The Tanach (Old Testament in both Hebrew and literal English translation), Stone Edition, makes the Jewish scriptures even more useable with the added feature of commentary from various scholars. Its compact size allows for conservation of space and ease of use. While visiting a worship service at a local synagogue shortly after this purchase, my assistant and I showed the rabbi a Tanach. Before we could ask his opinion, he said, "Oh, excellent! Superb!" I couldn't say it any better. For those interested in in-depth study, but who are not proficient in Hebrew, the Tanach will be a marvelous aid. Highly recommended.

Excellent for studying the Hebraic roots of Christianity. Beautiful book; lots of valuable information; excellent buy.

This is the exact same full size set you'll find in any of the Jewish bookstore, but for half the price. I love Amazon!

The most helpful Bible to use with any other translation...for a meaningful life here and now.

The Stone Edition Artscroll Tanach is a real work of art. It is a well-bound book, printed on high quality bible paper. The fonts, both Hebrew and English, are clear and easy to read. The Hebrew font is especially good. Anyone who has taught Hebrew to native English readers knows that the font used in traditional Hebrew Bibles differs enough from the font used in modern Israeli publishing that the transition from one to the other can cause some problems for the beginner. That is not the case here. The Hebrew font is clearly modern, but easy for the traditionalist to read.
Think of the Artscroll Tanach as a Jewish study Bible. The notes reflect the Jewish traditional interpretation, sometimes a revelation for the Christian reader. All things considered, a useful work that will be a well-used part of my library.

After years of uncertainty about the accuracy of my Bibles (King James and New International Version), I have decided to get a Jewish one. 99% of the Old Testament were written in Old Hebrew, and while the language has evolved, I hope a Jewish translation would be more accurate than a Gentile one, given Hebrew is their native tongue.

I am not a scholar and don't care to verify my Tanach against original scrolls - if I can find or understand them - and so I hope I have made the right decision in my quest for an accurate, fundamentalist Bible. The Jewish reviewers here seem content with the quality of translation and so I'll have to take their word for it. The best thing would be to learn Hebrew, but given how few people speak it, I would be better off learning Chinese. The editor admits the authors eschewed transliteration to gain a more fluent English translation. I will consult the Christian Bible for New Testament scripture.

The layout and big typeface make it easy on the eyes. It includes commentaries and other aids like maps, family trees and so forth, and is written in modern English. No more 'thee,' 'thou,' 'art,' or 'ye.' The pages turn left to right which induces a sense of authenticity for this Gentile.

Amen!

After years of uncertainty about the accuracy of my Bibles (King James and New International Version), I have decided to get a Jewish one. 99% of the Old Testament were written in Old Hebrew, and while the language has evolved, I hope a Jewish translation would be more accurate than a Gentile one, given Hebrew is their native tongue.

I am not a scholar and don't care to verify my Tanach against original scrolls - if I can find or understand them - and so I hope I have made the right decision in my quest for an accurate, fundamentalist Bible. The Jewish reviewers here seem content with the quality of translation and so I'll have to take their word for it. The best thing would be to learn Hebrew, but given how few people speak it, I would be better off learning Chinese. The editor admits the authors eschewed transliteration to gain a more fluent English translation. I will consult the Christian Bible for New Testament scripture.

The layout and big typeface make it easy on the eyes. It includes commentaries and other aids like maps, family trees and so forth, and is written in modern English. No more 'thee,' 'thou,' 'art,' or 'ye.' The pages turn in the opposite direction to European-language texts and the Hebrew script on opposite pages is a spectacle.

Amen!

After years of uncertainty about the accuracy of my Bibles (King James and New International Version), I decided to get a Jewish one. There should be no difference between the Tanach and the Christian Old Testament. They are the same Word spoken once by God. Some 99% of the Old Testament were written in Old Hebrew, and while the language has evolved, I am instinctively more confident with a Jewish translation. After all, they have been in continuous possession of the Word since the outset and it is in their native tongue and so hopefully those factors contribute to a more accurate translation than a gentile one.

