The Forbidden Apple: Symbolism and Culture

Episode: In this episode, Amy Balogh interviews Prof. Azzan Yadin-Israel (Rutgers University) about his recent book Temptation Transformed: The Story of How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple (Univ of Chicago Press, 2023) in which he finally solves the mystery of how the “fruit” of Genesis 2-3 came to be known as an apple. This is the third installment of the “New Perspectives on the Bible and Nature” series.

Guest: Prof. Azzan Yadin-Israel is Professor of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University. He's the author of four books, the most recent of which we discuss in this episode:

• Temptation Transformed: The Story of How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple (Univ of Chicago Press, 2023)
• Scripture and Tradition: Rabbi Akiva and the Triumph of Midrash. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2015.
• Intuitive Vocabulary: German. Lingua Press, 2013.
• Scripture as Logos: Rabbi Ishmael and the Origins of Midrash. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004.

Extra! The book has a companion site that art/iconography lovers will certainly want to check out: https://treeofknowledgeart.com

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