Abarbanel Gems

Why doesn’t the Torah mention the World to Come? Why are there specifically three Regalim, no more, no less? Did Pharaoh lose his free will?

Don Isaac Abarbanel was one of the most influential, prolific Jewish scholars of his time. His commentary usually begins with a series of questions and challenges to the narrative. Nothing is off limits, and no one is untouchable and immune from criticism, thus revealing his bold, original, and sometime provocative insights.
The daunting length of Abarbanel’s commentary, his references to often little-known passages from Nach, and his occasional reliance on arcane philosophical principles have made the complete literal translation inaccessible to the vast majority of readers. In Abarbanel Gems, longtime educator and kiruv professional Rabbi Pinchas Kasnett has presented an illuminating collection that captures the essence of Abarbanel’s brilliance.

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“My dear talmid, colleague, and friend Rabbi Pinchas Kasnett brought forth a succinct and loyal-to-the-original elegant digest of the Abarbanel’s immortal words. [We] at Ohr Somayach rejoice in this work and, of course, urge all readers/learners to take this friendly gate of reentry to reconnect to the holy words of the Abarbanel in its original.”
—Rav Nota Schiller, Rosh Yeshivah, Ohr Somayach