge the traditional distinction between Peshat and Derash. Thus, a midrash may be treated as historical fact, and later interpretations of Jewish law are presented as if they came from the Torah itself. Nonetheless, this is a good source of much otherwise hard to find rabbinic commentary. Used in most Orthodox synagogues in the USA and Canada.
October 21, 2018
Best commentary of the Torah I've read.
December 21, 2020
Brilliant!
December 29, 2020
A great way to start Torah study.
January 14, 2022
Wonderful edition and probably the gold standard if you are looking for a Chumash.
May 4, 2022
this contains everything that I need in my life a true masterpiece 100\10
July 1, 2025
Amen.
April 20, 2015
Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out how to give this 0 stars.
This publication reflects the publishers' commitment to the most conservative principles, in the sense of retaining what they are familiar with. Unfortunately, this leads them to present a text that is contrary to the Masora and to the halakha.
Regarding the English translation: It relies on the explanations and commentaries of medieval Jewish scholars. While those scholars have much to contribute, to ignore modern scholarship in the areas of philology, archeology, epigraphics, comparative Ancient Near East cultures, etc., etc. is to fail at providing a translation that as closely as possible reflects the actual meaning of the Biblical Hebrew. (For a more acceptable English translation, see that of the Jewish Publication Society (1965 and after). For an outstanding English translation, see Everett Fox.)
Regarding the Hebrew text: For traditionally observant Jews, the Masoretic text is mandatory. Putting aside the carelessness of many errors in this text, it relies on the texts used in past centuries. While it may seem that it is good to transmit exactly what was authoritative in the past, that is not actually what is required by Jewish law. We must do in our day what those authorities did in their day: investigate the most reliable and authentic Masoretic manuscripts and resolve any differences through the halakhically approved methodology of majority rule. This publisher makes no attempt to consult the Aleppo Codex, the Leningrad Codex, or other ancient manuscripts from the days of the Masoretes themselves. Such an omission is at best careless and at worst in direct opposition to halakha. For a good Hebrew text, see Mikraot Gedolot haKeter from Bar Ilan University, The Chorev text edited by Rabbi Mordechai Breuer, or online www.mechon-mamre.org (Hebrew, not their English translation).
Making use of superb production quality, together with an ultra-orthodox attitude that censors some of the most important traditional Jewish commentators, the publisher has overwhelmed the orthodox Jewish world. Unfortunately, the emperor has no clothes.
December 24, 2012
The Chumash is a wonderful book, ad this edition is the top of the line. It contains the entire Torah and a wealth of commentary from Talmud, Midrash, and later Rabbinic commentators.
It also contains the haftarah reading for each parsha with a connection to its reading. Also included is all five megillot with its own translation and commentary. It also has a huge index. This version is perfect for home study or for use in the shul.
It also contains the haftarah reading for each parsha with a connection to its reading. Also included is all five megillot with its own translation and commentary. It also has a huge index. This version is perfect for home study or for use in the shul.
July 13, 2009
What? You think I'm not going to give THE TORAH a glowing review? OK O... the Commentaries and Notes and Gleaning are excellent, explaining the deeper, hidden, and Rabbinical insights in the material, as well as similar themes in other world religions and myths.
August 20, 2010
Once we know... there is no turning around.
December 7, 2012
Great translation and commentary!
To the naked eye, the Hebrew part gets though sometimes... but that's the beauty of Torah.
To the naked eye, the Hebrew part gets though sometimes... but that's the beauty of Torah.
August 14, 2012
Excellent edition, though I am not religious this is an awesome edition, In fact I gave as a gift to my grandmother.
November 11, 2014
As a serious student of God I appreciated this book, enormously. The commentary is outstanding.
September 14, 2008
The best version of the Hebrew Bible in terms of presentation, translation, and commentary.
February 23, 2010
Another absolutely beautiful book from this publisher.
June 15, 2011
Six chapters a day! Justin, you're crazy...
May 17, 2014
One of the best latest editions of the Torah.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews