A Taste Of Torah: A Devotional Study Through The Five Books Of Moses

by Karen Hannah Pryor

In her devotional commentary, Keren Hannah Pryor gives you a taste of the sweetness of God’s Word and the inspired instruction of his Torah. She gleans from the wisdom of Jewish sages and commentators as well as Christian insights into the Tanach (Old Testament), and conveys them in a gentle but profound manner that will inspire and inform every student of Scripture.

A Taste of Torah offers traditional insights, as well as inspiring, fresh perspectives—reflections of the riches the author has received through her personal study of the Scriptures. The content was drawn from the notes she collected over the years from a wide variety of sources, which greatly inspired her own observations.

This commentary is indeed a tasty appetizer for those new to the Torah, and it adds additional spice for those who already are familiar with the weekly Torah portions. It also is a great resource for Torah study groups.

280 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since before the time of Jesus, it has been the practice of observant Jews to read the first five books of the Bible, the Torah, every year. This practice developed into a fifty-two weekly division of the books, each known as a parasha. These readings were later paired with appropriate readings from the prophets. They have served as the basis of synagogue preaching until the present time.

Keren Hannah Pryor’s A Taste of Torah is part of a growing movement that seeks to reconnect Christian faith to its Jewish roots. Pryor writes fifty-two devotions to be paired with the fifty-two weekly Torah readings (as well as the associated prophet readings and a New Testament passage). While Pryor’s reflections only take up a couple pages, the sheer amount of scripture reading will increase the amount of time needed for these devotions.

The scripture reading is both the most fruitful and challenging part of A Taste of Torah. Overall, the devotions themselves were good – particularly for a set of texts that are largely unfamiliar and deemed ‘boring.’ I was also pleased to see occasional Christological connections. However, the best part of the devotion was the practice of reading that much scripture. Often devotions reflect on maybe one or two verses, but Pryor calls for us to engage multiple chapters at a time. This practice itself is worth the price of the book. Yet, it might prove a challenge for some readers. Even though only once a week, A Taste of Torah will require more time and effort than what many are used to from their average Christian devotion.

I highly recommend A Taste of Torah for both personal and family devotions.

[Kim M · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY good. It is taking us a while to get through it as our group can't meet every week but none of us has been disappointed. The chapters follow along with the weekly Torah Portion Scriptures and adds a New Testament scripture to read as well.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be led in cycles of righteousness as you join God's people in the weekly reading of His Word & sink your roots deep in the Torah with this commentary by my friend Karen Pryor.

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good devotional, but what I really appreciated about it was the weekly reading of the parashah (the portion of Scripture for the week). I think it's a very good practice.