Accepting the Yoke of Heaven: Commentary on the Weekly Torah Portion
He approaches each sidra as a living breathing text that is as relevant to the contemporary generation as any other, applying the ideas he discusses to real life experiences and issues that he has considered. Each essay is short and concise, making them a manageable read. Those that enjoy his approach will certainly enjoy these essays and find them a pleasurable read each week to stimulate and at least trigger further discussion on the themes of the weekly parsha. --Daniel Rose, Lookstein DigestEach short essay focuses on an intriguing phrase or theme, which he explicates with quiet logic and reason. Prof. Leibowitz comfortably quotes the Bible, the Talmud, midrashic literature, legal responsa, philosophy, science and history, but always displays his awesome intellect in ways, which make profound ideas of Judaism accessible to all.... Each short essay leaves the reader with an intellectual smile of satisfaction. If you would like to experience a few minutes of "oneg Shabbat" (Sabbath enjoyment), while being stimulated to think deeply, I would heartily recommend reviewing the weekly Torah portion in this wonderful little volume of talks. --Dr. Steve Bailey, Australian Jewish NewsTill now, besides a book on Maimonides, English readers have only had access to his important collection, Judaism, Human Values, and the Jewish State.... Not only is this new book, Accepting the Yoke of Heaven... a simpler, lucid exposition of Leibowitz's extraordinary religious devotion, but it also testifies to the overflow of that devotion into the service of individuals and the public at large.... Though Leibowitz's reflections revolve around the singular notion of pure religious service, readers will enjoy original insights into questions of free will versus determination, totalitarianism, political leadership, and the relationship between the Written Torah and the Oral Torah.... --Michael Fagenblat, The Jerusalem Report