Reading the Book: Making the Bible a Timeless Text (Paperback)

by Burton L. Visotzky (Author)
Key Phrases: rabbinic community, Oral Torah, Rabbi Hoshaya, Rabbi Shimeon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this highly accessible and entertaining book, Visotzky, professor of midrash and interreligious studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary, takes readers into the world of the midrash, the rabbinic commentary on the Torah which ultimately became so complex that it was said it would make Moses dizzy. After showing that one of the major sources of the Bible's vitality has been the ongoing and ever-changing debate as to how it is to be interpreted, he examines the hermeneutic of the rabbis and the literature it produced, showing that they were critical readers incapable of fundamentalism in interpretation. He then focuses on the biblical text and the midrash themselves, looking at stories concerning Abraham, Jacob, Moses and others. Particularly effective are the chapters dealing with the binding of Isaac by Abraham and sibling rivalry in the stories of Moses and his brother (Aaron), sister (Miriam) and nephews (Nadav and Avihu). The book is lively with examples drawn from popular culture, such as how we interpret headlines in supermarket tabloids, and references to the work of movie directors like Akira Kurosawa and Pedro Almodovar.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Library Journal
This book is designed to provide an "introduction to the meaningful reading of Scripture," and is aimed at all readers, "regardless of religious background." To achieve this purpose, Visotzky, a rabbi and associate dean of the graduate school of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, provides numerous examples of rabbinic methods of interpreting biblical texts. He suggests that those methods can be used profitably by readers who wish to get more from their Bible reading. He also describes two conditions essential to the worthwhile reading of scriptures: reading with a "community" (one or more additional persons) and reading with an open mind. Approaching this book with an open mind is important, for some readers may feel that Visotzky takes liberties in interpreting the text at hand. Nonetheless, liberal-thinking readers will find this interesting and witty. For larger biblical studies collections.
- Joanna M. Thomp son, Bluefield State Coll., W.Va.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Schocken (September 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805210725
• ISBN-13: 978-0805210729
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #979,363 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intelligent guide for thinking readers, November 25, 1999

By A Customer

This is one of the best books on The Bible that I've ever read. It is thought-provoking, insightful, and wonderfully human and humorous. I read it after seeing the author on Bill Moyer's Genesis series. This book is not just for Jewish readers; I think anyone who enjoys reading and thinking will find it delightful. It will spur even skeptics like me to a reading and appreciation of the ancient writings in The Bible.

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great help!, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

This book is a great help for one interested in learning about biblical exegisis. No teacher should be without it.