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Description:
Rabbi Yehuda Loewe [1512–1607], known as Maharal of Prague, is credited with the creation of the Golem, but more importantly, served as the rabbinic leader to European Judaism during the sixteenth century. Much of his voluminous work has not been translated and therefore is not accessible to the English-reading public – until now.

The “Gur Arye,” Maharal’s supercommentary on the classic biblical commentator Rashi, is full of surprises, brimming with unique thoughts and diversions into rarely discussed Torah ideas. Kabbala is seamlessly woven into his text, and
his work delves into such issues as:

• Why did Moshe marry a non-Jew?
• When is it time to stop praying?
• Did Hashem orchestrate the Golden
  Calf?
• Is there Torah in the World to Come?
• Why are the righteous not rewarded
  in this world?

The author has preserved the Maharal's unique style, basing his selections on the ethical content, uniqueness of thought, and the dynamic theological and Kabbalistic concepts pervading this magnificent work.
Reviews:
Rabbi Yehuda Loewe of Prague, known as Maharal, was one of the greatest lights that G-d has given to the Jewish people. Halachic authority and active communal leader, linguist and grammarian, philosopher and mystic, master of the totality of rabbinic literature and conversant in the arts and sciences as well, Maharal revealed new depths to the words of Chazal and uncovered layers of meaning that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Dr. Moshe Kuhr has performed a major service to Klal Yisrael in making this treasure accessible. His translation is flowing and felicitous; the source annotations and references are extremely helpful for further in-depth study; and Kuhr’s comments are penetrating and thoughtful. All of us owe Dr. Kuhr a debt of gratitude for a labor of love extending almost two decades of assiduous study.
Rabbi Yitzchak A. Breitowitz
Senior Lecturer, Yeshivat Ohr Somayach, Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)

For many centuries, the writings of the Maharal of Prague have been a source of wonder, education, knowledge and holiness for the Jewish people. However, the wisdom and inspiration of the work has been hidden from much of the English-reading public till now. My friend, Dr. Murray Kuhr, has painstakingly translated and elucidated this work
with grace, finesse and reverence. All those who value true Torah scholarship will find Dr. Kuhr’s work a treasure of Jewish wisdom and tradition, philosophy and worldview.
Rabbi Berel Wein

Dr. Kuhr labored diligently to unravel the works of the Maharal of Prague, one of the greatest sages of all time. Dr. Kuhr has translated and clarified the content, drawing upon other Maharal writings, with extensive sourcing and endnotes. Torah insights previously unavailable, especially to the English reader, are now available in a reader-friendly format. The selections on the parsha are nuclei for divrei Torah at the Shabbos table.
Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski MD

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