When I began to study the Hebrew Bible (and the New Testament) quite a number of years ago, the first serious teacher with whom I studied was a professor of Bible and Biblical History in seminary. After being ordained as a rabbi, and eventually completing an earned Ph.D. in Bible and Near Eastern Religions at UC Berkeley, I realized that I had developed a particular interest in teaching these texts…in academic as well as congregational settings.

My goal has always been to teach the critical interpretations of the Bible that develop from what the text appears to be saying. Most people do not learn about the context of the biblical settings. Nor are they too aware of the authors’ means of presenting and speaking for ALL of the characters (and what that might mean).

And, by hoping to enlighten the readers regarding the depth and primitive nature of ancient Israel and Judah, I try to increase appreciation for the literature they created and the history they wrote…

no matter where our thinking might take us.  I will cover a wide range of topics. Some of the stories are mythology, while some are geo-political commentaries and allegory. Ancient Near Eastern societies and their texts engage and influence the biblical stories. In fact, the effect of the biblical authors’ own dynamic approach to engaging history in regard to traditions and stories and the evolution of theology in the Hebrew Bible, leads us to an appreciation of the changes in religious thought that the ancient Israelites and Judeans experienced. And there is much more.

Many topics…It is a fun and challenging journey.