So why this particular Tanach? Because it was referenced in reviews of other Jewish Bibles as 'orthodox.' Since God hasn't changed with the times, I like my Scriptures raw, unadulterated, and as faithful to the original texts as possible. I am not a scholar and don't care to verify my Tanach against original scrolls - if I can find or understand them - and so I hope I have made the right decision in seeking an accurate, fundamentalist Jew-translated Bible. How can one ever be sure with so many interpretations and opinions about the translations? The editor admits to the authors eschewing transliteration in some parts to gain a more faithful English translation. I will consult the King James or New International Bibles for New Testament scripture.

On aesthetics, its layout and big typeface make it easy on the eyes. It includes commentaries and other aids like maps, family trees and so forth, and is written in modern English. No more 'thee,' 'thou,' 'art,' or 'ye.' As a bonus, one doesn't have to walk away from this Tanach to take a break. I stare at the Hebrew script on the opposing pages for fun. And it reads backwards, i.e., page 1 is at the end and the pages turn in the opposite direction to European-language texts. :-)

Amen!

This gorgeous volume is sadly lacking the rabbinical commentary for which reason I purchased it in the first place. Needless to say, I will be continuing my search for good commentary (Jewish rabbinical commentary) on the Bible. I was also shocked to find gold gilt-edging on the top and not the side and bottom pages; but I guess it is supposed to be this way? If you are just wanting a beautiful Jewish Bible, this one is that- beautiful. If you are looking for an accurate translation, you would do much better with a different translation. If you are looking for in-depth commentary, I must discourage you from this particular version since the commentary is very, very limited.

I am very pleased with my Stone Edition Tanach. It is a bit big and bulky though. That is not a complaint,as it is very nice.But I am considering getting a smaller student edition for times when I want to tote it around with me.

This orthodox siddur bound in keepsake leather with gold edging is destined to be a heirloom, as well as a durable spiritual companion. This is a quality edition printed on high quality paper, with a cloth marker.

Most of what I would say here has already been said -- this is just a gorgeous edition of the Tanach. I would like to emphasize, however, that this is NOT the JPS translation. There are many things about this translation that I like better than others (see other reviewers' commentaries on the opening lines of Genesis, for example), but I strongly dislike what is done with many of the poetic books, particularly Psalms and the reprehensibly overinterpreted Song of Songs. However, there are a variety of other upsides to this edition, such as the incredibly useful notes and appendices. Overall, I highly recommend it, but keep in mind the caveat against the Song of Songs translation.

Although the Stone addition is highly respected, and used among many modern Judaism sects, I find this translation sometimes wondering from true biblical definition. In Genesis, the term, "seventh generation" is used in reference to anyone who kills Cain, and "seventieth generation" refering to Lamech. Even though these terms are consistent within this Bible, the Hebrew language does not render "generation" rather, "fold--or times over. Therefore, it should read, "seven times," the punishment degree of Cain, and "seventy-times" Lamech. This may seem trivial, however, an act of punishment that is done to any "person" seven-times more so then Cain's, does not necessarily mean to the subsequent "generations."

Also, the references to the Midrash of the Rabbis, i.e., Rashi, Rambam, etc., are useful; however, too much emphasis is put on their words as being more accurate than the literal meanings of the passages themselves. Although commentary is useful, and sometimes needed, the sole authority should rest with confirmation of the Tenach itself. I realize that the Rabbi's have tremendous insight and authority, although, I believe that the Word of HaShem speaks for itself, and should be used to interpret itself.

Although the Stone addition is highly respected, and used among many modern Judaism sects, I find this translation sometimes wondering from true biblical definition. In Genesis, the term, "seventh generation" is used in reference to anyone who kills Cain, and "seventeeth generation" refering to Lamech. Even though these terms are consistent within this Bible, the Hebrew language does not render "generation" rather, "fold--or times over. Therefore, it should read, "seven times," the punishment degree of Cain, and "seventy-times" Lamech. This may seem trivial, however, an act of punishment that is done to any "person" seven-times more so then Cain's, does not necessarily mean to the subsequent "generations."

Also, the references to the Midrash of the Rabbis, i.e., Rashi, Rambam, etc., are useful; however, too much emphasis is put on their words as being more accurate than the literal meanings of the passages themselves. Although commentary is useful, and sometimes needed, the sole authority should rest with confirmation of the Tenach itself. I realize that the Rabbi's have tremendous insight and authority, although, I believe that the Word of HaShem speaks for itself, and should be used to interpret itself.

