Testimonials
Here is what
about The Moral Meaning of the Bible series:
Authorities
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"Professor Reuven Kimelman's audio coursebook on 'The Moral Meaning of the Bible' is an intellectual and pedagogical masterwork. It brings forward the powerful moral dimensions of several episodes in Scripture with exemplary clarity, and with full command and integration of modern scholarship and traditional learning. Kimelman prods the listener to new reflections on the nature and complexity of moral decision-making. The sequence of episodes are thoroughly interrelated and unfold in an educationally thoughtful way. This is adult education at its best, and brings to realization many of Reuven Kimelman's lifetime concerns and goals."
Dr. Michael Fishbane, Nathan Cummings Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Chicago |
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"It does not happen often to an 85 years old biblical scholar that he is exposed to really new ways of reading those beloved old texts, but it happened to me while listening to Reuven Kimelman's CDs. I had to say time and again: Why did i never think about that?
And for us Christians there is a further asset as we hear our Old Testament enriched by an authentically Jewish interpretation of the Tanakh!” Bishop Dr. Krister Stendahl (1921-2008), Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School, Emeritus Bishop of Stockholm |
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“A fascinating introduction to Judaism's most important book by one of the Jewish people's great contemporary scholars. Professor Reuven Kimelman is a teacher par excellence, and "The Moral Meaning of the Bible" reflects his research and ruminations on the great moral issues raised and dealt with in the Bible. A course to be cherished by those fortunate, and wise enough, to take it.”
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of Jewish Literacy and A Code of Jewish Ethics |
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“Professor Reuven Kimelman has long been famed as one of the great teachers of Jewish tradition in contemporary Jewish life. In “The Moral Meaning of the Bible,” he selects eight significant and famous texts from the Bible [...] and provides novel moral perspectives on the enduring ethical lessons to be drawn from these narratives. His [teaching] is incisive, challenging and the texts and accompanying summaries as well as the audio CDs allow the student to study at his or her own pace. [He] provides the students with stimulating and provocative insights that display the enduring moral values inherent in Jewish tradition.”
Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, President of Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion |
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“This audio course provides an insightful Jewish commentary on key biblical texts concerning the ethical life. Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Abraham, Moses, and Elijah are among the Biblical characters whose stories Prof. Kimelman invites listeners to enter into and contemplate in terms of making moral decisions. Christians would especially benefit from this encounter with Jewish traditions of interpreting the Bible, an encounter facilitated by Prof. Kimelman's expertise in the diverse Jewish and Christian approaches to the scriptures of ancient Israel.” Dr. Philip A. Cunningham, Editor of Jewish-Christian Relations, Former Executive Director of The Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College |
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“The audio coursebook presents a unique approach to Biblical texts I thought I knew well. The classes made me think in deeper ways about the Book of Genesis and what is to be gained by a careful study of its narratives. They were intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching. The audio course would be helpful to anyone teaching a class or course on Torah."
Dr. Betsy Dolgin Katz, North American Director, The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School |
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“Prof. Kimelman has done a fine job introducing, explaining, and reflecting on essential issues raised by the biblical material he treats. It should give readers/listeners a good place to begin their studies. The level of information and the methodological sophistication with which the material is presented is impressive. All in all, this is a truly valuable educational resource.”
Dr. Steven Katz, Director of Eli Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies, Boston University |
Customers
| “I am intrigued and grateful listening to Reuven Kimelman's "Moral Meaning of the Bible." Intrigued because I recognize that there are moral lessons IN the Bible, but not quite convinced that there is a moral meaning OF the Bible; and grateful that Rabbi Kimelman has provoked me to think wisely and systematically about such issues. Because we live in such challenging times where we see daily how fanaticism creates havoc, I am eager to study the best and the worst of moral leadership and take those lessons with me as a communal leader and as a citizen of the world. This course helps me to do just that.”
Diane Troderman, Chair, Jewish Education Service of North America, New York, New York |
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| “Beautifully and intelligently written, logical and linear, your program carries a message of love, ethical behavior and forgiveness that will resonate with members of any faith. Even as a devout Christian I found myself surprisingly motivated to take the entire course.”
Gregory Olinyk, Author & Entrepreneur, New Canaan, Connecticut |
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| “The Moral Meaning of the Bible is Torah study at its best. Reuven Kimelman almost literally brings the text to life. His eye for subtleties in the text and his ability to explain their significance give the listener an appreciation for Torah on a level that very few are lucky enough to reach, and he does so in a way that unfolds like a great mystery tale whose pieces all come together perfectly. Whether you are a scholar or a beginner, you will gain a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of and appreciation for the Torah. For those who think they do not enjoy Torah study, try it this way! You'll soon see what all the fuss is about!”
Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow, Temple Judea, Fort Myers, Florida |
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| “I have just purchased Volume 2 of Professor Reuven Kimelman's "The Moral Meaning of the Bible" and for good reason — since Volume 1 was the single most insightful journey into familiar biblical stories I had ever heard, I am most enthused to hear more. Kimelman's clarity of exposition and depth of analysis are rare; his ability to make these foundational stories come alive is a true gift.”
Paul E. Greenberg, Managing Principal, Analysis Group Inc, Boston, Massachusetts |
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| “Dr. Reuven Kimelman is a master thinker and teacher. To hear these lectures in one’s personal time allows one to enjoy true learning through the voice of the artist pedagogue. His clarity and precision of thought will astound the listener. Here is what great teaching is really about!” | Rabbi Bernard Eisenman, Wellington, Florida |
| “A phenomenal product … makes one see Torah in dynamic ways."
Rabbi David Cantor, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Bridgeport, Connecticut |
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| “I am very enthusiastic about the approach I see in Reuven Kimelman’s material. The presentations strike a responsive chord in the peoples of the Pacific, and make a lot more sense than traditional Western teaching methods. The outlines are simple to follow, yet they have a profound impact on both intellect and faith.” | Dr. David Tasker, Dean School of Theology, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea |
Customers
Standard Podcast [0:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Standard Podcast [0:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Standard Podcast [1:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download |
Barbara Rosenn, Welleseley, Massachusetts Adele Nicholson, Miami, Rabbi Joshua Heller, Sandy Springs, Georgia |
The Press
- The Jewish Outreach Institute Blog, Review by Adam Schneider, April 23, 2007













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