The Legacy of Moses and Akhenaten: A Jewish Perspective

by Sheldon Lebold

Were Moses and the Pharoah Akhenaten One and the Same? Modern historians and scholars, beginning with Sigmund Freud, have debated the controversial theory that Pharaoh Akhenaten, vilified and deposed for establishing monotheism in Egypt, was also Moses of the Exodus. After an exhaustive examination of evidence from a variety of sources, author Sheldon Lebold suggests that crucial pieces of the story have been overlooked. Through a thoughtful analysis of ancient texts, historical documents and contemporary research, Lebold not only presents the Legacy of Moses and Akhenaten from a Jewish perspective, but also demonstrates how one man's vision laid the foundations for Judaism as we understand it today. In this insightful book, Lebold describes Moses/Akhenaten as both a courageous leader and a great religious theorist. Documented in its pages are the life and ideals of a man who insisted that God could be experienced in the flow of history and that religion should be expressed through ethical actions. It is the story of the pharaoh who helped define and establish the religious and ethnic identity of the Jewish people.

164 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2013

Reviews

[Cindie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for everyone. When I picked it up and said, "ooooh," I am pretty sure some eyes rolled. But I love any kind of text analysis, and, when added with some archaelogy, I am in heaven. It was academic in tone, but had a couple person anecdotes to spice it up. All the technical words were explained in sufficient fashion so I, the ultimate layman and novice, could follow it. I had never heard the theory that *****Spoiler Alert **** Moses and Akhenaten were the same person (not to mention Miriam and Nefertiti). I have no idea if this is a respected theory or another "Look we found Jesus' brother's grave" kind of thing. In any case, this book kept me engaged for its 164 pages (including appendices, which I read). Based on that, as well as my avid interest in the subject, I gave it 5 stars (Despite some annoying typos.)

[Mack Rosenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is fascinating to think that among our ancestors were several Hebrew Pharaohs of Egypt, that Moses was the grandson of Joseph who was the first Hebrew Pharaoh. I know it sounds crazy but the evidence is there from non- Jewish sources as well. The book is written by a brilliant lawyer whose lifetime fascination with the possibility resulted in this well documented soft cover book written from a committed Jewish perspective. I still can't get over it.