Someday I will own a Sefer Torah Scroll and be able to read the Words of Elohim in the original Hebrew that has been faithfully copied by Hebrew Scribes beginning in the days of Moshe. Until then I have the next best thing -- my treasured Artscroll Stone Edition of the Tenach. This is my Sefer for now. It enables me to not only read the message of Elohim in English from a Hebrew perspective, but also to compare the English words on the left page with the Hebrew words with vowels on the right page in parallel, bringing me closer to my goal of learning to read Biblical Hebrew. The cantillation marks that are included in the Hebrew text will be there for me when I am ready to learn to be a cantor. I own both the Stone Tenach and the Chumash. I recommend both. They serve different purposes. The Chumash is great for studying the weekly Torah and haf-Torah portions. It includes more in-depth commentary from the sages which I find interesting but not conclusive. The Tenach includes some commentary but not as much. While some point out what they call errors in the translation, I have come to realize in my 60-plus years that there are unavoidable limitations in translating any original work to other languages. The solution I believe is to study and learn Torah well enough to use it as a standard of comparison between translations and the original text, with assistance from lexicons and Rucha Elohim. That should keep us occupied with activity more meaningful than finding fault with one another. Maybe the first Hebrew word we should become familiar with is "echad" which speaks of unified wholeness -- a characteristic of Elohim that I believe He wants us to learn and understand and emulate in our relationship with Him and with our fellow man. Shalom.

Shalom ! I purchased the Stone Edition Student size Tanach because it is a bit smaller and easier to carry than the full size edition. I own the full size Stone also. The print in the student size is very readable. It features the same sturdy construction as the full size edition . These are very , very durable items. If you find that after some time the binding is seperating from the pages (as happened to a friend of mine ),all you have to do is use some elmer's glue and let it set over night and it is good as new ! This problem could occur mainly due to the weight of the Tanach as this is a heavy item ( the student edition is much lighter ).
The Hebrew font is awesome ! The English side is beautifully done as well.
I own the JPS Tanakh also , although I prefer the Stone's English translation over JPS. The thing with translations is that you automatically pick up some of the translators bias when you read it. THE BEST THING TO DO IS .........LEARN TO READ THE HEBREW FOR YOURSELF ! The translation is from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. THIS IS NOT A CHRISTIAN VERSION OF THE " OLD TESTAMENT ". This a Jewish work and it has a flavor all it's own . IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FRESH PERSPECTIVE .....THIS IS A MUST ! This edition has several nicely done and informative graphs and charts in the back ...a pleasant bonus ! If I had to pick just one Tanach to have , this would be it .
If you are just beginning to learn Hebrew , GET A HEBREW LEXICON. Davidson's Hebrew and Chaldean lexicon is a good one to own as well as Jeff Benner's Ancient Hebrew lexicon of the Bible.Benner's lexicon is something to purchase after you have some hebrew under your belt as there are no vowels in this lexicon. TRUST NO ONES TRANSLATION ....LEARN TO READ HEBREW FOR YOURSELF !
I also own the JPS Hebrew/English Tanach . The font is beautiful as well. The neat thing about the JPS is that it has the Hebrew and the English translation on the same page, whereas the Stone has Hebrew on the right page and the English Translation on the left. It is really what you prefer that matters here.

Shalom .....and get to your Hebrew !

1/09/07

This is an excellent publication. The translation is easy to understand and the large Hebrew on every facing page helps me practice reading and learning the Biblical language.

Seeking and researching my Jewish Heritage in Messiah; learning to read, write and speak Hebrew; engrossing myself in Torah day and night-- these and more are enhanced by this wonderful Tanach product. Artscroll, no-holds-barred makes the best Jewish Torah materials. We own quite a few items from them, and are growing in knowledge daily. I highly recommend this product not only because it contains the perfect Word of El Shaddai, but because the quality is Tip-Top. I doubt you can find better for the price. Go, buy, read...prove yourself worthy for the Redemption to come. Messiah return quickly, and in our day! Amen.