Overview

Divrei Halev is the result of a multi year collaboration between Rabbi Ronald D. Price and his teacher, the world-renowned Talmudic scholar Rabbi Professor David Weiss Halivni, of blessed memory. Nearly every week from 2008-2012, Rav Halivni shared a thought with Rabbi Price on the weekly portion, which the student faithfully recorded. This collection gathers over 200 brief divrei Torah spanning all fifty-four parashiyot, offering a window into the mind and heart of one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of our time. Divrei Halev brings Halivni's unique voice, steeped in rigorous Talmudic analysis, spiritual depth, and moral clarity into the rhythm of weekly Torah study. Rabbi Professor David Weiss Halivni z""l (1927–2022) was one of the most profound Talmudic scholars and theological voices of the postwar era. A Holocaust survivor, Halivni went on to shape generations of students through his decades 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 Amoraim and 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 powerful theological vision that acknowledged divine revelation while confronting the human role in transmission and textual development. His intellectual legacy continues to inspire those who seek to balance rigorous academic honesty with spiritual depth and reverence for tradition. The newly released Divrei Halev, by Rabbi Ronald D. Price, brings Halivni’s insights into the weekly parasha to a broader audience, opening a window into the heart and thought of this extraordinary teacher.

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Reviews

Quotes: fromBen Rothke's Book review: Divrei Halev – Words From The Heart – Thoughts of Rabbi Professor David WeissThe Times of Israel Oct 23 2025 ""If there were an anti-[Jonathan] Edwards, it would be the late, great Talmudist Rabbi Dr. David Weiss Halivni. Rather than leaving his audience petrified and in tears, his approach was closer to thatkol demama daka … literally 'the sound of a slender silence'."" ""Rav Halivni was a once-in-a-generation scholar … he analyzed Talmudic manuscripts in search of the original and authentic rendition of the text."" “Rav Halivni's approach, which is manifest throughout the book, is to begin with thepeshat, discover an incongruity in the verse, and interpret it to reach a moral lesson.” “The book is filled with fascinating insights into the human condition and how that is observable in various stories.” “Rabbi Price has done a fantastic job in putting Rav Halivni’s thoughts into the written word.” * The Times of Israel * Quotes from David Golinkin's review of Divrei Halev – Words From The Heart – Thoughts of Rabbi Professor David WeissThe Jerusalem Post 14.11.25 ""If there were an anti-[Jonathan] Edwards, it would be the late, great Talmudist Rabbi Dr. David Weiss Halivni. Rather than leaving his audience petrified and in tears, his approach was closer to thatkol demama daka … literally 'the sound of a slender silence'."" “Rav Halivni was a once-in-a-generation scholar … he analyzed Talmudic manuscripts in search of the original and authentic rendition of the text.” “Rav Halivni’s approach, which is manifest throughout the book, is to begin with thepeshat, discover an incongruity in the verse, and interpret it to reach a moral lesson.” “The book is filled with fascinating insights into the human condition and how that is observable in various stories.” “Rabbi Price has done a fantastic job in putting Rav Halivni’s thoughts into the written word.” * The Jerusalem Post * Quotes: fromWillis M. BuhleBook review: Divrei Halev – Words From The Heart – Thoughts of Rabbi Professor David WeissMidwest Book Review August 01 2025 ""A fitting memorial and testament to the life and work of Rabbi David Weiss Halivni, ""Divrei Halev"" from Gefen Publishing House is an especially, unreservedly recommended, and unique contribution to personal, professional, and college/university library Judaic Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists."" * Midwest Book Review *

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