The Torah, the Haftarot and the Five Megillot, accompanied by an anthological commentary drawn from the sources of our tradition

The Torah represents G-d's eternally living covenant with Israel. It is the very reason for this people's existence, the soul that allows it to overcome every trial, to rise to unimaginable spiritual heights, and to fulfill the Creator's purpose and hope.

Each time they read the Torah, Jews relive the Revelation at Sinai, when our ancestors gathered around a small mountain and heard the Divine Word. Just as they did, we too seek to draw closer to our Creator by listening to each of His teachings and devoting ourselves to fulfilling them.

With this Edmond J. Safra Edition of the Chumash, our aim is to present the ancient wine of Sinai in the cup of today's everyday language. Jews eagerly await the chance to hear and read the word of G-d. Let us break down the language barrier, so that they may say to Him, echoing the words of the bride in the Song of Songs (1:4): "At the very first hint of Your desire to draw me, we rushed after You into the wilderness with perfect faith." Such is our wish: that with G-d's help, this Chumash will meet with the same welcome.

The content and outlook of this translation and its commentary are eternal; only the idiom is contemporary. This work is filled with the conviction that, in the words of the Sages, "the Torah must not appear to you as an outdated royal decree that no one values, but as a novelty that everyone rushes toward" (Sifrei, Deuteronomy 6:6).

The scholarship undertaken for the Stone Chumash, the most popular edition in the English-speaking world, served as the model for the Edmond J. Safra Chumash. Here, the reader will find sources for deeper research, or perhaps a fresh approach to classic ideas. For those whom time and distance have made strangers to the language of the Torah, this work will provide the help they need to reclaim their heritage.

It is only fitting that this work be dedicated to the memory of Mr. Edmond J. Safra. He was one of the greatest bankers and philanthropists of the past century. His legacy will continue to enrich homes, schools and synagogues throughout the French-speaking world, for generations to come.

The Torah is eternal.

The people of Israel are eternal.

They are one.

Our hope and our prayer is that the Edmond J. Safra Edition of the Chumash will help bring Jews closer to the Torah, today and in generations to come.