UPDATED: Covenant and Conversation series — a new look at the Pentateuch

Updated to include Numbers: The Wilderness Years.

Each week, synagogues around the world read a section from the Torah (the five books of Moses). The cycle begins with Genesis and ends with the last verses of Deuteronomy 12 months later. The Covenant & Conversation series has essays commenting on each of the weekly readings.

These essays are by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks who was the Chief Rabbi of the U.K. for some 20 years. I'd read his editorials occasionally in the Wall Street Journal and always found them insightful, inspirational, and down to earth. When I discovered he'd done this series I began at the beginning with Genesis. What I found was a work of genius.

These essays have the same easy style I remembered while giving in-depth, brilliant, compassionate commentary that often surprised me and sometimes changed my whole perspective on a Biblical person or their actions. Sacks is good at comparing ancient and modern world views. This not only clarifies Biblical context but often shows just how different our current ideas are. These are stories about people and Sacks never forgets that. He looks at what Torah is showing us that is the same not only in those ancient times, but in our own lives. After all, the word of God is eternal, applying to all time and all people.

There is much here that resonates with the Catholic soul, simply because the Jews are our elder brothers in the faith. However, a Christian reading these essays will be sharply reminded that there is a Jewish way of thinking about the first five books of the Bible, and, indeed, about God and worship, which is particular to the Jewish people. That is a real cultural wake up call and one that I found sometimes jerking me to the realization that this is different. The thinking, the response to God and His call, the way of dealing with other people — it can be very different, while still being anchored in our common knowledge of the one, personal God. 

A quick example is that I was surprised by the Jewish custom of reading Torah every year. Just like us! No, I realized. We're just like them. The first Christians were Jewish and I am well used to finding parts of Catholic liturgy that reflect they were patterned after those Christians' original faith. That was an easy mental adjustment, one that left me happy at another proof of our family ties.

Here are the books I've read so far. I'll add to this as I go along continue, which I will, with the last two books in the series.

Genesis: The Book of Beginnings by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

I learned new ways of looking deeper at familiar stories such as when Isaac is tricked into giving his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau. I found deeper sympathy and new insights into lesser characters. Who knew she was not only crafty but also tactful? Or that Judah's encounter with Tamar led to a life-changing realization that helped him pass Joseph's test when the brothers all go to Egypt seeking grain? I already loved Tamar but now I have more sympathy and admiration for Judah's growth.

Here are a few of the themes emphasized as being core parts of Judaism, which surprised me.

•  Love of words and language, both as forms of worship and of what make us human.
• Treasuring children. "Ours is a supremely child-centered faith" says Sacks.
• God making space so that people can exercise free will and make mistakes.
• The importance of the land God gave them, of Israel.
• The Torah is meant to be heard, not read silently. "Judaism is supremely a religion of the ear, unlike all other ancient civilizations..." says Sacks.
• The necessity of the struggle to do God's will and of going one step more than we are asked.
  

These might seem like no brainers, reading this list. It's not that Catholicism doesn't have these elements but they don't define us the way that Sacks made clear they define the Jewish people. I found myself understanding a little better their pride at their indestructibility, the ancientness of their faith, and their role as God's chosen people.

There is a fair amount of midrash considered throughout. Midrash is textual study and interpretation of scripture that uses questions, examines what is left unsaid, and fills in with their own stories to form a running commentary. I'm not crazy about midrash as it can range far afield sometimes. I'm not Jewish so perhaps that is understandable. Sacks sometimes includes midrash in order to keep following the logical train of thought and sometimes so that he can introduce a different interpretation.

Quibbles about midrash aside, this is a work of genius. Highly recommended.

Note: A few excerpts are shared here.

Exodus: The Book of Redemption

This second in the series, focusing on the book of Exodus, is simply wonderful and just as good as his first in the series about Genesis. This book in particular shows Sacks' skill at not only examining the stories of the Bible but in giving us context for the rituals that are so lovingly detailed. Regardless of how dense and uninteresting they appear to the modern reader, Sacks' context gives us a way to see how they still apply to us and our relationship to God in modern times.

