Moses
A Human Life
Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:12th May '20
Should be back in stock very soon
This insightful exploration delves into the complex character of Moses, blending literary and psychoanalytic perspectives. Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg examines his enigmatic personality and relationships, highlighting their significance for Jewish history.
In Moses, Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg presents a compelling exploration of one of the most significant figures in Jewish culture. Renowned for her insightful contributions to Jewish thought, Zornberg delves into the complex inner world and enigmatic character of Moses, offering readers a fresh perspective on his life and legacy. The author draws from a diverse array of sources, including classical Jewish texts and works by literary figures such as George Eliot and W. G. Sebald, creating a rich tapestry of insights that illuminate Moses's multifaceted persona.
Zornberg examines the contradictions inherent in Moses's character, highlighting his uncertain origins and tumultuous relationships with his people. Through her analysis, she reveals the depth of Moses's struggles and the challenges he faced as a leader. This nuanced portrayal not only enhances our understanding of Moses as a historical figure but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of his story within the context of Jewish history and identity.
Ultimately, Moses serves as both an intimate character study and a profound commentary on the enduring significance of biblical narratives. Zornberg's evocative writing encourages readers to engage with the complexities of Moses's life, making it clear that his story is not just a relic of the past but a vital part of the ongoing narrative of Jewish culture and thought. Through this exploration, Zornberg underscores the relevance of Moses's experiences to contemporary discussions about leadership, identity, and community.
"A celebrated biblical scholar, keen on weaving together traditional Jewish exegesis, psychoanalysis and postmodern criticism, Zornberg always displays minute attention to the psychological subtext of the Scriptures. . . . Bringing together copious, diverse and sometimes dissonant references (spanning Hasidic masters, George Eliot, Zizek and Beckett, among others), Zornberg gives a new tour of the life of Moses."—Clemence Boulouque, New York Times Book Review
"In this exceptionally well-written book, which has the elegance of literature, Zornberg sidesteps the historical question. She treats Moses as a fictional character, not because she rejects his possible historicity but rather because she focuses on him as a personality. . . . The result is a thoughtful and highly literate read."—Robert A. Segal, Times Higher Education Supplement
"For those wishing to engage the legacy of Moses more deeply, this is a must-read."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Brings together a rich literary reading of the biblical text, Midrashic insights, and contemporary psychology and sociology…This book will prove invaluable to teachers and students who want a deeper sense of the originating and ongoing significance of this ‘man of God’.”—Matthew J. Lynch, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
"Only Avivah Zornberg could tell the story of Moses in such a way as to situate him on the very cusp of the sacred and the human while showing how completely he participates in both. Only Zornberg has the prodigious scholarship to draw out from her sources the uniquely anguished and creative energy of Moses’ life. In doing so she makes a plea for a Jewish ethics grounded in the outsider, the one who stutters and falls, while at the same time returning Moses as a fully modern prophet to the modern world."—Jacqueline Rose, author of The Last Resistance and Women in Dark Times
"The author has perfected a distinctive approach to the biblical text that is both traditional and post-modern, playful and profound, imaginative but also truthful."—Steven Weitzman, author of Solomon: The Lure of Wisdom
ISBN: 9780300251883
Dimensions: 210mm x 140mm x 22mm
Weight: unknown
240 pages