The Seventy Faces of Torah: The Jewish Way of Reading the Sacred Scriptures

This reference, that there are seventy meanings of Scripture, is found in the Midrash writings of Judaism (referenced on p 63 here), in the writings of Imam Sadiq (a successor of Muhammad; found in Understanding Biblical Prophecy, p 48), and in the Baha'i Writings (Kitab-i-Iqan, p 255).In the commentary of St. John of the Cross, (Ascent of Mount Carmel, p 175) there is a reference to more than one meaning although no number is referenced: "But, whether He declares it or no, the soul must not rely upon its own understanding; for it is impossible to understand the hidden truths of God which are in His sayings, and the multitude of their meanings."Thus, each religion shares this idea of multiple meanings through commentary or Scripture although many refuse to accept more than one meaning, believing that there is one true meaning and all the rest are false. In the Scriptures, these verses reference this idea without numbers: Daniel 12:4; Proverbs 1:1-7; Isaiah 45:2-3, 48:2-6; Luke 10:21; 1 Corinthians 2:13-14, 4:5; Revelation 2:17; Qur'an 3.7; Gleanings of Baha'u'llah p 76-77; Promise of Universal Peace, p 459-460.References:But, whether He declares it or no, the soul must not rely upon its own understanding; for it is impossible to understand the hidden truths of God which are in His sayings, and the multitude of their meanings. (St. John of the Cross, Ascent of Mount Carmel, p. 175) It hath been decreed by Us that the Word of God and all the potentialities thereof shall be manifested unto men in strict conformity with such conditions as have been foreordained by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We have, moreover, ordained that its veil of concealment be none other except its own Self. Such indeed is Our Power to achieve Our Purpose. Should the Word be allowed to release suddenly all the energies latent within it, no man could sustain the weight of so mighty a Revelation. Nay, all that is in heaven and on earth would flee in consternation before it. Baha'u'llah: Gleanings, p 76-77 All the texts and teachings of the holy Testaments have intrinsic spiritual meanings. They are not to be taken literally. I, therefore, pray in your behalf that you may be given the power of understanding these inner real meanings of the Holy Scriptures and may become informed of the mysteries deposited in the words of the Bible so that you may attain eternal life and that your hearts may be attracted to the Kingdom of God. `Abdu'l-Baha: Promise of Universal Peace 459-460This book explores some of those meanings as understood by Judaism and does it well.

I order this book in order to learn more about the Torah. It has been extremely helpful in learning to understand translate the scriptures. If you want to know more about the Torah than just the basics this is a good book to have in your possession.

Rabbi Wylen discusses the Jewish tradition of interpreting scripture from the first reading of the Torah by Ezra, through Rabbinic times, into the medieval period, all the way up to contemporary Jewish scripture scholarship. He writes from the perspective of a Reform Jew, but is sensitive to other Jewish traditions, and to Christian readers as well. Reading this work helped me to place many Jewish interpreters, who had previously been only "names" for me, into a historical context. I was fascinated by the similarities and differences from Christian interpretations across the ages.Rev. Patrick J. Madden, Ph.D.Catholic priest of the Diocese of ShreveportAdjunct faculty, School of Ministry, University of DallasAdjunct faculty, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago.

Seventy Faces is the second book I have read by Stephen M. Wylen [my favorite rabbi]. As a Catholic scripture teacher I appreciate the awesome insights he offers in Jewish scripture. I also greatly enjoyed his wisdom in "Jews in the time of Jesus." His in-depth treatment comes in a very readable style. I look forward to reading his other book "Settings in Silver" and introduction to Judaism as well! Highly recommended for all Christians who appreciate the Old Testament. The better we understand the Jews and their Testament the better we can appreciate Jesus and His Testament. The bible should be viewed as one book reflecting the singular unity of God Himself!David j. FidayScripture Teacher, SMI Plainfield, IL

Loved how it traces the Jewish insert standing of "what scripture is" over its history.Particularly loved the first half.

Very very good book.

This is a great book for our Talmud Study class. Our Rabbi directs us to various portions to illustrate points he is making while teaching us about the Talmud, the Oral Torah.

This book does a wonderful job of showing a new way of looking at scripture, and showing how Jewish our Christian scripture are. It explores Christian way of seeing scripture and how Jewish way is different and complementary. Definitely a worthwhile read for all Christians -- exploring the issue of scripture interpretation and meaning.