As before, a certain amount of midrash is considered, but it is often used to take the reader forward to consider how Exodus affects us today.

 

 

Leviticus: The Book of Holiness 

 

This is the third in Sacks' series, focusing on Leviticus, and I approached it with a bit of trepidation. As he notes, there are only two stories in the whole book and those are quite brief. Therefore, he spends a lot of time setting up the book itself. The introduction is 50 pages long but it is pure gold. First, we are told that:

Leviticus is the central book of the Pentateuch, the Torah. This makes it the most important of the five. Biblical literature often works on the principle of mirror-image symmetry (chiasmus), structured in the form of ABCBA. In any work so patterned, the climax is not at the beginning or the end but in the middle. At the centre of the five Mosaic books. Leviticus is the axis on which they turn.

So, boring it may be but it is also key to the Pentateuch, the heart of the Old Testament, and we should pay attention. 

He also points out that this book is the purest expression of the priestly voice. The rest of the introduction explores that voice and what the priest means to Judaism, especially in contrast to those of king and prophet. This sounds dry but is actually fascinating, which is the case with the essays which make up the body of the book.

If you ever wanted to see what's the deal with Leviticus, this is the spot to start. 

Numbers: The Wilderness Years 

This fourth in the series, focusing on the book of Numbers, is equally as wonderful as the previous three books. I should have remembered that if Sacks could make Leviticus riveting and relatable then he should be able to do the same for the Book of Numbers. After all, Numbers does have a lot of stories that continue the Book of Exodus in finally getting the people to the promised land. 

However, as Sacks' duly points out, it is also a bit of a mishmash. All mixed together we find census lists, laws, camp set up details, itineraries which just list one location after another — it's challenging to a modern reader. Sacks shows us how the entire book comes together as a narrative of the hard work to achieve freedom which is the ongoing task not only of the nation of Israel but of each one of us. 

It makes compelling reading.

"How shall we live?" — Genesis: The Book of Beginnings by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Each week, synagogues around the world read a section from the Torah (the five books of Moses). The  cycle begins with Genesis and ends with the last verses of Deuteronomy 12 months later. The Covenant & Conversation series has essays commenting on each of the weekly readings. 

These essays are by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks who was the Chief Rabbi of the U.K. for some 20 years. I'd read his editorials occasionally in the Wall Street Journal and always found them insightful, inspirational, and down to earth. When I discovered he'd done this series I began at the beginning with Genesis. What I found was a work of genius.

These essays have the same easy style I remembered while giving indepth, brilliant, compassionate commentary that often surprised me and sometimes changed my whole perspective on a Biblical person or their actions. Sacks is good at comparing ancient and modern worldviews. This not only clarifies Biblical context but often shows just how different our current ideas are. These are stories about people and Sacks never forgets that. He looks at what Torah is showing us that is the same not only in those ancient times, but in our own lives. After all, the word of God is eternal, applying to all time and all people.

I learned new ways of looking deeper at familiar stories such as when Isaac is tricked into giving his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau. I found deeper sympathy and new insights into lesser characters. Who knew she was not only crafty but also tactful? Or that Judah's encounter with Tamar led to a life-changing realization that helped him pass Joseph's test when the brothers all go to Egypt seeking grain? I already loved Tamar but now I have more sympathy and admiration for Judah's growth.

There is much here that resonates with the Catholic soul, simply because the Jews are our elder brothers in the faith. However, a Christian reading these essays will be sharply reminded that there is a Jewish way of thinking about the first five books of the Bible, and, indeed, about God and worship, which is particular to the Jewish people. That is a real cultural wake up call and one that I found sometimes jerking me to the realization that this is different. The thinking, the response to God and His call, the way of dealing with other people — it can be very different, while still being anchored in our common knowledge of the one, personal God.

