Price range: $9.95 through $25.95
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A unique commentary probing the psychological, philosophical, ethical and spiritual themes found in each weekly portion. The commentaries touch our souls, and reveal the depths of traditional, contemporary, and Chassidic/Kabbalistic sources. A rare, compelling, and uplifting work.
For many decades as a rabbi-scholar-educator, Rabbi Mel Gottlieb inspired and educated generations of Jewish leaders. He brings to this task intellectual sophistication and profundity and neshama. This volume of his sermonica stimulates the mind and touches the soul.
—Rabbi Elijah J. Schochet, Professor of Talmud Academy for Jewish Religion-California, Author, The Hasidic Movement and the Gaon of Vilna, Rabbi Emeritus, Hamakom Synagogue.
Rabbi Dr. Mel Gottlieb is a brilliant thinker and dynamic teacher we should all learn from. He combines insights from classical Torah commentators with psychology, philosophy, and mysticism. Further, he humanizes our traditional wisdom by making it morally and spiritually relevant to the contemporary reader. His Torah is a treasure for all people to reflect on and to inspire growth in our intellectual journeys, character development, and soul flourishing.
—Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash, Author, Forty Arguments for the Sake of Heaven
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb provides deep and cogent insights on the weekly Torah portions. He makes us think, evaluate, read and re-read the texts. He is a master teacher who invites us to explore the complexities of Torah and its eternally powerful teachings.
—Rabbi Marc D. Angel, Director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, Rabbi Emeritus, the historic Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of New York City.
When an eminent teacher and spiritual guide offers his contemplations on the Torah, we should sit up and take notice. In this book Rabbi Mel Gottlieb shows how the stories, laws, and parables of the Torah point to the character-building insights often known as Mussar, but also how the same material can awaken mystical depths and provide spiritual inspiration. He gives us a combination of worldly realism and stretching toward the heights that can help us face our own challenges and ultimately contribute to a better world.’
—Tamar Frankiel, PhD, Author, The Voice of Sarah: Feminine Spirituality and Traditional Judaism
Rabbi Gottlieb is a man of profound wisdom and menschlichkeit, whose thoughtful teachings are deeply rooted in a love for all Jews and all human beings. His dedication to spreading knowledge and spiritual insight are truly inspiring. His Torah commentary offers invaluable perspectives that guide readers toward a profound understanding of the Torah’s depths and many layers of meaning. By connecting its texts and commentaries to contemporary dilemmas, he makes the Torah’s teachings relevant and important for today’s readers. I believe his sefer will be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to explore the profound wisdom of our tradition.
—Rabbi Kalman Topp, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Jacob, Beverly Hills, California
An inspiring and illuminating collection of divrei Torah, full of insightful and meaningful revelations. Rabbi Gottlieb’s wisdom, sensitivity, and brilliant mind help enlighten and enliven the beautiful teachings contained in each Parsha. I found the content inspiring and very meaningful in contemporary terms.
—Dr. Jacob Zighelboim, Author, From Fear to Awe and Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb is an independent thinker deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, yet he is sensitive to contemporary needs. He possesses a wealth of knowledge accumulated through years of ever-thirsty inquiry. A forward thinker, Rabbi Mel has shaped generations of American religious leaders. He transcends denominational boundaries, inspiring and articulating the dialogue between Torah and reader.
His comments on the weekly Torah reading allow us to learn ancient traditions through a contemporary lens, brilliantly executed and thought-provoking. In his writings, he highlights ethical issues, probes with depth the complexity of the human condition, our place in the world and the subtlety of our behaviors. Throughout his weekly writings, he challenges and inspires us to grow to become the very one we are meant to be! You will be uplifted by this work!
Cantor-Rabbi, Dr. Arik Wolheim, Beth Jacob Congregation, Beverly Hills, California
Mel Gottlieb: rabbi, therapist, and teacher of Torah to generations of appreciative students, draws upon a broad range of classical rabbinic texts, medieval and modern commentaries, and Hasidic teachings, to provide his own, fresh insight to understanding and applying Torah to our daily lives. He writes: “We must bring the melody of soulful Torah to the world.” This book is a wonderful contribution to that endeavor by a master educator who embodies the teachings that he so ably unpacks and explains.
—Dr. Gil Graff, Author, Executive Director, Builders of Jewish Education (BJE-Los Angeles)
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb has written an insightful, enlightening book for everyone, accessible to scholars and laypersons alike. With its keen focus on personal development, it reflects both his rabbinical understanding of the weekly Torah portion as well as his knowledge as an accomplished psychologist. Connecting ancient wisdom with modern psychology, he breathes new life into the Torah’s spiritual heroes, exploring their deep character through their trials and ordeals. “Even if there are obstacles” he exhorts us, “one must keep moving. Investigate what your soul calls you to encounter, and do not get caught up in habits, security and cultural influences that deter you from your path.” Rabbi Gottlieb’s Torah Travels is a gem that seamlessly applies the Torah’s deep and subtle teachings to our everyday lives.’
—Michael Gellert, Jungian Analyst, former Director of Training at the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles, and author of The Divine Mind
Rabbi Dr. Mel Gottlieb masterfully weaves psychological and philosophical insights with traditional Torah commentaries. His knowledge of mystical and Chassidic sources is vast and expansive. This book offers novel and pertinent ways to read Torah in light of today’s questions and challenges.
—Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler, author and former Dean of the Rabbinical School and Professor of Jewish Thought, Academy for Jewish Religion-California
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb’s Parsha commentaries bring light into our perilous times. What a gift to have Rabbi Gottlieb’s teachings available for all. He is a unique teacher whose wise heart and brilliant soul open the depths of Torah for all. The abundance of ahavah (love) flowing through his words into the heart of the reader is a treasured offering.
—Rabbi Susan Goldberg, Founding Rabbi, Nefesh
Rabbi Gottlieb’s insights on the Parsha of the week enable the reader to apply the eternal messages of the Torah to the modern life of a Jew in the 21st century in a way which is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. The author draws upon his extensive knowledge of Judaic sources, his experience as a community leader and educator, and his academic background to offer the reader a tapestry of ancient, modern, and practical wisdom. Hasidic teachings, Kabbalah, and traditional commentaries are interwoven with lessons about communication and interpersonal interactions, thus making the book more than a commentary on the Parsha; it is a guide for life.
—Rabbi Haim Ovadia, Founder and Dean of Torah VeAhava
