Torah Anthology Vol. 3A: Genesis (The Twelve Tribes)

Portions of Mikketz, Vayigash and Vayechi.
Here we witness Jacob's marriage to Rachel and Leah, as well as the birth of his sons, who would be destined to give rise to the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Rabbi Yaacov Culi weaves the Talmudic and Midrashic traditions into the story itself. Anthology of the major classical commentaries is presented, not as a dry textual analysis, but as living drama. Here we accompany Abraham on his historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land, following nothing but the Divine call. We partake in the excitement of his great battle against the Four Kings, and literally feel the emotions at the sacrifice of Isaac. The beginnings of the conflict between the two rival brothers, Jacob and Esau, are presented in such living detail, it is almost as if we are eavesdropping. The Torah Anthology is a clear, modern translation of Me'am Lo'ez, hailed as "the outstanding work of Ladino literature" Written by Rabbi Yaakov Culi, one of the greatest Sepharadie sages of his time, the book was first published in 1730. It changed the spiritual climate of the entire Mediterranean region. Eastern Jews esteemed Me'am Lo'ez as a major classic, affording it virtually the same status as the Talmud and Midrash. Many count Me'am Lo'ez among the best commentaries ever written on the Torah-in any language. The book is a veritable encyclopedia of Jewish knowledge. (translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan)