Saying Kaddish for a loved one. It is one of the most well-observed Jewish traditions. However, its cryptic language often makes this sacred and hallowed prayer feel unrelatable. In a powerful and inspiring new book, Rabbi Yechiel Spero changes that, using classic Torah sources, insights, and — of course! — stories to explore the essence and, indeed, the soul of Kaddish. In The Soul of Kaddish, you find chizuk, hope and encouragement in the words of Kaddish. In the following Inside ArtScroll interview, we speak to Rabbi Spero about this incredible book, and about finding chizuk in challenging times – and always. Watch and be inspired.
Imagine an encyclopedia — or, in 21st-century terms, a Wikipedia — of Torah thought, wisdom, and hashkafah. You can read this encyclopedia through from A to Z — or, in this case, from Aleph to Tav. You can also use it as a reference on specific topics. Or you might want to just riffle through the entries, broadening your knowledge and enriching your understanding.
And imagine that you can go to that encyclopedia and find not only facts and wisdom, but also brilliant and practical advice for living, as well as gentle mussar designed to strengthen your connection to Hashem and His Torah.
You don’t have to imagine it. That encyclopedic collection of Jewish wisdom and guidance has been available and beloved for two centuries. It’s called Sefer Pele Yoeitz. And it is now available and accessible to ArtScroll readers, with a flowing translation and elucidation, in the Haas Family Edition Pele Yoeitz: The Classic Work by Rabbi Eliezer Papo.
Pele Yoeitzwas authored by the renowned halachic authority, ethicist, and kabbalist Rav Eliezer Papo. The work, which has achieved universal popularity, is arranged alphabetically; it covers themes that range from philosophy to halachah to practical advice. Topics discussed in this first of the projected four-volume series range from advice on chinuch to interpersonal relationships, conducting a business, developing personal integrity, and how to build a home, look for a shidduch, or publish a sefer … the list goes on and on.
This first volume also features a comprehensive 70-page discussion of dibur, speech, and how a person can sanctify his words, with separate sections on “mitzvah” speech, permitted speech, and forbidden speech. Like the rest of the book, each section is a beautiful blend of hashkafah and practical, down-to-earth advice that displays a profound understanding of human nature.
This is a book of “pele yoeitz” — wondrous guidance — that has illuminated Jewish life for two centuries and continues to bring Torah wisdom to us now.
This weekly publication will contain a rich collection of stories, divrei Torah and insights that are suitable for the Shabbos table – or for anytime. We hope you enjoy and look forward to future issues, as we tap into the unparalleled treasure trove that is the ArtScroll Library, sharing the depth and beauty of our Judaic and Torah literature with you.
For centuries, the brilliant light of Rashi has illuminated the world of Torah. Behind his seemingly simple words lie treasures of knowledge and profound thought. The study of the Torah through the lens of Rashi has become a sacred tradition for generations, allowing us to “sit in Rashi’s beis medrash” and partake of his explanation of the Torah’s words and his exploration of its depths.
For decades, English speakers have relied on the Sapirstein Edition Rashi for a translation and basic explanation of the Torah’s foremost commentary. Baruch Hashem, the world of Torah has grown. There are more people studying Torah today than in many centuries, and they want more. They wish to dig deeper, understanding not just what Rashi says, but the underlying concepts, along with enlightening glimpses into Rashi’s thought process. What motivated this comment? What counterargument does the Ramban put forth, and how might Rashi respond? How do the Torah’s words prompt Rashi’s interpretation? Beneath the deceptively straightforward exterior of Rashi’s commentary lies a depth that has captivated talmidei chachamim for more than eight centuries.
The first volume in this groundbreaking 10-volume series, on Parashiyos Bereishis through Toldos, presents Rashi’s wisdom with unexcelled depth and clarity. Explanatory words ensure the seamless flow of his commentary, clarifying his points and connecting them with the text of the Chumash. Comprehensive notes offer additional insights into Rashi’s ideas and provide clarifications from other commentators.
“The Elucidated Rashi culls from literally hundreds of commentaries,” says Rabbi Eliezer Herzka, General Editor of the project, “distilling them into a clear, comprehensive approach to Rashi. The work is designed to give a broad and in-depth presentation of Rashi, clear enough for even the student to understand, yet thorough enough for even the talmid chacham to appreciate.”
“The Elucidated Rashi on Chumash is unlike anything published before in any language, Hebrew, English or otherwise,” says Rabbi Gedaliah Zlotowitz, president of the Mesorah Heritage Foundation. “Calling it ‘revolutionary’ is not an overstatement. No work on Rashi has ever been produced on this level.”
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