Thinking about the Torah : a philosopher reads the Bible / Kenneth Seeskin.

Author
Seeskin, Kenneth, 1947- [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
  • Philadelphia : The Jewish Publication Society, [2016]
  • ©2016
Description
xvi, 203 pages ; 23 cm.

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Firestone Library - Stacks BS1225.52 .S425 2016 Browse related items Request

    Details

    Subject(s)
    Series
    JPS essential Judaism series [More in this series]
    Summary note
    The Bible is an enduring source of inspiration for the human heart and mind, and readers of Thinking about the Torah will be rewarded with an enhanced understanding of this great work's deeper meanings. Drawing on Western philosophy and particularly Jewish philosophy, Kenneth Seeskin delves into ten core biblical verses and the powerful ideas that emerge from them. He speaks to readers on every page and invites conversation about topics central to human existence: how finite beings can relate to the infinite, what love is, the role of ethics in religion, and the meaning of holiness. Seeskin raises questions we all ask and responds to them with curiosity and compassion, weaving into his own perceptive commentary insights from great Jewish thinkers such as Maimonides, Spinoza, Buber, Rosenzweig, and Levinas, as well as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Luther, Kant, and Kierkegaard. The Bible is concerned with how we think as well as how we follow the commandments, rituals, and customs. Seeskin inspires us to read the Torah with an open mind and think about the lessons it teaches us. -- Amazon.com.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-203).
    Contents
    • 1. How to read the Torah
    • 2. God and creation: Genesis 1:6
    • 3. Love and companionship: Genesis 2:18
    • 4. The ultimate sacrifice: Genesis 22:2
    • 5. The name of God: Exodus 3:14
    • 6. The need for community: Exodus 25:8
    • 7. Closeness to God: Exodus 33:20
    • 8. Ethics and holiness: Leviticus 11:44
    • 9. Rebellion and sin: Numbers 14:1-2
    • 10. Love of God: Deuteronomy 6:5
    • Conclusion: Choose life: Deuteronomy 30:19.
    ISBN
    • 9780827612624 ((pbk. ; : alk. paper))
    • 0827612621 ((pbk. ; : alk. paper))
    LCCN
    2016003753
    OCLC
    936234399
    Other standard number
    • 40026405529
    Statement on language in description
    Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
    Other views
    Staff view