Vision From the Prophet and Counsel From the Elders: A Survey of Nevi’im and Ketuvim

Vision From the Prophet and Counsel From the Elders: A Survey of Nevi’im and Ketuvim
By Hayyim J. Angel
OU Press

Nevi’im and Ketuvim, the books of the Prophets and Holy Writings, together with the Five Books of Moses, comprise the broad canvas on which the history, destiny and spiritual mission of the Jewish people are limned. In this survey of Nevi’im and Ketuvim, Rabbi Hayyim Angel achieves a rare combination of breadth and depth. While focusing on broad themes and universal messages, the treatment is far from superficial or perfunctory. Rabbi Angel presents at least one chapter on each book of Nevi’im and Ketuvim, with each chapter analyzing in depth a representative aspect of the book. Using primarily peshat, the plain meaning of the text, Rabbi Angel marshals the Talmud and Midrash, traditional commentaries and modern scholarship in expressing a view of Scripture that is creative as well as subtle and nuanced. With his direct and engaging style, Rabbi Angel conveys his erudition and wealth of knowledge to the reader in a most enjoyable fashion. Here is a small sampling of Rabbi Angel’s thought-provoking conclusions:

Joshua’s flaws made him a more effective leader than Moses to bring the people into the Land of Israel.

The Book of Jonah challenges us to be absolutely committed to God while respecting other people who espouse different beliefs.

The Book of Ecclesiastes, with all of its internal inconsistencies and its seeming contradictions with the Torah, uniquely reflects the paradoxical human condition. Its inclusion in Tanach elevates human perception to the realm of the sacred, joining revelation and received wisdom as aspects of religious truth.

A prolific author, admired teacher and recognized scholar in the field of Tanach, Rabbi Angel compiled many of his scholarly articles to include in Vision From the Prophet and Counsel From the Elders. The result is that each chapter is a self-contained essay that can stand on its own, while the book as a whole is an integrated study of Nevi’im and Ketuvim which will delight and educate lay people and scholars alike.

Vision From the Prophet and Counsel From the Elders: A Survey of Nevi’im and Ketuvim presents a rewarding, comprehensive and enjoyable survey of Nevi’im and Ketuvim.