Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg
Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg (born March 1944) is a Scottish contemporary Torah scholar and author. She was born in London, England, grew up in Glasgow, Scotland,[1] and moved to Israel in 1969, where she currently resides in Jerusalem.[2] Zornberg's father was Rabbi Dr. Wolf Gottlieb, Rabbi at Queen's Park Synagogue, Glasgow and head of Glasgow's rabbinical court (av beit din). Zornberg is a descendant of prominent rabbis from Eastern Europe. Her parents settled in Austria. Zornberg's family fled Austria after the Nazi takeover which led to the collapse of Jewish life and subsequent genocide of the Holocaust. Zornberg holds a PhD from Cambridge University in English Literature.[3]
She began her Bible teaching career roughly around 1980.[1] She previously taught English literature at the Hebrew University. Zornberg has grown to world acclaim through her writing and teaching of biblical commentary on the books of the Torah. She has lectured and taught internationally[3] and has appeared on PBS[4] (the American television Public Broadcasting Service) in Genesis: A Living Conversation, a series of programs discussing the Book of Genesis produced and hosted by Bill Moyers. She has published four books regarding her thoughts, theories, and commentaries:The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis,[5] which won the National Jewish Book Award for Nonfiction in 1995,[6] The Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus,[7] and The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious,[8] which discusses selected passages from Genesis and other books of the Bible, including Jonah, Esther, and Ruth. Her last book published by Schocken is called Bewilderments: Reflections on the Book of Numbers 2015. Her newest book, Moses: A Human Life a biography of Moses, was published in November 2016 by the Yale University Press in their Jewish Lives series.
Bibliography[edit]
- The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis (1995)
- The Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus (2001)
- The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious (2011)
- Bewilderments: Reflections on the Book of Numbers (2015)
- Moses: A Human Life (2016)
References[edit]
- ^ a b "torahinmotion.org Biography". Archived from the original on 14 September 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2006.
- ^ Interview with Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg
- ^ a b Random House Canada, Author Spotlight: Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ PBS Genesis: Participants
- ^ Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg. The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis. New York: Image Books/Doubelday, 1995. ISBN 0-385-48337-6.
- ^ "Past Winners". Jewish Book Council. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
- ^ Amazon.com: The Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus
- ^ [1] Amazon.com: The Murmuring Deep
External sites[edit]
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The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis
by Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg
4.48 · Rating details · 174 ratings · 16 reviews
Turn the Scriptures over to Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg and what do you get? A unique blend of brilliant literary insights and theological wisdom, derived from a lifelong immersion in rabbinic traditions and lore. With amazing literary sensitivity, Zornberg ingeniously breathes new life into Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Rachel, and Joseph. The author's vibrant spirit, charming personality, and infectious enthusiasm for the Bible draw the reader into the search for meaning where real life and the biblical story intersect. The Beginning Of Desire imaginatively interweaves biblical, rabbinic, and literary sources into a colorful tapestry that is both intellectually stimulating and personally uplifting.
One of the Jewish biblical scholars scheduled to appear on the Bill Moyers PBS special on Genesis, Avivah Zornberg employs an amazing repertoire of literary sources to engage the audience and illuminate the text. Delivering her erudition in a pleasantly lyrical style, the author shares her experience of God with the world. It is an intimate, personal, and revealing encounter no one should miss. (less)
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Paperback, 456 pages
Published September 1st 1996 by Image (first published 1995)
Original TitleGenesis: The Beginning of Desire
ISBN0385483376 (ISBN13: 9780385483377)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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Average rating4.48 · Rating details · 174 ratings · 16 reviews
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Aryeh
Feb 15, 2014Aryeh rated it it was amazing
This is the best book I've read in years, and easily the best biblical commentary I've read in my life. Zornberg writes in an approachable manner that clearly shows her immense breadth knowledge while at the same time remaining spiritual. I have read a number of commentaries cover to cover, I'm just that kind of person. I've never read anything like this.