A quick example is that I was surprised by the Jewish custom of reading Torah every year. Just like us! No, I realized. We're just like them. The first Christians were Jewish and I am well used to finding parts of Catholic liturgy that reflect they were patterned after those Christians' original faith. That was an easy mental adjustment, one that left me happy at another proof of our family ties.

Here are a few of the themes emphasized as being core parts of Judaism, which surprised me.

•  Love of words and language, both as forms of worship and of what make us human.
• Treasuring children. "Ours is a supremely child-centered faith" says Sacks.
• God making space so that people can exercise free will and make mistakes.
• The importance of the land God gave them, of Israel.
• The Torah is meant to be heard, not read silently. "Judaism is supremely a religion of the ear, unlike all other ancient civilizations..." says Sacks.
• The necessity of the struggle to do God's will and of going one step more than we are asked.
  

These might seem like no brainers, reading this list. It's not that Catholicism doesn't have these elements but they don't define us the way that Sacks made clear they define the Jewish people. I found myself understanding a little better their pride at their indestructibility, the ancientness of their faith, and their role as God's chosen people.

There is a fair amount of midrash considered throughout. Midrash is textual study and interpretation of scripture that uses questions, examines what is left unsaid, and fills in with their own stories to form a running commentary. I'm not crazy about midrash as it can range far afield sometimes. I'm not Jewish so perhaps that is understandable. Sacks sometimes includes midrash in order to keep following the logical train of thought and sometimes so that he can introduce a different interpretation.

Quibbles about midrash aside, this is a work of genius. Highly recommended.

Note: A few excerpts are shared here.

Well Said: The real religious mystery for Judaism is not our faith in God but God’s faith in us.

The great institutions of modernity were not constructed to provide meaning. Science tells us how the world came to be but not why. Technology gives us power but cannot tell us how to use it. The market gives us choices but no guidance as to which choices to make. Modern democracies give us a maximum of personal freedom but a minimum of shared morality. You can acknowledge the beauty of all these institutions, yet most of us seek something more.

Meaning comes not from systems of thought but from stories, and the Jewish story is among the most unusual of all. It tells us that God sought to make us His partners in the work of creation, but we repeatedly disappointed Him. Yet He never gives up. He forgives us time and again. The real religious mystery for Judaism is not our faith in God but God’s faith in us.

This is not, as atheists and skeptics sometimes claim, a comforting fiction but quite the opposite. Judaism is God’s call to human responsibility, to create a world that is a worthy home for His presence. That is why Jews are so often to be found as doctors fighting disease, economists fighting poverty, lawyers fighting injustice, teachers fighting ignorance and therapists fighting depression and despair.

Judaism is a supremely activist faith for which the greatest religious challenge is to heal some of the wounds of our deeply fractured world. As [Viktor] Frankl put it: The real question is not what do we want from life but what does life want from us.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, The Challenge of Jewish Repentance

This is just a bit from a really great piece written to lead into Rosh Hoshana (the Ten Days of Repentance) which begin tomorrow.

Rabbi Sacks's article is one we can all benefit from whether we share the Jewish faith or not. And Catholics know that the Jews are our elder brothers in the faith so it is a good thing to get that extra perspective.

Be sure to read the whole thing.

Digging into the roots of our faith

I just figured out that I'm partway into a pilgrimage in seeing just how far back the roots of our faith reach into Jewish tradition, history, and overall context. (Hint: it goes all the way back to the beginning and all the way to the top).

Its so exciting! And you know what that means. I've got to share the good stuff with you.

As we know I've lately been digging into the Psalms (and beginning tomorrow, some of canticles too!) with the help of the Church Fathers and other commentaries. 

That and the strong recommendation from The Burrowshire Podcast led me to dabbling in the Liturgy of the Hours which, in turn, led me to Saint John Paul II's and Pope Benedict's excellent homilies on the psalms and canticles. 

