Rami Shapiro

Click here for sample verses from the versions by Rami Shapiro.

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Title: The Way of Salomon. Finding Joy and Contentment in the Wisdom of Ecclesiastes. A new [translation and] interpretation by Rami Shapiro
Date: © 2000 by Rami M. Shapiro
Publisher: New York, N.Y. (U.S.A): HarperCollins and HarperSanFrancisco
Contents: Hebrew Bible, Ecclesiastes (Koheleth): Part I: The Text. Part II: The Teaching
Images: Jacket, Title page
Location: Collection Bibelarchiv- Birnbaum, Karlsruhe, Baden. Germany
Comments: Hardbound octavo 182 pp. Shapiro wrote an 8- page introduction, wherein he motivates the reader to read his rendering alongside another standard translation and to enter into conversations with the translators. The scripture text is presented in paragraph form.

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Title: Proverbs ✡ The Wisdom of Solomon. Translated and Introduced by Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro
Date: Ⓒ 2001
Publisher: New York N. Y. (U.S.A.): Bell Tower. Crown Publishing Group. Random House.
Contents: Proverbs. Contents (2 pp); Introduction (14 pp). – Afterword (4 pp). „About the Author“ (1 p.); Other Bell Tower Books (8 pp).
Images: Jacket, Title page
Location: Collection Bibelarchiv- Birnbaum, Karlsruhe, Baden. Germany
Comments: Hardbound small octavo with DJ; 180 & (8) pp. Shapiro wrote a 14- page introduction, wherein he informes the reader, » As with my other books of free translation, this one is best read in tandem with a more traditional translation. I suggest this for two reasons: first, to ensure the integrity of the text itself; second, to highlight its message. I seek not simply to translate a word but to recover its meaning, and in so doing I often depart significantly from the conventional reading. By comparing my understanding of the original Hebrew with that of others, you can begin to uncover additional meanings for yourself. More literal translations of Proverbs often result in a moralistic diatribe that is quite off-putting. This could not be farther from the original intentions. Proverbs is a collection of timeless insights into perennial issues, as I hope my version makes clear.«
[For this “significant depart from conventional reading“ see > sample verses, e.g. in 18:11. (sb)]

Paraphrase of Scripture text verse–wise and in colometric print, versification counted in groups in some instances; no further extras.

In his “Afterword“, Shapiro talkes about his conception of Salomo´s "Mishle" and criticises the traditional viewpoint, »I have long felt it is a shame that in most bookstores the Bible sections are categorized as religion rather that self–help. The Bible isn‘t about religion. Yes, it contains instructions for those who wish to participate in the religious cult of the ancient Hebrews, but the best part of the Bible are not levitical rulings but guidelines for righteous living. (…) The Book of Proverbs speaks of people and life; it speaks to people who wish to live well and find true satisfaction and tranquillity. It is a how–to book. (…)«


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