Broken down into the traditional weekly readings from Bereshit/Genesis, Zornberg takes the reader on a journey through the stories you likely know, but not in this way. Her discussion brings in everything from Talmudic sources to Kafka to Freud to Rashi to Dickens to the Zohar to a number of television shows and so much more. Zornberg plays with phrases from other parts of Torah to show parallel meanings, shows her reader the beauty of shever/sever--brokenness/hope, and teaches the importance of negating the negative. If you are even remotely interested in understanding Genesis in depth, and especially if you happen to be a scholar and think you have a fair grasp of the text: this book may be just the thing to make you question everything you know, and make you fall in love with it all over again. (less)
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Andy Oram
Mar 30, 2013Andy Oram rated it it was amazing
Shelves: religion
This is a book you must relax with and take in slowly, lovingly. Any brief characterization of this exploration of Jewish tradition would probably be oversimplifying, but I'll risk that and say that it's a view of Jewish myth and history as an existential search for peace in a fractured world. Zornberg applies her dual expertise--a deep knowledge of Talmudic scholarship and a love of the vast European literary and philosophical tradition--to making sense of the very messy lives of the characters in the book of Genesis. As a Jewish scholar, she flits about the texts of the ages freely, seeing it as an infinite world in which to wander. And to those reviewers who found the book hard to follow--yes, if you're not used to psychological and metaphysical explorations, the twists and turns are difficult and there were many passages that I reread four or five times. But an understanding of things that lie beyond simple rationality is a struggle to achieve, and if you can make it to the end, Zornberg describes even that. (less)
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Denise
Jan 03, 2012Denise rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This provides extra-biblical Jewish commentary on the book of Genesis. Extremely insightful and scholarly.
As a Christian, I'd never been exposed to the Midrash or Jewish mystical sources. It caused me to dust off my copy of Strong's and examine several modern literal translations in order to check the verity and plausibility of the Jewish commentators, like Rashi.
As a result, the Bible has become illuminated. I now see broader, meta-messages in the text. Preconceived, narrow interpretations are now open to a more heart-felt reading that fully relates to the paradoxes and dilemnas of the human condition.
Not easy reading, but well worth the effort... (less)
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David
Aug 08, 2014David added it · review of another edition
Shelves: judaica
I heard an ON BEING podcast with Avivah Gottleib Zornberg and was impressed with her breadth of knowledge of midrash. In her book, she starts with Rashi as any traditional commentator would but also weaves in more modern understandings of Torah stories which makes her commentary and interpretation, for the most part, engaging.
Her approach to guiding the reader through the first book of the Torah, Genesis, also is reflected in how she views Rashi's commentary. "...Rashi usually writes in such a multivalent way, transforming the reader's comprehension of the biblical text, even in his most- apparently- fantastic citations from the midrash. His commentary works as a dreamtext, suggesting many alternatives- but not exclusive- facets of reality." (p. xiv) Zornberg opts to allow her imagination to read between the lines and cites midrash to fill in the gaps that are all over Torah stories. But she is very clear what is textual and what is her own interpretation.
I took the most from her juxtaposing the varying complexities that are in the stories. For example, she expands on the typical Rabbinic emphasis of Abraham's kindness and contrasts it with G-d's seemingly very cruel test for him to slaughter Isaac. So the Patriarch who is the archetype of kindness and generosity is asked to do something quite cruel. Similarly she highlights how Jacob tricked his father into blessing him, instead of Esav, and was then similarly tricked into marrying Leah and Rachel, when he really intended just to marry Rachel.
She of course finds many lessons within the text. In the story about the creation of Eve as a partner for Adam, Zornberg compares and contrasts our human perspective to the unique character of G-d's perspective. "To have a ben zug, an equivalent Other, with whom one must reckon, who limits the grandeur of one's solitude, with whom one speaks struggles and brings offspring into the world- all this is the very dfinition of the not G-dly, the not great. One has a ben zug is yoked to contingency, lives on the horizontal plane, whose blessing and imperative is increase." (p. 15) While, G-d on the other hand does not deal with the same contingencies and relationships to others.
On the other hand there are aspects that people can try to emulate G-d like with hesed (kindness). "In the world of hesed (as distinct from mishpat [law], in which man acts out of necessity or obedience, and in that sense is not G-d-like), man is truly in his element; he acts spontaneously and naturally, and 'walks in the ways of G-d' by acting of his own accord, of his own free will and unforced consciousness (me-atzmo me-retzono umeda'ato)." (p. 108) So when we act from the kindness of our heart we are emulating G-d.
