Pluralism in the Bible
by Rabbi Lynnda Targan
"God was charitable toward
the world by not endowing all talents in one place nor with
one person nor with one nation, nor with one country, nor with
one generation, nor with one world. But the talents are
diffused… The disposition to universality always fills the
hearts of the refined spirits of the human race." --
Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (Orot HaKodesh I)
The Hebrew Bible reflects the
voice of Jewish heritage. Yet upon close examination there is
more than one voice represented. What statement is the Bible's
multi-vocality making? What are some of the lessons that we can
learn about how to live/ work in a pluralistic Jewish community
based on the many voices resonating in the Bible? How do we begin
to address the practical and positive implications that these
lessons have for us as a diverse people? A close examination
of select texts will explore these questions and more. |
