The Social Justice Torah Commentary

by Barry H Block (Editor)

What does the Torah have to say about social justice? As the contributors to The Social Justice Torah Commentary demonstrate, a great deal. A diverse array of authors delve deeply into each week's parashah, drawing lessons to inspire tikkun olam. Chapters address key contemporary issues such as racism, climate change, mass incarceration, immigration, disability, women's rights, voting rights, and many more. The result is an indispensable resource for weekly Torah study and for anyone committed to repairing the world.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish

400 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2021

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When writing a card congratulating 13-year-olds on their b’nai mitzvah, the note usually includes the words “wishing you well on your continuing Jewish journey.” That’s because learning – particularly Torah study – is part of a never-ending journey. Numerous books focus on different aspect of biblical verses and search for new ways to understand the text. The latest work in my continuing Torah journey is “The Social Justice Torah Commentary” edited by Rabbi Barry H. Block (CCAR Press). Block sees it as a companion to his 2020 book “The Mussar Torah Commentary: A Spiritual Path to Living a Meaningful and Ethical Life.” ( See the previous article.) In his latest collection, the writers teach lessons about social justice they’ve learned from the Torah text.
The rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/past....

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbi Block starts the book with a familiar statement Reform Jewish Rabbis hear from some congregants. “Rabbi, we want to hear Torah, not politics, from the bimah”. That statement If for no other reason, is why this book is needed. There is a basic misunderstanding among politically conservative and some other Jews. When the Union for Reform Judaism or other Rabbis take a position on a social justice issue it is not based on any political philosophy or political party. It is based on the teachings in the Torah, the Prophets, the Talmud and thousands of years of Jewish scholarship. The word Torah literally means “instruction” meaning guidance in how to live a righteous life. The book is an excellent compilation of Jewish teachings on a variety of social justice issues. This book should be required reading for every Jewish person.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good commentary on certain aspects of social justice in the Torah but I feel is jumps over some chapters to get to a story Barry Block wanted to comment on. Sometimes it seems he hs taking some stories out of context to highlight it.