Although at times Zornberg waxed poetic a little too much and belabored some points with too many outside sources she developed some fascinating incites into Genesis. It seemed very much like an Open Orthodox interpretation since she leaned most heavily on traditional sources but augmented with the modern. (less)
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Jenifer Nech
Jan 25, 2020Jenifer Nech added it
I read this book during Torah Study of Genesis. My Talmud teacher, Samara Schwartz recommended this author. What a wonderful book and very enlightening for a person who is studying Torah. I am now starting her book on Exodus. Difficult at times, over my head, very good and I guess I could call it 'brain calisthenics" (less)
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Sara Laor
Mar 03, 2020Sara Laor rated it it was ok
I'm conflicted about this book. It's very profound and has taught me many new ways of reading some Torah text. However, the Talmudic "pilpulims," andcient and modern, end up being a very exhaustive proposition. (less)
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Bonnie Buckner
Jan 07, 2018Bonnie Buckner rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
She is AMAZING! This book is one of the best Torah commentaries I've read. She is also amazing to hear speak. (less)
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John Adams
Mar 16, 2019John Adams rated it it was ok · review of another edition
An occasionally interesting but dense isegesis on the narratives in Genesis.
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Chesna
Oct 29, 2016Chesna rated it liked it
Shelves: 20th-century, read-again
This book was rewarding, but really tough to get through. Read it slowly.
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Itai
Sep 08, 2007Itai rated it it was amazing
Shelves: judaism
Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg is a master teacher! I saw her speak in Portland one spring after reading several of her books.
http://www.torahinmotion.org/spkrs_cr...
Dr. Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg was born in London in 1944 and grew up in Glasgow, Scotland. Her father was Dayyan Dr. Wolf Gottlieb, Av Beth Din (Head of the Rabbinical Court) of Glasgow; he was also her most important teacher. She holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from Cambridge University, and has studied at Gateshead Seminary and the Jerusalem Michlala. She taught English Literature at the Hebrew University from 1969 to 1976. Since 1980, she has taught Torah to classes in Jerusalem, at Matan, Lindenbaum, Pardes, and the Jerusalem College for Adults. She has lectured widely in the U.S., Canada and Great Britain.
Her first book, 'Genesis: the Beginning of Desire' was published by the Jewish Publication Society in 1995. It won the National Jewish Book Award for non-fiction, 1995. It appeared in paperback, published by Doubleday, in 1996.
Other publications include two essays: 'The Concealed Alternative,' in Reading Ruth: Contemporary Women Reclaim a Sacred Story, ed. Judith A.Kates and Gail Twersky Reimer (Ballantine); and 'Cries and Whispers: The Death of Sarah,' in Beginning Anew : A Woman's Companion to the High Holy Days ed. Judith A. Kates and Gail Twersky Reimer (Simon & Schuster).
Her book The Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus was published by Doubleday (February 2001). Paperback (November 2002).
She holds a Visiting Lectureship at The London School of Jewish Studies.
Dr. Zornberg appeared on Bill Moyers' PBS programme, Genesis: a living conversation.
She is married to Eric Zornberg and they have three children. (less)
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E.
Jun 14, 2011E. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Three years ago I checked out from the public library her book on Exodus and skimmed it for use in my Exodus sermon series. This year, coming round to Genesis again in the lectionary, I ordered this volume because I wanted some new approaches to Genesis, having used commentaries by Armstrong and Brueggemann to structure previous sermons series.
Though this volume was not as amazing to me as the one on Exodus, I still find her readings fascinatingly multi-layered. She opens up the breadth of the Jewish midrashic tradition, reads from a perspective deeply influence by psychoanalysis, and connects with the rich literary tradition of the West.
And through her I have encountered surprising readings. For instance, this year I made much of the idea that in Jacob's dream he learns that his body is the holy ground.
The book ends beautifully. I plan to post that over on my blog. (less)
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Nancy Moffett
Jun 17, 2014Nancy Moffett rated it it was amazing
I loved this book! So full of insights and understanding. This is a stimulating commentary on genesis. I will read it again.
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Seana
Aug 05, 2013Seana rated it it was amazing
Discovering Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg was the most important thing I got out of watching Bill Moyers' show on Genesis. She has an amazing mind. (less)
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Deserves to be the most widely read book on the Bible in years, perhaps decades.”
—Jewish Exponent
“Not only is Zornberg’s book leagues removed from popular trivializations, it also does what all successful midrash is meant to do: open up new perspectives on ancient texts.”
—Commonweal
“A sinewy, powerful, and hauntingly beautiful reanimation of the ancient text of early Israel and of their heroes and heroines.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Spectacular readings . . . A beautiful and arresting exercise in biblical literary criticism; highly recommended.”
—Library Journal
“Zornberg brings a brilliant mastery of psychology, literature, and Judaismto bear on the Bible . . . This is an extraordinary book.”
—The Jerusalem Report
From the Trade Paperback edition.
