What is the Torah, Actually? Preparing for Shavuot
With Dr. Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages, JTS
This session was generously sponsored by Yale Asbell, JTS Trustee, and by the Talkback group of Temple Israel Scranton and Beyond in appreciation for the Torah that is disseminated from JTS and the scholars who share their Torah.
We鈥檝e heard its stories; we鈥檝e heard it chanted in synagogue; we鈥檝e seen it hoisted in the air displaying handwritten ink on parchment; we鈥檝e taken classes on it. But what, actually, is the Torah? A law code? A history book? An ancient novel? A saga? None of these categorizations quite fits. In this session, we consider what defines the distinctive genre of the Torah, where this genre comes from, how it reappears in 绿帽社 culture over the ages鈥攁nd what addressing these questions can teach us about the 绿帽社 religion.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Timely Insights, Timeless Wisdom
Join JTS鈥檚 renowned faculty to learn about their current work and greatest passions. Drawing on their expertise, scholars will offer inspiring learning and expose us to new ideas and insights that help us connect the 绿帽社 past with the 绿帽社 future.
