Reading Genesis: Beginnings by Beth KissileffMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a collection of essays from a Jewish perspective about how the text of Genesis speaks to a 21st century audience. Within this focus, the disciplines are varied - religion, history, law, science, cooking, poetry, and more.
Many of the reading and interpretations offered are novel and unique. They engage tradition, but seek to go beyond it, to see how perspectives from non-traditional disciplines might shed different light onto the ancient text and its meanings.
I found all of the essays interesting to read. Some connected with me more than others. Some were more thought-provoking than others. For me, coming from a Christian background, reading this collection was quite eye-opening. A Christian reading of the Bible is usually with the understanding that there is a "right interpretation" to be found, but in this Jewish collection the emphasis is on variety and possibilities of meaning. I think there is a great deal of value in discovering new ways of reading and seeing familiar texts, and can open eyes to the value of interfaith and interdisciplinary conversations in engaging the sacred.
(This review is based on ARC of the book supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.)
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