Join us during Lent on Monday evenings as Rabbi Joseph discusses his book, What Am I Missing with us. Register HERE.
Summary
In this conversation, Rabbi Dr. Joseph Edelheit explores the themes and interpretations of Exodus 17, which involves the battle with Amalek. He delves into the genealogy of Amalek, the significance of the battle, and the command to blot out the memory of Amalek. Rabbi Edelheit discusses the challenges of interpreting problematic texts and the need for constant reevaluation and reinterpretation. He emphasizes the importance of questioning and engaging with scripture, as well as the role of dialogue in understanding and interpreting the text. The conversation highlights the complexity and ambiguity of scripture and the need for a hermeneutic of suspicion.
Takeaways
The interpretation of scripture requires constant reevaluation and reinterpretation.
Problematic texts should be approached with a hermeneutic of suspicion and a willingness to question and engage with the text.
The battle with Amalek in Exodus 17 raises questions about the nature of evil and the role of human agency.
The command to blot out the memory of Amalek raises ethical and theological challenges that require careful interpretation and contextualization.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Setting
01:17Weekly Torah Portions
02:16The Challenges of Freedom
03:28The Battle with Amalek
04:25The Genealogy of Amalek
08:07The Accessibility of the Bible
09:05The Significance of Exodus 17
12:12The Talmudic Interpretation of Timna
13:36The Connection to King Agog
14:21Amalek in the Book of Esther
15:39The Need for Interpretation
16:19The Role of Dialogue in Understanding Scripture
17:01The Battle with Amalek
18:19The Dependence on God
19:26The Question of God's Presence
21:11The Role of Human Agency
22:30The Obligation to Remember
23:28The Command to Blot Out Amalek
24:21The Need for an Outside Text
25:14The Importance of Writing Down the Text
26:45The Challenge of Interpreting Problematic Texts
27:24The Misuse of Scripture for Violence
28:23The Definition of Amalek's Evil
29:26The Observance of Shabbat Zachor
30:04The Need for Constant Reinterpretation
31:35The Naming of Places in Scripture
32:06The Symbolism of Adonai Nisi
33:03The Theme of Dependence on God
33:42The Themes of Food, Water, and Security
36:20The Connection to Timna in Genesis
37:19The Responsibility of Interpreting Scripture
38:37The Challenge of Celebrating Festivals in Times of Crisis
39:38The Dilemma of Reading Violent Texts
40:28The Need for Shared Reality and Interpretation
42:48The Complexity and Ambiguity of Scripture
44:49The Role of the Lectionary in Synagogues
46:07The Importance of Questioning and Re-reading Scripture
47:43The Struggle with Certainty and the Need for Questions
50:57The Complexity and Ambiguity of Amalek
52:08The Obligation to Reread and Reinterpret Scripture
53:18The Influence of Jesus and the Pharisees on Interpretation
54:47The Need for Constant Reflection and Reevaluation
56:42The Potential for Misinterpretation and Violence
The Darth Vader of the Hebrew Bible