Yitzchak Etshalom, "Amos: The Genius of Prophetic Rhetoric" (Maggid, 2024)
Jan 14, 2025
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In this engaging conversation, Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom, a seasoned educator and author, discusses his latest commentary on the prophet Amos. He explores Amos's powerful rhetoric and his critique of societal injustices faced by Israel's elite. Etshalom shares his personal journey in writing about these themes, inspired by a deep familial love for Hebrew. The podcast also delves into the historical context of Amos’s message, providing insights that resonate with today's moral challenges, and hints at his upcoming projects in biblical studies.
Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom shares his transformative journey in studying Amos, inspired by his mother's early teachings on Hebrew and Tanakh.
The prophet Amos calls for justice and accountability, highlighting social responsibilities and the treatment of the vulnerable in society.
Deep dives
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Amos: A Prophet's Journey
Rabbi Yitzchak et Shalom shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind his commentary on the prophet Amos. He reflects on his mother's influence, who instilled in him a passion for Hebrew and Tanakh from a young age. After decades of teaching and repeated engagement with the text of Amos, he began writing a detailed commentary that reflects on the prophetic messages and the historical context surrounding Amos's life and mission. This extensive research resulted in over a thousand pages of material, which he later condensed, showcasing the depth of his exploration into Amos's rhetorical genius.
The Call for Justice
The core message of Amos centers around justice and accountability, particularly in relation to the treatment of the vulnerable. The prophet confronts injustices within society, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and ensuring fair treatment for all. Through powerful imagery and rhetorical strategies, Amos challenges his audience to reconsider their moral and social responsibilities. This emphasis on justice resonates through the ages, urging contemporary readers to reflect on their own actions and the health of their communities.
With timeless poetry and stunning imagery, the prophet Amos of Tekoa, a simple herdsman from the Judean mountains, stands in front of a stubborn, antagonistic audience of Israelite royalty and aristocracy and he rebukes them for their many abuses of power. But he offers them a better vision of themselves by lifting them to the heavens on wings of lyrical brilliance.
Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom has been a dynamic and inspiring master educator in Los Angeles since 1984. He received his semicha from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and lectures annually at the prestigious Tanakh Study Days at Herzog College. Etshalom has also written the highly acclaimed series Between the Lines.