New Books in Biblical Studies Jonathan Sacks, "The Koren Tanakh of the Land of Israel: Genesis" (Koren, 2024)
Jan 4, 2025
Jeremiah Unterman, the academic editor of The Koren Tanakh of the Land of Israel, brings a wealth of knowledge in Hebrew Bible studies. He dives into the innovative approach of pairing modern scholarship with the original Hebrew text, emphasizing the contextual richness of the biblical narratives. Unterman discusses the decision to begin with Exodus, explores the intricacies of Genesis, and contrasts monotheism in the Hebrew Bible with ancient polytheism. He also highlights Rabbi Sacks' fluid translation style and shares insights on their future biblical projects.
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Journey to Biblical Studies
- Jeremiah Unterman's interest in the Tanakh began during a trip to Israel after high school.
- A counselor's practice of reading relevant passages at each location sparked his fascination.
Genesis and Ancient Near East
- The Koren Tanakh series prioritizes illuminating biblical text through ancient Near Eastern context.
- Genesis, while the first book of the Bible, was not the first in the series due to its complex relationship with the ancient Near East.
Collaboration and Editorial Process
- The Koren Tanakh series involves an academic editor, a chief editor, map specialists, and a rabbinical advisor.
- The academic editor ensures academic rigor, while the rabbinical advisor addresses potential conflicts with Orthodox ideology.
