Cornerstones: The Bible and Jewish Ideology

A Journey Through Scripture: Timeless Teachings for a Fulfilled Life

In Cornerstones, Rabbi Hayyim Angel offers a compelling exploration of the Hebrew Bible and its ideological teachings, shedding light on many of the most contentious religious issues of the modern day. This collection of twelve thought-provoking essays reveals how Scripture shapes moral principles, community values, and social expectations.

Explore the Themes of Each Chapter:

The Land of Israel in the Bible: What does the Bible mean when it says that the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael) is the eternal homeland of the Jewish people? Rabbi Angel examines Israel's spiritual and national significance, from Genesis to the Prophets.

Ideal and Evolutionary Morality in the Torah: Are Biblical morals fixed and unchanging, or can some Biblical principles evolve over time?

Tanakh and Superstition: Is the Torah based on rationalistic propositions, or does it tolerate - or even promote - superstitious and irrational practices?

Love the Ger (Resident Alien): How does Tanakh view strangers, minorities, and outsiders? Should they enjoy equal standing with members of the host nation, are they viewed as second-class citizens, or are they a burden to society as a whole?

Amos: Prophetic Emphasis on Ethics: What is the Biblical source of ethics? What is more important: Biblical ethics or religious ritual?

God Insists on Truth: Is truth a Biblical value? What lessons can modern readers draw from these stories about the relationship between integrity and faith?

Sephardic Voices in Biblical Study: Why have Sephardic commentators been overlooked in the field of Biblical parshanut? What unique cultural and scholarly insights can they provide in the modern day - even for Ashkenazim? Should we make a concerted effort to include Sephardic voices in our Jewish day-school curricula?

Where the Rules of Peshat and Pesak Collide: What is the relationship between peshat and derash? Is either method to be preferred over the other? Which is more important - the simple meaning of the text or the moral and homiletical applications and embellishments of Biblical stories?

Hur and Pharaoh's Daughter: Midrashic Readings of Silent Heroes: What lessons can we learn from minor lesser-known Biblical figures? Can minor Biblical figures teach us major Biblical lessons?

Traditional and Academic Tanakh Study: Can traditionalist and authentic Tanakh study co-exist with the methods and modern scrutiny of academic Bible study?

Dogma, Heresy, and Classical Debates: To what extent should we hold fast to time-honored teachings? Are we allowed to question lessons from our forebearers if they contradict modern ideas?

Battling for the Soul of Orthodoxy: A tribute to Rabbi Marc D. Angel's teachings, this chapter outlines his vision for a religious life that values inclusivity, intellectual honesty, and unity among diverse perspectives.

About the Author

Rabbi Hayyim Angel is a leading scholar, teacher, and National Scholar at the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. Known for his ability to blend traditional and academic approaches to scripture, Rabbi Angel has dedicated his career to fostering a nuanced understanding of biblical texts. He is the author of numerous books and essays, inspiring readers and students to engage deeply with scripture and apply its teachings to their lives.