Topping off my deep immersion in Jewish and Old Testament context was Rabbi Sacks' essays Genesis: The Book of Beginnings. I'm now about halfway through his essays on Exodus which are similarly eye opening in connecting Catholicism to Jewish context.

Suffice it to say, I recently realized that God had positioned me for a deep, deep dive into connecting the Old Testament with Jesus. It is so fascinating to see how far back (like all the way to the beginning) that Jesus' priesthood stretches, how much deeper the liturgical readings are linked than the obvious connections we can see, and to feel it all come together.

Recently it all came together in a perfect storm of resources from author John Bergsma.

First, my daughter Rose alerted me to a Pints with Aquinas podcast episode where John Bergsma talks about the Biblical basis for the priesthood of Jesus. This had some stunning connections which make so much sense once someone has pointed them out. Bergsma recently wrote Jesus and the Old Testament Roots of the Priesthood which went straight onto my wish list after seeing the sample and hearing that podcast episode.

I am not surprised at considering that Bergsma's collaboration with Brant Pitre (another excellent author who shows "Jewish roots" connections) on A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament is a simply wonderful scholarly overview of contemporary understanding of the language, literature, history, and culture of the ancient Hebrews. This was a big investment for me but well worth the money. I love it.

But Bergsma's been busier than I realized. Looking around on Amazon for the priesthood book I also came across two other treasures.

I approached the first discovery warily. I've got devotionals the follow the daily and Sunday Mass readings. This would have to offer something different and I felt as if most devotionals tended to fall into the same few general categories. 

However, The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year B delighted me by focusing on the readings from a deep connection to scripture that wasn't held down to the excerpts that the liturgy uses. Bergsma's background as a Biblical scholar comes to the fore in identifying unifying motifs and intriguing connections that you don't see a lot of the time. I splurged on it as my book to buy this month and it is truly wonderful for anyone who loves Bible study and the Sunday Mass liturgy.

Bergsma's connection with the Ave Catholic Notetaking Bible is simply in writing the introduction (as far as I can tell). But I'm grateful to have this Bible called to my attention. Rose got her own copy so I've been able to see it up close and it is on my wish list now.

Here's why.

I've used the same Catholic study Bible (1980) since I converted. It's got the accumulated notes of 20 years from Bible studies, commentaries, and anywhere else that I found something I was afraid I'd forget. I like having all these notes in one place, but I hate having nowhere to write. And as you can see, some of these pages are full!

The pictures and reviews of that notetaking Bible make me itch to begin transcribing everything into a place with enough room.

Children of the Book by Ilana Kurshan

Each year, as we read through the Torah, I am aware of different parallels between the experience of reading with my children and the Torah's narratives and themes. Over time, and over a decade of Torah reading cycles, the way I connect with my children through literature has changed. In this memoir, I chart those shifts as they echo the progression of the biblical narrative—from the first picture books that create my infant's narrative—from the first picture books that create my infant's world through language, to the moment my children begin reading on their own and leaving me behind, atop the mountain, as they enter new lands.

Faithful Jews read through the Torah every year. I first encountered these with Rabbi Sacks' series Now, Ilana Kurshan takes us through it, echoed by the children's books she is reading to her family. Not only do her reflections remind us of the journey of faith, but also our own journey as readers from Baby's First Words to Charlotte's Web to Little Women and A Wrinkle in Time.

Don't worry if you don't care about the books I mentioned. They are just a very few of the whirlwind of books that surrounds readers in this tale. I always thought I was the most dedicated reader I knew until I read Kurshan's story of reading while in hard labor, while eating dinner (with her family), while walking the baby in his stroller. In fact, this is the first time I wanted to tell someone to stop reading and take a break.

If you love meditating on faith from a roundabout connection and love reminiscing over favorite books while also seeing how they affect others, then this is the book for you. Other reviewers' comments about a bit of a repetitive nature are accurate. I read this over a few days while on vacation and that aspect did come to the fore. Just do as I plan to when I reread it. Just read a chapter every day or two.

