The Moral Meaning of the Bible

22'22" Interview on Abraham Joshua Heschel

Sergiu Simmel — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:59:47 +0000

Recently, Reuven Kimelman published an article (in three different variants) on Abraham Joshua Heschel–his teacher and mentor, and a leading Jewish theologian and thought leader of the 20th century. I recently interviewed Professor Kimelman about his article and his work on Heschel's legacy. Listen to the interview here:

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Subversive Bible Study

Sergiu Simmel — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:44:42 +0000

As NYU Professor David Elcott puts it in a recent article published by Tikkun Magazine:

"The Bible, along with the sacred texts of other religious communities, has proven to be troublesome. We have been convinced that the Bible is the answer, that it is the word of God — in whatever fashion we believe that — and that it clarifies all of the moral ambiguities we must face."

Abraham, Moses And Elijah: A Lesson in Leadership (Part 2)

Reuven Kimelman — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:02:52 +0000

MOSES’ PLEA ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE (Exodus 32)

It only took 40 days after the revelation for the people to retrograde to idol worship. Moses had assured the people he would return from his ascent up Sinai in 40 days – that is, 40 full days. When Moses failed to appear at dawn of the 40^th day, the people panicked and fell to worshipping a Golden Calf. Enraged, as it were, for their bowing low to a molten image and accrediting it with their redemption from Egypt, God disowns them (referring to them as Moses’ people) and plans their punishment. He promises that Moses would supplant Abraham, become the father of a great nation to replace faithless Israel, if only he would let Him be.

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Did God make a mistake?

Sergiu Simmel — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:48:24 +0000

Joel asks:

It's just hard to conceive of God as having made a mistake, but that seems to be what God is saying about mankind before the flood. Can you help me get this?

Abraham, Moses And Elijah: A Lesson in Leadership (Part 1)

Reuven Kimelman — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:42:11 +0000

(This article was originally published in December 2001. It is here re-published by Our Learning Company.)

What is the limit of responsibility to a community of a leader?
Are all conflicts of interest to be resolved in favor of the community?

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Alpha Version

Sergiu Simmel — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:02:24 +0000

The basic components of this website are now in place, so I am opening it as an "alpha version." There are still several areas that are incomplete, so some buttons may not work just quite yet.