The Divine Feminine in Biblical Wisdom Literature: Selections Annotated & Explained

by Rami M. Shapiro (Translator and annotator), Cynthia Bourgeault (Foreword)

Through the Hebrew books of Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes and Job, and the Wisdom literature books of Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon, the Divine Feminine speaks to you directly, and Her only desire is to teach you to become wise. Rami Shapiro's contemporary translations and powerful commentaries clarify who Wisdom is, what She teaches, and how Her words can help you live justly, wisely and with compassion. This is not a book about Wisdom but the voice of Wisdom Herself, liberating, uplifting and compelling.

Genres: Spirituality, Judaism, Religion

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2005

About the author

Rami Shapiro is one of the most innovative rabbis of the last thirty years. An award-winning author of two dozen books on religion and spirituality, he received rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and holds a PhD from Union Graduate School. A congregational rabbi for twenty years, for the last fifteen he has been writing, leading retreats, co-directing One River Wisdom School, blogging at rabbirami.com, and writing a regular column for Spirituality and Health magazine called "Roadside Assistance for the Spiritual Traveler."

Reviews

[Jeannine]

I enjoyed this exploration of the wisdom literature and how it relates to everyday life. Having commentary to support and expand on the text is helpful when reading it again.

[Kylee Baker]

Not what I expected, but very enlightening.

[Richard Millsap]

I'm wasn't happy with the book, and I'm not too pleased with this rating either. Gonna take a brief mental break and read it again--more slowly and deliberately this time. Stay tuned.

[Lisa]

Don’t skip the introduction, that’s where the heart of the theology is, where all the “lightbulb” moments come in. The chapters are thoughtful illustrations of those theological points.

[Carson Snuffer]

I would love to read this again when I’m at a different place in my life and see how my feelings about it change

[Ellen Morris Prewitt]

I appreciated the quotes in the book (and, morbidly, it helped me make selections for my funeral readings). But the book itself fell apart! I have, in the past, shaken my head at reviews that include the physical shape of the book. Yet here I am. So back to substance: it's a great compilation of Wisdom sayings, many of which are not simply feminine as the title implies but antithetical to the usually assumed take on life in the Bible. All in all, refreshing.

[Maureen]

This is a modern day Tao Te Ching. It is written to be accessible to anyone regardless of their background. This is a contemporary translation by Rami Shapiro. As with all Shapiro's books, his commentaries are enlightening and fearless.

[Lynne]

Beautifully clear commentary on Biblical wisdom literature.