Hindsight Is 2020: Torah Lessons from a Turbulent Time

By Rabbi Margie Cella

In the field of biblical commentary, Hindsight Is 2020 offers both traditional and contemporary perspectives. Over the course of an entire year from March 2020 through March 2021, Rabbi Margie Cella wrote a daily study of the Torah, adding one entry for each of the seven sections of every one of the fifty-four weekly portions. Hindsight is written in the style of a journal, with each day’s writing dated and titled.

Motivated by her desire to make Torah study accessible to all, Rabbi Cella writes in a personal and engaging style that is easily readable and will appeal to a wide readership. Her commentary presents a unique perspective reflective of the time in which it was written, drawing on the deeper meaning of the Torah to craft a response to both the Covid-19 pandemic and the political and social unrest of a difficult time whose lessons remain relevant today.

Examining the biblical text in this distinctive format allows Rabbi Cella to offer a more comprehensive analysis of the Pentateuch that is infused with her personal insights. Hindsight Is 2020 is a timely work that casual and serious readers alike will find inspirational.