The book was publicly introduced recently at the historic Shearith Israel Synagogue in Manhattan. Despite the fact that it was a Tuesday night, a crowd of 250 was in attendance. The overwhelming enthusiasm for both the book and its author was evident throughout the evening.
First to speak was the rabbi of Shearith Israel, Rabbi Hayyim Angel. His address was one of gratitude towards Rabbi Shamah and the great service his commentary has done for our community. Of the book itself, Rabbi Angel remarked that it was undeniably a Kiddush Hashem from cover to cover. He cited the work as a blend of tradition, beauty and intellectualism.
It is apparent that the book is the product of endless hours of dedication and hard work. It is based on 18 years of (writing) commentary, said Morris Dweck, founder of Tebah Educational Services and a long-time student of Rabbi Shamah. He gave special thanks to the patrons, editors and students who made the book a reality.
The tribute paid to Hakham Solomon D. Sassoon AH was perhaps the most heartwarming part of the evening. As Rabbi Shamahs teacher and mentor, Hakham Sassoon played a crucial role in helping build the foundation of Rabbi Shamahs commentary. One of the keynote speakers of the night was Dr. Isaac Sassoon, son of Hakham Sassoon. It is not possible to exaggerate my conviction that my father would have been satisfied, and indeed jubilant, that his great friend Rabbi Shamah has accomplished something so amazing, stated Dr. Sassoon. Citing the Talmud, he said, Even if absent, when the words of a Torah scholar are studied there is a certain sense in which that scholar and all that was important to him/her is also present. It did feel as if Rabbi Shamah was a part of a long chain of traditional scholarship, one that he successfully passed onto the next generation with the publication of his book.
During the Q & A session with Samuel G. Freedman, a professor of journalism at Columbia University and the New York Times columnist who has been writing the bi-weekly religion column for a number of years, Rabbi Shamah stated, Rabbi Solomon D. Sassoon visited Sephardic Synagogue many times. His words and lectures are still alive in this congregation. He described the work as an elucidation on the Bible that the reader finds credible throughout and which prompts the reader to see the spiritual side and the religious values stressed in the text itself. He also touched upon the benefit of having shared his commentary with the congregation over many years: Writing allows you to recognize the input of dozens of students. All of my students had a role in this book, and I am still getting feedback. There are already countless notes scribbled in the margins of my copy.
Rabbi Nathan Dweck, a student of Rabbi Shamah, commented, This book is giving over the tools to understand the basic meaning of the text, which is complex on so many levels. Rabbi Angel reflected When studying peshat (textual) commentary, you are not trying to say your ideas; you are completely subservient to the texts of the Torah. This was a clear theme of the night and of the work itself.
The occasion was the culmination of years dedicated to the advancement of Torah scholarship. Rabbi Shamah approaches the text in an intellectual and thought-provoking manner, illuminating the exceptional character of the Torah and its universal message.
Dr. Sassoon aptly remarked, Rabbi Moshe Shamah and his family have rendered a tremendous service to the community, and to the English reading public. He has provided somewhere for them to turn to and be enlightened; to have a glimpse of the light of the Torah. The support and excitement displayed by those present were a testament to Dr. Sassoons words.
At the conclusion of the evening, an attendee observed, As an outsider of the Syrian Jewish community, I was immensely impressed with Rabbi Shamahs clear intellectualism alongside his deep dedication to Orthodox Jewry.
Recalling the Covenant, A Contemporary Commentary on the Five Books of the Torah is now available for purchase via Ktav.com or Amazon.com. It will undoubtedly be an important contribution to those seeking a deeper understanding of our Torah.
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Sally Mizrachi is a freshman at Hunter College.
