ScholarStream: An Initiative of the RA, USCJ, JTS and Ziegler

Biblical stories can inform our understanding of our own relationships. The life lessons of our ancestors influence our personal, communal, and world values.

This week's session: 

The story of the “binding of Isaac” (Akeidah) in Genesis 22 is a tale of problematic relationships, those among the characters as well as the reader’s relationship with a troubling and alienating story. How can God issue such a shocking and callous command to Abraham, a faithful follower? Why does Abraham comply without objection, in contrast to previous interactions with God? And why does Isaac remain passive and apparently acquiescent with his life at stake? Is there a hero in this story, in the sense of a character who is to be celebrated for his actions, and what are we supposed to learn from him? We will take up those questions in the light of both traditional and modern Jewish commentary.

No charge for Beth Tzedec members; pre-registration required. To register, click here>> and enter the code Thornhill21.