Messengers of God: Biblical Portraits and Legends, by Elie Wiesel, explores the bible from a very literal perspective. His readings are informed by the biblical text and the Midrash, and are overwhelmingly concerned with gaps and questions about human and godly nature in the texts. Why does Job accept G-d’s “answer” to the source of his sufferings; why is Joseph a zaddik when he is so crass and pragmatic?
Wiesel reads these stories very differently than I do. For me, the literal elements of the biblical stories are the least interesting. The mystical dimension is the goal; the details of the bible are only, but not exclusively, stepping stones to greater realities.
But it is informative to read Wiesel struggle with the texts. It is certainly a deeply tradition Jewish concern.
Wiesel reads these stories very differently than I do. For me, the literal elements of the biblical stories are the least interesting. The mystical dimension is the goal; the details of the bible are only, but not exclusively, stepping stones to greater realities.
But it is informative to read Wiesel struggle with the texts. It is certainly a deeply tradition Jewish concern.
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