cover image Passing Life’s Tests: Spiritual Reflections on the Trial of Abraham, the Binding of Isaac

Passing Life’s Tests: Spiritual Reflections on the Trial of Abraham, the Binding of Isaac

Bradley Shavit Artson. Jewish Lights, $18.99 trade paper (200p) ISBN 978-1-58023-631-7

On the second day of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, Jews read Genesis, chapter 22, known in Hebrew as the akedah, the binding of Isaac, often referred to erroneously as the sacrifice of Isaac. This troublesome story is the source of endless sermons and commentaries, all trying unsuccessfully to explain God’s ordering Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son; Abraham’s silent readiness to comply; and Isaac’s mildly reluctant acquiescence to his own demise. Bravely attempting to add his clarification of the story, Artson, dean of a California theological seminary and a rabbi, offers what he calls “illumination without resolution.” He pays tribute to his forerunners who have struggled with the perturbing issues of the akedah, supplementing their efforts with his discussion of how evil can exist in a world created by God. Somehow, he moves from that unsolved dilemma to his conclusion that religion “can produce Godliness.” Artson deserves an “A” for effort. He belongs high in the ranks of those who have valiantly tackled an enigmatic story that defies decoding. (Nov.)