New from OU Press – Winter 2024
Ote LaParasha
By Rabbanit Atira Ote
OU Press
Hashem’s Torah is a gift that continually enriches our lives, revealing new ideas and fresh perspectives with each exploration of its weekly portions. Brimming with timeless wisdom, engaging narratives, relatable characters and enduring lessons, the Torah inspires countless books, each conveying distinctive insights. Among the latest is Ote LaParasha, a family parashah book by Rabbanit Atira Ote. Written in contemporary Hebrew, this unique book captivates readers with its educational and enchanting style, covering all the parashiot of the Chumash along with their corresponding haftarot.
Ote LaParasha divides each parashah into four sections: The first offers a concise overview, summarizing major events, mitzvot and key figures, setting the stage for deeper exploration. The second section outlines the haftarah, illuminating its connection to the parashah or its seasonal context. The third section presents a thought or lesson, including a short devar Torah suited for children, designed to spark meaningful discussion among family members. The final section features a parashah quiz, ideal for sharing at the Shabbat table. Arranged alphabetically, these quizzes give readers a hint toward the answers and will engage readers of all ages in a fun, stimulating challenge. Answers are conveniently located at the end of the book, making it accessible to all knowledge levels.
Several distinctive elements elevate this work. Vividly illustrated by Tamara Karat, the book embodies the ideal of hiddur mitzvah—beautifying our performance of mitzvot. Tamara Karat’s colorful illustrations and modern artistic style breathe life into the Biblical content, with vibrant visuals that make the text lively and inviting. Each book of the Chumash is color-coded for easy navigation, and the content is divided into manageable sections to encourage paced, focused learning. Informative notes, such as the number of chapters and verses in each section and details on where each parashah begins and ends, enhance the learning experience. The book also specifies the exact pesukim of each haftarah according to different community customs, and highlights a memorable pasuk on the side for added edification.
Written in a conversational tone, Ote LaParasha resonates with readers of all ages. This warm, approachable style allows young Hebrew speakers to engage with the text independently. Additionally, the book is presented in a way that transcends ideologies, providing meaningful ideas to a broad and diverse audience.
The inspiration for this book came during the Covid-19 pandemic when Rabbanit Ote sought to foster connection among families during a time of enforced isolation. Starting with a WhatsApp group to maintain a sense of community and keep parashah learning alive when synagogues were closed, she began sharing her original Hebrew quizzes with her neighbors. The group soon became popular with families worldwide, growing to nearly 1,000 members. To this day, quizzes are sent weekly and before chagim. To join, interested readers can email chidonatiraote@gmail.com.
However, there is no substitute for the joy of holding a book in one’s hands. Get your copy of Ote LaParasha from OU Press and ignite your family’s passion for the parashah.