Through an Opaque Lens: The Bible Refracted Through Eternal Rabbinic Wisdom - Book - Rabbi Hayyim Angel

Through an Opaque Lens: The Bible Refracted Through Eternal Rabbinic Wisdom

$18.95
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Through an Opaque Lens: The Bible Refracted Through Eternal Rabbinic Wisdom - Book - Rabbi Hayyim Angel
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Through an Opaque Lens: The Bible Refracted Through Eternal Rabbinic Wisdom

ISBN: 978-1492993001
$18.95
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DESCRIPTION

Through an Opaque Lens: The Bible Refracted Through Eternal Rabbinic Wisdom, Revised Second Edition is a mixture of methodological issues and text-based study. He addresses how teachers can effectively inspire the next generation to love and connect with Tanakh, and continue to find renewed meaning within it. His wields his erudite parshanut to continually find theological significance and relevance, even from topics that we don’t often think about, like the impact of prophecy, the enigma of the Urim ve-Tummim, and shows the lessons of some of the more mundane passages, like the genealogies of the book of Genesis. His analyses of the haftarot show how the Sages had a detailed but complex understanding of how the prophetic works relate to the weekly Torah readings, and how the chosen passages can bring to light previously unnoticed relationships and understandings. This is part of a larger issue of biblical intertextuality, which he also addresses in several other chapters, especially how the book of Psalms can be used to enhance the narratives of Creation (Genesis 1-2). Rabbi Angel’s writing is crisp and clear, lucid and lively, and his points are poignant and penetrating while being accessible to the scholar and layman alike. Through an Opaque Lens represents an overarching perspective on some specific, intriguing, and relevant topics that people continue to debate, discuss, and ponder.

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  • Book Cover Type: Paperback
  • Language: English
  • Pages: 294
  • Trim: 6x9
  • Weight: 1.12 pounds

Full Description

Through an Opaque Lens: The Bible Refracted Through Eternal Rabbinic Wisdom, Revised Second Edition is a mixture of methodological issues and text-based study. He addresses how teachers can effectively inspire the next generation to love and connect with Tanakh, and continue to find renewed meaning within it. His wields his erudite parshanut to continually find theological significance and relevance, even from topics that we don’t often think about, like the impact of prophecy, the enigma of the Urim ve-Tummim, and shows the lessons of some of the more mundane passages, like the genealogies of the book of Genesis. His analyses of the haftarot show how the Sages had a detailed but complex understanding of how the prophetic works relate to the weekly Torah readings, and how the chosen passages can bring to light previously unnoticed relationships and understandings. This is part of a larger issue of biblical intertextuality, which he also addresses in several other chapters, especially how the book of Psalms can be used to enhance the narratives of Creation (Genesis 1-2). Rabbi Angel’s writing is crisp and clear, lucid and lively, and his points are poignant and penetrating while being accessible to the scholar and layman alike. Through an Opaque Lens represents an overarching perspective on some specific, intriguing, and relevant topics that people continue to debate, discuss, and ponder.

Additional details

Illuminating the Infinite Depth of the Bible

In Through an Opaque Lens, Rabbi Hayyim J. Angel explores the timeless wisdom of the Torah and rabbinic tradition. Divided into two sections—methodology and text studies—the book balances rigorous scholarship with practical reflections on how these sacred teachings resonate today. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the Bible.

Chapter Summaries

  1. Through an Opaque Lens: Explores the metaphor of prophecy as seen through an “opaque lens,” emphasizing how even divine revelations are filtered through human perception.
  2. Review Essay: Rabbi Elhanan Samet: Highlights the “literary-theological” approach in Tanakh studies, blending textual analysis with religious insight.
  3. Rambam’s Continued Impact: Examines Maimonides’ influence on biblical study, focusing on prophecy, rationality, and historical context.
  4. The Paradox of Parshanut: Reflects on the challenges and rewards of reconciling traditional interpretation with contemporary thought.
  5. Ben Haftarah La-Parashah: Analyzes the thematic links between Torah readings and their corresponding Haftarot.
  6. The Psalmist as Biblical Exegete: Investigates how the Psalms reflect nuanced readings of earlier biblical narratives.
  7. Elleh Toledot: Studies the genealogical frameworks in the Bible, revealing their literary and theological significance.
  8. Learning Faith From the Text, or Text From Faith: Discusses the dynamic relationship between belief and scriptural study.
  9. Was Sodom Destroyed by an Earthquake? Explores natural phenomena as a lens for understanding divine action in the story of Sodom.
  10. Why Didn’t He Do It? Reflects on moral responsibility and human agency in biblical narratives.
  11. The Symbolism of Clothing in the Book of Samuel: Examines how garments represent identity, status, and transformation.
  12. The Theological Significance of the Urim Ve-Tummim: Unpacks the mysterious role of the priestly breastplate in conveying divine will.
  13. Even Wicked Prophets Can Repent: Discusses the capacity for repentance in flawed prophetic figures.
  14. Differing Portrayals of Hezekiah’s Righteousness: Compares the accounts of King Hezekiah in Kings, Chronicles, and Isaiah.
  15. The Book of Jonah: Reimagines the simplicity of Jonah’s story as a rich study of divine mercy and human defiance.
  16. “I Am a Hebrew!”: Explores Jonah’s identity statement as a lens for understanding nationalism and spirituality.
  17. Praise the Lord, All You Nations: Reflects on the universalism embedded in biblical praise.
  18. Confronting Tragedy: Delves into human suffering through Job and Lamentations.
  19. A Woman of Valor Has Been Found: Analyzes the literary and ethical dimensions of Proverbs 31.
  20. Review Essay: Hadassah Hi Esther: Revisits Esther’s story with a fresh critique of its themes and characters.

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