The Women's Haftarah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Haftarah Portions, the 5 Megillot & Special Shabbatot

by Elyse Goldstein

Women rabbis are changing the face of Judaism.
Discover how their interpretations of the Prophets, Writings,
and Megillot can enrich your perspective. The Haftarah is a potent tool for understanding the values, ethics, and moral lessons contained in the Torah readings. In this first-of-its-kind volume, more than eighty women rabbis from the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements offer fresh perspectives on the beloved texts that make up the Haftarah―the Prophets and Writings―and the Five Megillot. Based on readings that are rich in imagery―some poetic, some narrative, some dark and brooding―their commentaries include surprising insights on the stories of Deborah and Yael, David and Goliath, David and Bathsheva, and the witch of Endor, among many others. Themes such as Jerusalem as woman, the story of Jonah and the fish, and other prophetic images are informed and challenged by this groundbreaking work. A rich resource, a major contribution to modern biblical commentary, and the ideal companion to The Women’s Torah Commentary, The Women’s Haftarah Commentary will inspire all of us to gain deeper meaning from the Hebrew scriptures and a heightened appreciation of Judaism.

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Religion, Reference, Judaica

560 pages, Hardcover

First published February 19, 2004

Reviews

[Kat Clyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of my reading project for 2025. It gave an enlightening portion for the Nevi'im and Kethuvim parts of the Tanakh. Also a feminist perspective as well. I appreciated it.

[Carol Solman-Repton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really feel inspired by this weeks portion Isaiah 40. How Rabbi Sheryl Nosan Blank taps into how we can put up barriers to being comforted and she also gives positive feedback about our strengths but reveals that we are not to let these stop us finding healing