What is the Torah, Actually? Preparing for Shavuot

With Dr. Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages, JTS
We’ve heard its stories; we’ve heard it chanted in synagogue; we’ve seen it hoisted in the air displaying handwritten ink on parchment; we’ve taken classes on it. But what, actually, is the Torah? A law code? A history book? An ancient novel? A saga? None of these categorizations quite fits. In this session, we consider what defines the distinctive genre of the Torah, where this genre comes from, how it reappears in Jewish culture over the ages-and what addressing these questions can teach us about the Jewish religion.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Timely Torah, Timeless Insights
Join JTS’s renowned faculty to learn about their current work and greatest passions. Drawing on their expertise, scholars will offer inspiring learning and expose us to new ideas and insights that help us connect the Jewish past with the Jewish future.