Bereshit, The Book of Beginnings: A New Translation with Commentary

by David Matthew Friedman

In this work, the author brings the book of Bereshit (Genesis) to life by his idiomatic, easily understood translation of the Masoretic text. Dr. Friedman takes many ancient Hebrew idioms and unfolds them and their significance for the reader. Additionally, the reader enters into the flow of the text through his commentary, one that is based on unique Jewish approaches to understanding this foundational biblical book. This translation is both scholarly and artistic; upholding the holiness of the text while casting new looks at it, as is done when assessing the life of Yakov (Jacob). There is a special appendix to the translation and commentary that is found in chapter 37, when the life of Joseph is featured. In this fresh, insightful translation and commentary, the reader will enjoy immersing himself or herself in the Bible's classic first book, the 'Book of the Beginning.'

190 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2009

About the author

David Matthew Friedman currently lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker who has turned his attention to novels and stageplays after becoming fed up with the red-tape in the film industry. David has decided to set his focus on developing stories that force us to confront reality.

"The current trend of superhero and fantasy tropes only serves as short-term gratification when it comes to grappling with society's mounting problems. In the past, we looked to writers and philosophers to help ideate, but now all those people are too busy world-building and writing meet-cutes. We are no longer using story as a means to grow and iterate, but more so as a means to escape and distract."

His current series BRAND NEW ADULTS follows twenty-somethings Wave Wattson, Ace Tiernas, and Preston Rothschild IV as they try to survive New York City.

If you see David in the city, you should approach him, he's very animated and has a deep love for scotch, lobster, and clean prose, with an emphasis on lobster.

Reviews

[J.J. Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was unique reading a translation based upon the Masoretic text. The rabbinic and hebrew insights within the footnotes was quite valuable at times. The translation is also quite readable.