About the Author
AVIVAH GOTTLIEB ZORNBERG is the author of The Begginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis (and winner of the National Jewish Book Award), The Particulars of Rapture: Reflections on Exodus, and The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious. She lectures widely in Israel, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. She lives in Jerusalem.
--This text refers to the paperback edition.
From the Publisher
Turn the Scriptures over to Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg and what do you get? A unique blend of brilliant literary insights and theological wisdom, derived from a lifelong immersion in rabbinic traditions and lore. With amazing literary sensitivity, Zornberg ingeniously breathes new life into Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Rachel, and Joseph. The author's vibrant spirit, charming personality, and infectious enthusiasm for the Bible draw the reader into the search for meaning where real life and the biblical story intersect. The Beginning Of Desire imaginatively interweaves biblical, rabbinic, and literary sources into a colorful tapestry that is both intellectually stimulating and personally uplifting.
One of the Jewish biblical scholars scheduled to appear on the Bill Moyers PBS special on Genesis, Avivah Zornberg employs an amazing repertoire of literary sources to engage the audience and illuminate the text. Delivering her erudition in a pleasantly lyrical style, the author shares her experience of God with the world. It is an intimate, personal, and revealing encounter no one should miss. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
From the Inside Flap
iptures over to Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg and what do you get? A unique blend of brilliant literary insights and theological wisdom, derived from a lifelong immersion in rabbinic traditions and lore. With amazing literary sensitivity, Zornberg ingeniously breathes new life into Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Rachel, and Joseph. The author's vibrant spirit, charming personality, and infectious enthusiasm for the Bible draw the reader into the search for meaning where real life and the biblical story intersect. The Beginning Of Desire imaginatively interweaves biblical, rabbinic, and literary sources into a colorful tapestry that is both intellectually stimulating and personally uplifting.
One of the Jewish biblical scholars scheduled to appear on the Bill Moyers PBS special on Genesis, Avivah Zornberg employs an amazing repertoire of literary sources to engage the audience and illuminate the text. Delivering her erudition in a pleasa --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
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Mark Holland
5.0 out of 5 stars Creativity and Insight
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
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This book develops an insightful and intellectually satisfying discussion of Genesis, using insights from the midrash, psychoanalysis and literature. The depth of the discussion leads the reader far beyond Christian exegesis and demonstrates the playfulness and creativity of interpretation that frees biblical study from narrow-mindedness and literalism, making the text far more relevant to people living in the 21st century. As a protestant Christian, I would like to see this book used for study in the church I attend because I believe in would broaden everyone's experience of their religion and deepen their faith.
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Aarfo Gallon
5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive modern exegesis of Genesis
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2015
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This is the definitive contemporary exegesis of Genesis. Zornberg is unique in her ability to integrate the insights of Rabbinic Midrash, critical literary analysis, and psychoanalytic Research. For me the result has been a plethora of 'I can't believe I never understood before' insights, that have blessed me with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Genesis.
8 people found this helpful
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N. H. Esty
5.0 out of 5 stars A challenging but illuminating book.
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2013
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I bought this book on a recommendation by a rabbi through an ecumenical reading group studying Genesis. Two of us worked together to read it discussing it section by section. We both learned a lot about midrash and how bits of Genesis have been evaluated over the centuries and found ourselves led to new appreciations of some of the major themes. Not for the faint of heart but worth the work. Academic in nature and psychological--reading it opens up new lines of thought about familiar material.
14 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best non-fiction book I have ever read
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016
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Avivah Zornberg is a phenomenal writer and thinker. This is the best non-fiction book I have ever read. Prove me wrong.
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Raymond Weil
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2013
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One of the primary texts for the new literary approach to biblical interpretation. Essential reading as are all Zornberg's writings.
7 people found this helpful
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Crystal
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2016
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Brilliant insights, mostly Freudian or existentialist interpretation amazingly drawn from ancient midrash. Must be read slowly to appreciate it.
2 people found this helpful
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Cynthia L Grey
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, riveting, a must-read
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014
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This is a once in a lifetime book. Deep, profound and wise. It is an unqualified spiritual masterpiece. Highly recommended!
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars My introduction to Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2013
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Avivah Gottleib Zornberg opened my eyes to the scholarly literature on contemporary thought about the Torah and the rich rewards discussing its meanings can bring even to one who, like me, is fully non-religious.
Douglas Uzzell, Author of From Meaning to Desire
5 people found this helpful