I also would like to reassure the author that, although her children are too old to enjoy the simple books they once read together, the future holds the delights of laughing together over The Cat in the Hat with a beloved grandchild. This is one of the pleasures I have recently received with great joy as he said, "Wow. That book was a lot better than I thought it would be." (He managed to hide his lack of interest when Gran forced him to read it. Not bad for a 5 year old.)

Recommended and will be on my Best of 2025 list.

Best of 2021 — Books

My top 10 picks from the over 150 books I read last year. PLUS the book I'm proudest of having read.

You may find old books here but if they're on this list, then they were new to me! In no particular order.

Note: I've been doing this since 2008 — check the label cloud in the sidebar for "Best of" to see other lists.

PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT

Les Miserables

by Victor Hugo

After rewatching Les Mis starring Hugh Jackman I was inspired yet again to try to read this book. It was the third time I was so inspired and this time it took! I wasn't a fan of the long, long asides but what the heck. It all came together nicely in the end. The bishop's chapters at the beginning will continue to be favorites but I'm not sure I'll ever read the entire thing again. I'm happy I read it. Anyone interested in a deep dive will like The Les Miserables Reading Companion Podcast.

 

 

2021 BEST BOOKS

All Things Made New

by Stratford Caldecott

Caldecott studies the symbolism and meaning of the Book of Revelation, as well as the prayers and meditations of the Rosary, including the Apostles' Creed and the Our Father. The examination of the actions of the Son and Holy Spirit as reflected in the Creed were especially illuminating as were  his reflections on the the way of the cross.

(Full review here.)

A Gentleman in Moscow

Amor Towles

I didn't expect to love a book about a gentleman under hotel arrest during the Russian revolution (and after) to be so wonderful. It is a wonderful balance of whimsy and history, fairy tale and reality. It tells us how to survive the rules imposed by others and how to turn dreams into reality.  This book was from my 2021 Book Challenge which just made it more gratifying that I loved it so much.

(My review here.)

All Systems Red

(Book 1 of the Murderbot Diaries)
by Martha Wells

The first thing you need to know about Murderbot is that it doesn't like humans. Even though its job is to protect them.

The second thing you need to know is that Murderbot would really rather be watching TV. Specifically the most unrealistic soap-opera science fiction available.

These books are the most fun I've had reading for a long time. The story plots are somewhat beside the point, just as in a big, splashy action thriller where what you want is action and thrills. And yet, the plots do matter because that's where we find out that Murderbot actually does care about more than watching TV.

And, you know, we kind of wind up loving Murderbot, so we care too.

(My full review of the series here.)

One Corpse Too Many

by Ellis Peters

Brother Cadfael is a monk in England in 1138 who solves murders while helping at least one young couple out of difficulties in every book. I'd tried them before but they never grabbed me. This one somehow worked. Perhaps because it was more adventure than mystery. I'm always able to guess the culprit early on but in this book I was engaged the entire time in Brother Cadfael's battle of wits with Hugh. It opened the door for me to enjoy Patrick Tull's narrations of more of the series.

Genesis: The Book of Beginnings

by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

The first book of a series of essays which work their way through the Torah in a year. Sacks has an  easy style while giving indepth, brilliant, compassionate commentary that often surprised me and sometimes changed my whole perspective on a Biblical person or their actions. Sacks is good at comparing ancient and modern worldviews. This not only clarifies Biblical context but often shows just how different our current ideas are.

(My full review.)

Orthodoxy

by G.K. Chesterton

I've often been urged to read this classic but couldn't get into it. Luckily I discovered the Pints with Chesterton podcast which made me begin reading a chapter at the time. When I got to chapter five I was hooked and couldn't put it down, zooming through the rest of this work of genius.

