Vayivorech David

Torah Or is a compilation of discourses by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Hasidism, offering profound insights into Jewish thought and mysticism. The book explores the inner dimensions of Torah, providing deep, analytical explanations of biblical passages. It delves into the spiritual significance of various Jewish laws and customs, revealing mystical meanings and connections. Torah Or is known for its comprehensive approach, integrating Jewish law and Kabbalah. It presents a systematic exploration of God, the soul, and the purpose of creation, solidifying its place as a foundational text in Chabad philosophy.

The Talmud is a vast collection of writings that include the Mishnah and the Gemara. It covers a wide range of subjects such as Jewish law (halakha), ethics, philosophy, customs, history, and folklore. The Talmud exists in two main versions: the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud, compiled in the 5th century, is more widely studied and consists of 2,711 double-sided pages with numerous commentaries and notes.

In this powerful gathering of poems, Brenda Shaughnessy weaves a tapestry of literary heritage and intimate reflection. She pays tribute to women artists and mentors, including Dadaist artist Meret Oppenheim and the young choreographer Lauren Lovette. The title poem explores an intense touchstone relationship with Tanya, while other poems delve into memories of the women who set her on her artistic path. The book features flowing stair-step tercets that expose moments of spiritual and intellectual awakening, her love of art, and the written word, ignited by conversations with other women across time and space.

The Mishnah is the oldest authoritative postbiblical collection and codification of Jewish oral laws. It was systematically compiled by numerous scholars (Tannaim) over a period of about two centuries and given final form by Judah ha-Nasi in the early 3rd century CE. The Mishnah supplements the written laws found in the Pentateuch and presents various interpretations of selective legal traditions that had been preserved orally since at least the time of Ezra. It is divided into six major sections (sedarim) containing 63 tractates, each further divided into chapters. The Mishnah has played a decisive role in the religious life of the Jewish people and serves as the foundation for both the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds.