Royalty, Religion, Sex and Mystery

FOREWARDThe rabbis of ancient times wrote midrashim - interpretations and inventions that filled in the gaps of the Bible, and helped us understand the meaning and motivations behind the stories. In order to write a modern midrash you need both learning and sensitivity to the text. You have to love the characters and inhabit their worlds.Rabbi Chuck Simon's book is a book of modern interpretation and midrash. It takes the stories of the Bible, explains them and then helps them come to...
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FOREWARDThe rabbis of ancient times wrote midrashim - interpretations and inventions that filled in the gaps of the Bible, and helped us understand the meaning and motivations behind the stories. In order to write a modern midrash you need both learning and sensitivity to the text. You have to love the characters and inhabit their worlds.Rabbi Chuck Simon's book is a book of modern interpretation and midrash. It takes the stories of the Bible, explains them and then helps them come to life. What did the Levite feel as a survivor when the ark fell and Uzzah was killed? What is the story of David confronting a giant supposed to teach later generations? Finally, how did the rabbis succeed in making their reading of the text the one that became Judaism as we know it?Rabbi Simon is an ideal guide. Both a careful student of Jewish texts and a community leader, he knows the questions we ask, and the questions we need to ask. This book takes us through the twists of the tales with understanding, insight and a gentle hand. Prepare to enter an ancient age, but one that speaks to the world outside our windows. Walk with Rabbi Simon as he teaches us timeless lessons through some of history's most fascinating stories. Kings and commoners, royalty and rabbis, intimacy and mystery - the whole pageant of human life unfolds in the pages of this publication.Rabbi David WolpeSinai Temple Los Angeles, Calif.April, 2016