“In highlighting the innovative development of codes within biblical material while revealing their afterlife and influence, this substantive and stunning work succeeds in introducing Torah to a new generation of general readers, all the while delighting more advanced readers in its sophisticated reflections.”—Adriane Leveen, author of Biblical Narratives of Israelites and Their Neighbors
“Outstanding. Feld breaks through simplistic notions of a monolithic biblical and later Jewish religion to reveal its multiplicity and richness. I learned quite a bit from his insights.”—Stephen A. Geller, Irma Cameron Milstein Professor of Bible, Jewish Theological Seminary
“Rabbi Feld takes us on a fascinating journey, demonstrating that modern scholarship reveals not only facts about the Torah’s composition but deeper spiritual truths about its place in our history and in our lives.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Senior Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles
“Ed Feld shows us how ancient revolutions impacted biblical revelations and how we can make religious meaning out of historical findings. Through deft and scrupulous analyses of the Bible’s law codes, he uncovers what for many will be surprising connections between biblical law and biblical prophecy, demonstrating how the latter helped shape the former. Readers of all backgrounds and textual skill levels will be guided to new understandings by a gifted teacher and writer.”—Shai Held, author of The Heart of Torah
“I loved this book. It beautifully succeeds in its ambitious task of retelling the Tanakh’s history of biblical Israel as the weaving of a tapestry out of the many strands of God-seeking. Feld passionately argues here that a multiplicity of interpretations and experiences is the most reverential way to seek the Divine. And it really is a page-turner, but the kind that doesn’t just engage you in the moment: it lingers on as an invitation and a challenge to us in the present.”—Gordon Tucker, vice chancellor for Religious Life and Engagement, Jewish Theological Seminary
