Jewish soldiers get Hebrew Bibles
Chaplains on overseas and domestic bases are distributing a free copy of the Jewish Publication Society’s military edition of the Tanakh, a widely read English translation of the Hebrew Bible.
The distribution comes just in time for the Jewish High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashana at sunset tonight.
The society, in partnership with the Jewish Welfare Board Chaplains Council, produced 10,000 copies of the Bible.
The society said the new military Tanakh, funded by the Everett Foundation, the society and individual donors, contains prayers and blessings, including prayers recited in a time of danger, during illness and for a safe journey on the road, and the traditional blessing over meals.
Unlike the one shown at left, the military edition features a cover with the official camouflage patterns from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The society’s news release said the Bibles are compact enough to fit into a military uniform pocket.
“JPS has a long tradition of making the Hebrew Bible accessible to all,” Carol Hupping, the society’s chief operating officer and publishing director.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Bible goes green
The Humane Society of the United States is touting ”The Green Bible” published by HarperOne.
“Highlighting Scripture from its environmental perspectives clearly shows that the Bible has much to say about our responsibilities to care for creation and all of its creatures,” Christine Gutleben, director of the society’s animal and religion program, said in a prepared statement.
“The Green Bible” is to hit bookstore shelves Oct. 7, but the humane society plans to distribute copies at upcoming events for its All Creatures Great and Small campaign, including a reception at the Washington National Cathedral on Saturday.
“The Green Bible” highlights in green, soy-based ink, more than 1,000 references, verses and passages related to the Earth. It also contains essays contributed by Brian McLaren, Matthew Sleeth, N.T. Wright, Desmond Tutu and others, and includes a detailed index and personal study guide.
The humane society, through its All Creatures Great and Small campaign, provides ways for people to practice stewardship on behalf of animals and the environment.
“Our campaign is ‘The Green Bible’ in action,” Gutleben said.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Bio on Palin coming up
Zondervan will release a biography on vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, as early as October.
Zondervan, which describes itself as the world’s leading Christian publishers of books, said the new biography “Sarah Palin: A New Kind of Leader,” will be written by author Joe Hilley.
The book will explore themes from her career in politics, her life as a hockey mom, and her strongly held Christian faith, explaining how they influence her new style of leadership and align with our changing economy in the information age.
“Regardless of your political persuasion, it is clear that Sarah Palin has quickly electrified the 2008 election and sparked a nationwide dialogue and debate,” Moe Girkins, president and CEO of Zondervan, said in the publishing company’s statement.
“We are honored to publish this book that will provide readers with a comprehensive look into the life and rising political career of Sarah Palin.”
Hilley, of Alabama, said he will explore the leadership principles that have jettisoned Alaska Gov. Palin into the national spotlight.
“We live in an age that values relationship over authority and instant information over accuracy, so breadth of knowledge and depth of conviction are the most prized commodities for our leaders,” Hilley said in Zondervan’s statement.
“Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin brings both of these qualities and more to her new role as John McCain’s running mate and I’m eager for readers to have the opportunity to know her and her brand of leadership more thoroughly.”
(AP Photo above: Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin is joined by her daughter Piper as she waves to the crowed at the end of Sen. John McCain’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday.)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
