It Takes Two to Torah
The Five Books of Moses
By Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer
“Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer illuminate the Torah through discussion in the most joyous, insightful, conversational way. They make what could be an academic concept –to investigate and discuss the true meaning of the Torah–into delightful banter, coming at it from two very different perspectives.
They give us permission to question and interpret the layers of the
text and in so doing, realize that it is the questioning that makes us human. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learned so much along the way.”
-JULIANNA MARGULIES, Actor/Producer/Author
“This unlikely, inspired pairing of an esteemed Torah scholar (Orthodox) and brilliant journalist (Reform) leads to some of the most spontaneous, moving exchanges about our tradition’s foundational text. Linzer and Pogrebin embody the magic of talking Torah–arguing, asking, letting it meet you where you are. It Takes Two to Torah is a gift to anyone who wants to be part of this eternal conversation and be enlightened and surprised -even rabbis who read it every year.”
-RABBI ANGELA BUCHDAHL, Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue
“Rabbi Linzer and journalist Pogrebin (My Jewish Year) discuss 52 weekly readings of the Torah in this intellectually lively adaptation of their Parsha in Progress podcast. Aiming to step outside their “echo chambers,” the authors draw fresh insights…. Such openness gives the book its spark and propels the authors’ broad-minded consideration of such questions as the value of ritual versus belief and what the Bible might have to say about gender identity. Rigorous and readable, it’s a stimulating addition to modern-day Torah scholarship.”
-PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, June 4, 2024
“Articulate, eloquent, fascinating, insightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking, “It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses” is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in the Torah, Jewish Religious Studies, and the first five books of the Old Testament.”
– Midwest Book Review
