No images? Click here
SIVAN 5783
JUNE 2023
This is an exciting time at The Jewish Publication Society. From the first substantial update of our iconic Hebrew Bible translation to forthcoming books on Bible, midrash, history, theology, and Jewish peoplehood, we are proud to pursue our mission of promoting accessible scholarship, presenting the very best of Jewish learning in a rigorous and engaging way to a broad public. As we elevate voices from across Jewish life, we are honored to welcome you into our community of learning.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Dr. Elias Sacks, Director
esacks@jps.org
P.S. To help us build our community, we invite you to add your voice to the conversation by providing feedback via the survey below.
REVISING THE JPS TANAKH TRANSLATION
We are thrilled to announce that we are nearing publication of THE JPS TANAKH: Gender-Sensitive Edition, the first major update of our landmark translation of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) in nearly four decades. A groundbreaking partnership with Sefaria, the Gender-Sensitive Edition will be available, both online and in print, in time for the Jewish holidays this fall—with some selections already accessible online!
What is THE JPS TANAKH: Gender-Sensitive Edition?
The first Jewish gender-sensitive translation of the full Hebrew Bible, THE JPS TANAKH: Gender-Sensitive Edition (RJPS or Revised JPS edition) renews and revises the iconic 1985 Jewish Publication Society Bible translation to reflect advances in scholarship and changes in English while maintaining utmost fidelity to the original Hebrew.
This revised JPS edition offers gender-inclusive renderings where appropriate and gendered ones when called for historically and linguistically, incorporating the best of contemporary research into Israelite history and religion, literary studies, philology, linguistics, and the social sciences to offer a faithful and accurate translation. References to persons are gender-sensitive yet consistent with ancient gender norms, and the translation strives for inclusive language when referring broadly to people, ancestors, and humankind. References to God are typically gender neutral and generally avoid grammatically masculine pronouns and labels, with careful examination of each context yielding the most appropriate rendering. To enable the tetragrammaton (God’s four-letter name) to be encountered as a name and without masculine connotations, the edition typically translates it as “GOD” (in small capitals) rather than “the LORD.”
“This gender-sensitive translation will transform our understanding of the Tanakh, and our place within it. It invites the reader to envision the Divine and the main actors of the Bible in a more expansive way.” – Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl, Central Synagogue, NYC
“This revised translation is not only gender-sensitive; it is also gender-sensible. Every decision regarding gender has been carefully considered to produce a faithful rendering of the Bible that is finely tuned to contemporary sensibilities." – Adele Berlin, Robert H. Smith Professor Emerita of Biblical Studies at the University of Maryland
“As we strive for the utmost fidelity in how we render the eternal words of Tanakh, greater gender inclusivity in how we talk about people, and greater gender sensitivity in how we speak about God, JPS’s new gender-sensitive translation offers us a momentous contribution to biblical study—a massive and crucial step forward.” – Rabbi Shai Held, president and dean of Hadar
To learn more and order your copy, click here!
Special Online Resources, Sample Passages & Bulk Order Discounts
One section of the Gender-Sensitive Edition—the biblical books known as the Nevi’im or Prophets—is now available online at Sefaria, along with the Preface to the translation, more extensive Notes on Gender in Translation, and sample passages from the rest of the Tanakh. The full translation will be available, online and in print, in October.
To save 50% off when you purchase 10 or more copies, use promotion code 6RJPS50.
Empowering readers to experience Scripture with all the power of the original Hebrew, this edition is sure to become the new Bible translation of choice for readers who embrace biblical scholarship with reverence for tradition, and for communities and individuals who adopt an inclusive, egalitarian perspective in today’s world—make sure to reserve your copy today!
UPCOMING RELEASES
Open Judaism - A Guide for Believers, Atheists, and Agnostics by Rabbi Barry Schwartz | July 2023
Biblical Women Speak - Hearing Their Voices Through New and Ancient Midrash by Rabbi Marla Feldman | July 2023
Judaism and Its Bible - A People and Their Book by Frederick Greenspahn | August 2023
The JPS Bible Commentary - Psalms 120-150 by Adele Berlin | July 2023
Halakhic Man - 40th Anniversary Edition by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik | September 2023
Who Are the Jews - And Who Can We Become? by Donniel Hartman | November 2023
NEW & NOTEWORTHY JPS RELEASES
Explore our latest titles on history, humor, ethics, Bible scholarship and commentary, biography, and contemporary Jewish life.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Please help shape our outreach and communication efforts by filling out this brief online survey. All responses will remain confidential, and survey participants will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of a forthcoming JPS volume of their choosing.
The survey will close on Thursday, June 22. Thank you for your feedback!
SUPPORT JPS
The vast majority of JPS books would never have found their way into the hands and lives of countless readers and communities across the globe were it not for the generosity of our donors.
If you are interested in ensuring continued access to the best of Jewish learning and scholarship, you can make a donation here or reach out to Dr. Elias Sacks at esacks@jps.org. We are grateful for your partnership in the work of bringing the voices of Judaism, past and present, to the conversations at the heart of contemporary life.
Learn about our giving history:
https://jps.org/our-giving-history/
Learn about our donors:
https://jps.org/support/our-donors/
Learn about giving opportunities:
https://jps.org/support/donor-opportunities-and-benefits/
Learn about book dedications:
https://jps.org/support/dedicate-a-book/
To donate:
https://jps.org/support/donate/
A gift of $180 or more entitles you to a 40% discount on all JPS books!
A gift of $1,800 or more entitles you to a dedication line in an upcoming JPS book!