Revelation and Authority by Benjamin D. Sommer: Is There Such a Thing as Written Torah?

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Sinai in Jewish Scripture and Tradition

Finalist for the 2015 National Jewish Book Award–Nahum M. Sarna Memorial Award for Scholarship

At once a study of biblical theology and modern Jewish thought, this volume describes a “participatory theory of revelation” as it addresses the ways biblical authors and contemporary theologians alike understand the process of revelation and hence the authority of the law. Benjamin Sommer maintains that the Pentateuch’s authors intend not only to convey God’s will but to express Israel’s interpretation of and response to that divine will. Thus Sommer’s close readings of biblical texts bolster liberal theologies of modern Judaism, especially those of Abraham Joshua Heschel and Franz Rosenzweig. This bold view of revelation puts a premium on human agency and attests to the grandeur of a God who accomplishes a providential task through the free will of the human subjects under divine authority. Yet, even though the Pentateuch’s authors hold diverse views of revelation, all of them regard the binding authority of the law as sacrosanct. Sommer’s book demonstrates why a law-observant religious Jew can be open to discoveries about the Bible that seem nontraditional or even antireligious.

Event

Join Jewish Book Council and Drisha for Unpacking the Book: Scholarship Edition – Is There Such a Thing as Written Torah?

May 17, 2016 | 7:00PM – 8:00PM

Hosted at Drisha in New York City (37 W 65th St., #5), the May 17th program will feature a lecture and discussion with National Jewish Book Award finalist Dr. Benjamin D. Sommer about his book Revelation and Authority: Sinai in Jewish Scripture and Tradition. This program is free, but guests must REGISTER. Space is limited!**

http://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/events/unpacking-the-book-scholarship