Regular readers have probably discerned that I have a special place in my heart for passionate people — for all those filled with a sense of mission and the determination to complete that mission.
Sometimes that passion loudly proclaims itself. Other times it is not immediately evident. Only as the person in question starts speaking about his project does it burble to the surface and then burst through from deep recesses within.
Yitzchok Bell’s passion is definitely of the latter sort. One’s first impression is of an understated soft-spoken Englishman of impeccable manners. As he starts speaking about his passion — Tehillim — however his speech remains soft but takes on a certain urgent almost pleading tone that the listener should comprehend what moves him.
Reb Yitzchok has produced a new non-literal translation of Tehillim called Psalms That Speak to You. No expense has been spared to make the volume as beautiful as possible so that one’s immediate impulse is to take it in hand. The arresting cover is by Ben Gasner. And like every cover by Gasner it is absolutely unique and instantly recognizable. The special off-white Bible paper is at once thin and opaque for easy reading.
