Reading Genesis: Beginnings

by Beth Kissileff

Deuteronomy 32:47 says the Pentateuch should not be 'an empty matter.' This new anthology from Beth Kissileff fills Genesis with meaning, gathering intellectuals and thinkers who use their professional knowledge to illuminate the Biblical text. These writers use insights from psychology, law, political science, literature, and other scholarly fields, to create an original constellation of modern Biblical readings, and receptions of A scientist of appetite on Eve's eating behavior; law professors on contracts in Genesis, and on collective punishment; an anthropologist on the nature of human strife in the Cain and Abel story; political scientists on the nature of Biblical games, Abraham's resistance, and collective action.The highly distinguished contributors include Alan Dershowitz and Ruth Westheimer, the novelists Rebecca Newberger Goldstein and Dara Horn, critics Ilan Stavans and Sander Gilman, historian Russell Jacoby, poets Alicia Suskin Ostriker and Jacqueline Osherow, and food writer Joan Nathan.

Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Michael Lewyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays from a variety of perspectives: a couple of law professors, a philosopher, a political science professor, novelists, scientists, poets, journalists and even Ruth Westheimer. Some of the most interesting essays include:

*An essay on the almost-sacrifice of Isaac focusing on the Torah's drawn-out, almost slow-motion description of Abraham's conduct. The author suggests that the slowness of the description suggests that Abraham is resisting the Divine order the only way one can resist an order from someone far more powerful: through foot-dragging.

*An essay by the editor about Rebecca. Why does Rebecca feel the need to deceive Isaac and antagonize her son Esau in order to satisfy an old prophecy? The essay goes back to her brother Laban's statement about her marriage to Isaac: that "The matter is from God, we cannot speak further about [it]"(Gen. 24:50). Perhaps Rebecca believes that once a matter "is from God" (such as the prophecy that the elder shall serve the younger Jacob), the matter is fixed, and she is somehow duty bound to speed the prophecy's fulfillment. By contrast, because of Isaac's experiences (almost being sacrificed, yet saved at the last minute) he is more open to the possibility of unexpected change, though less interested in taking control of a situation.

*Another essay compares the story of Jacob to the Odyssey, pointing out that while the characters of Greek mythology never develop very much, Jacob is capable of improvement (e.g. reconciling with Esau).

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays from a Jewish perspective about how the text of Genesis speaks to a 21st century audience. Within this focus, the disciplines are varied - religion, history, law, science, cooking, poetry, and more.

Many of the reading and interpretations offered are novel and unique. They engage tradition, but seek to go beyond it, to see how perspectives from non-traditional disciplines might shed different light onto the ancient text and its meanings.

I found all of the essays interesting to read. Some connected with me more than others. Some were more thought-provoking than others. For me, coming from a Christian background, reading this collection was quite eye-opening. A Christian reading of the Bible is usually with the understanding that there is a "right interpretation" to be found, but in this Jewish collection the emphasis is on variety and possibilities of meaning. I think there is a great deal of value in discovering new ways of reading and seeing familiar texts, and can open eyes to the value of interfaith and interdisciplinary conversations in engaging the sacred.

(This review is based on ARC of the book supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.)

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good essays, but I was disappointed in the overall caliber. Maybe still prove useful for our discussion groupl