“Any publication by Rabbi Reuven Hammer is cause for celebration. His wisdom, warmth, and depth are treasures. A Year with the Sages is exceptional—the contemporary sage, Rabbi Hammer, guides us in walking the path of the ancient sages.”—Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, American Jewish University
“Reuven Hammer examines a portion of each week’s Torah and holiday readings in a unique tripartite fashion—Explanation, Exposition of Sages, and Personal Reflections—offering us his in-depth knowledge of Torah, erudite mastery of Rabbinic sources, and enlightening reflections. The end result—A Year with the Sages—is a truly valuable contribution to us all.”—Shalom M. Paul, professor emeritus in Bible studies, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
“A Year with the Sages offers a learned, relevant, and eloquent reaction to each weekly Torah portion for the entire year. These essays are insightful in preparing for Bible study classes, for sermonic presentations, and for an ongoing rhythm of engagement with sacred texts. Rabbi Hammer’s breadth of knowledge combines scholarship with current-day life wisdom. This is a worthy addition to both personal and communal Jewish libraries.”—Rabbi Alan Silverstein, president of Mercaz Olami, past president of the International Rabbinical Assembly and of Masorti Olami
“Hammer sheds insightful light on the meaning of Torah for both the rabbinic period and our time.”—Rabbi Steven Reuben, senior rabbi emeritus of Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation in Pacific Palisades, California
“Hammer has chosen his rabbinic texts wisely; his comments are both scholarly and contemporary and offer us meaningful life lessons.”—Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, Illinois, and author of Encountering Torah: Reflections on the Weekly Portion