A container is defined by its contents. If a decanter, for example, contains even a little water, you'll say, "Pass the water."
Your home is also defined by its contents. Aside from those who live there, the most significant items are the Torah books lining the shelves and scattered about. They transform the environment in which you live.
There's another advantage to filling your home with Torah books: You or your kids might just pick one up and read a little. And then maybe even start asking some questions. Beware: This behavior may prove habit forming.
Basic Books
Start off with the basics and expand from thereStart off with the basics and expand from there. Here's a starter's guide. All of these are available in translation:
Chumash: a.k.a. "The Five Books of Moses." G‑d dictates, Moses transcribes and you get to have the book in your house.
Tehillim: a.k.a. "The Psalms of David." The book your great-grandparents poured their hearts and tears into.
Siddur: a.k.a. "Jewish Prayer Book." It took 120 sages and prophets to compose one way for all Jews to talk to one G‑d.
Tanach: a.k.a. "The Bible." Every prophecy and Divinely inspired writing that the sages determined would be needed for every generation. Make sure you get an authentic Jewish translation.
Talmud: Voluminous compendium of discussion, debates and anecdotes that defined Jewish practice at the outset of the Diaspora. The meat and potatoes of Jewish learning.
Kitzur Shluchan Aruch: Highly popular guide to Jewish practice for the everyman, first published in 1870 by a recognized Hungarian authority on Jewish law.
Tanya: The most important work of Hasidic teachings, blending and balancing the mystical and practical aspects of classic Jewish thought.
Life in Books
We treat Torah books with respect: We kiss them when they fall, we are careful to always place them right-side up and we never use them for anything other than reading and study.
Click here to purchase Jewish books for your home.
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