Divrei Halev

About this book

Divrei Halev is the result of a multi year collaboration between Rabbi RonaldD. Price and his teacher, the world renowned Talmudic scholar RabbiProfessor David Weiss Halivni, of blessed memory. Nearly every week from2008-2012, Rav Halivni shared a thought with Rabbi Price on the weeklyportion, which the student faithfully recorded.This collection gathers over 200 brief divrei Torah spanning all fifty-fourparashiyot, offering a window into the mind and heart of one of the greatestJewish thinkers of our time. Divrei Halev brings Halivni's unique voice, steeped in rigorous Talmudic analysis, spiritual depth, and moral clarity intothe rhythm of weekly Torah study.Rabbi Professor David Weiss Halivni z"l (1927-2022) was one of the mostprofound Talmudic scholars and theological voices of the postwar era. AHolocaust survivor, Halivni went on to shape generations of students through hisdecades of teaching at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.Renowned for his revolutionary "Stammaitic" theory of Talmudic composition, Halivni challenged readers to differentiate between the teachings of the Amoraimand the later anonymous editorial voices. His magnum opus, Mekorot u-Mesorot, remains a cornerstone of critical Talmud study.A deeply committed halakhist and theologian, Halivni's faith was sharpened--not shattered--by his experiences in the Shoah. He offered a powerfultheological vision that acknowledged divine revelation while confronting thehuman role in transmission and textual development.His intellectual legacy continues to inspire those who seek to balance rigorousacademic honesty with spiritual depth and reverence for tradition. The newlyreleased Divrei Halev, by Rabbi Ronald D. Price, brings Halivni's insights intothe weekly parasha to a broader audience, opening a window into the heart andthought of this extraordinary teacher.