The Apocalypse of Elijah (English and Hebrew Edition)

Very hard to read and understand.

Massoretic studies is an extremely recondite branch of Biblical Studies. Few people ever study those cryptic notes found on the margins of medieval texts. Any-one interested in this field should read a more basic text like Kelley's, "Introduction to the Masorah of BHS." Emmanuel Tov's "Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible" Is also a helpful prelude to Yeivin. If your curiosity is only increased by those books, Yeivin is the next logical step. The Massoretes also intruduced the accent marks which have complex grammar of their own. Yeivin is the only modern scholarly work that explains them in detail. If you fully understand Yeivin and are still interested-- congratulations, you are now one of the few Massoretic scholars in the world. Get thyself a Critical Edition and read thou the notes therein!

For beginner students of the Masorah it is often a barrier when researching, to find that many indepth writings on the Masorah are written in languages other than English. In my early years of masoretic studies, in those days not fully fluent in Hebrew, I ploughed through, at snail's pace, Israel Yeivin's original writing. Firstly, with this in mind, all accolades for the publication of the Introduction to the Tiberian Masorah, [translated into English], must go to the translator and editor himself, E. J. Revell. Secondly, after reading this book in the original Hebrew, and now in the translated English, I can attest that, in my opinion, it is an accurate translation. Therefore, I have no hesitation in saying: "read and enjoy - learn and be enlightened - Israel Yeivin is a master of the Tiberian Masorah".Catherine Teller MTheol(Hons).

Sadly, this work was originally translated and written using a typwriter! Because this edition was published using reproductions of the original typed manuscript, it is extremely difficult to read. This could easily dissuade many people from using it in the manner it deserves. A great pity, because the material presented is mostly unavailable in English.

If you have set your mind to study the Hebrew Bible in a serious and detailed way then you must buy and read this book. It's descriptions on Musical Gaya, Phonetic Gaya and Vocal Shewa are perhaps the most thorough you will find anywhere in English, and although it is now 40 years old it's usefulness has not dulled. If you are willing to study this little book, spending many hours pouring over its details you will find that all the markings around the precious Hebrew consonants come to life and lift your reading of the Hebrew text to a new level, perhaps even transporting you back in time a thousand years to a different place to sit with the Tiberian Scholars as they chant this beautiful exalted text. Put the time and effort in and you will not be disappointed, but give it time and be patient because Dr Israel Yeivin was a master of his subject and it will take you time and perseverance to master what he has given to those who love to study Torah in the original. Enjoy