Monsignor Quixote

by Graham Greene

Father Quixote is a descendant of the famous book's hero. Yes, he knows the book is fictional. When he's promoted to Monsignor he goes on a road trip in his aged car Rocinante, with his friend Sancho who is the newly deposed Communist mayor of the town. 

I know just enough broad plot points from Don Quixote to see where Greene uses them in his own updated way for this charming book. The rambling trip and conversation are amusing, thought provoking, and inspiring.

Psalms & Canticles

by St. John Paul II

Toward the end of his life and pontificate, John Paul II began a series on of homilies on the psalms and canticles of morning prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. They were collected in this book. When I began dabbling in the Liturgy of the Hours I picked it up. It is a real  treasure.

(My full review here.)

Reclaiming Vatican II

 by Father Blake Britton

During the past five decades, the Second Vatican Council has been alternately celebrated or maligned for its supposed break with tradition and embrace of the modern world. But what if we’ve gotten it all wrong? Have Catholics—both those who embrace the spirit of Vatican II and those who regard it with suspicion—misunderstood what the council was really about?

Short review: simply excellent. Inspirational as well as informative. All Catholics should read this book.

(Read my full review here.)

Three Philosophies of Life

(Ecclesiastes—Life as Vanity, Job—Life as Suffering, Song of Songs—Life as Love)

 by Peter Kreeft

"I've been a philosopher for all my adult life and the three most profound books of philosophy that I have ever read are Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs." These are the opening lines of Kreeft's Three Philosophies of Life. He reflects that there are ultimately only three philosophies of life and each one is represented by one of these books of the Bible—life is vanity; life is suffering; life is love.

 

This was an excellent deep-dive into three Wisdom books which are famously difficult to understand. 

The fundamental sacrifice is that of the will.

The fundamental sacrifice in Judaism is that of the will. Since freedom of the will is the highest gift of God to man, the way that we acknowledge that it is a gift is periodically to give some of it back. …

What matters in sacrifice is the act of renunciation. We give up something of ourselves offering it to God in recognition of the gifts He has given us. It is remarkable how readily the sages found substitutes for [animal] sacrifices, most notably in the form of prayer, … charity, and hospitality.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Covenant & Conversation: Leviticus

Of course, this applies to Christianity as well.

Sabbath — a sign of what ought to be, in the midst of what actually is

On Shabbat we rehearse utopia, or what Judaism came later to call the messianic age. One day in seven, all hierarchies of power are suspended. There are no masters and slaves, employers and employees. Even domestic animals cannot be made to work. We are not allowed to exercise control over other forms of life, or even forces of nature. On Shabbat, within the covenental society, all are equal and all are free. It is the supreme antithesis of Egypt. What a stroke of genius it was to introduce a foretaste of the future into the present, to remind us constantly of our ultimate destination and to be strengthened by it regularly on the way.

So Exodus ends as Genesis began, with the holy day on which God and His image, humankind, find rest at the still point of the turning world, in the midst of the otherwise restless strife of the human condition. The Israelites were called on to be among the nations what Shabbat is in the midst of time — a sign of what ought to be, in the midst of what actually is.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Covenant & Conversation: Exodus

Human freedom exists because of divine self-limitation.

Human freedom exists because of divine self-limitation. So Adam and Eve found they were able to sin, and Cain even to commit murder, without God stepping in to intervene. Through voluntary self-restraint God makes space for man. …

Just as God had to practice self-restraint to make space for the finite, so human beings have to practice self-restraint for the infinite. The holy, in short, is where human beings renounce their independence and self-sufficiency, the very things that are the mark of their humanity, and for a moment acknowledge their utter dependence on He who spoke and brought the universe into being.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Covenant & Conversation: Leviticus

We serve God not to bring success ...

We serve God not to bring success, but to stay close to Him because He is clarity in a world of confusion, life in a world too often obsessed with death, the enduring presence in the midst of change.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Covenant and Conversation: Leviticus