Dr. Chayuta Deutsh on the Akedah

I really, really enjoyed the article (link) entitled “The Binding of Isaac and Historical Contextuality” by Dr. Chayuta Deutsh on the Akedah.

This is a nice review of the diversity of traditional Jewish approaches to the ethical issues raised by the Akedah, and particularly great for me, and I think many traditional Jewish readers out there who, like me, aren’t hooked up with modern Dati Leumi, religious academic, and Jewish secular literary works coming out of Israel.

I thought the Midrashim, Rishonim and Hasidic interpretations, which provide many subtle internal critiques and/or ways around the (apparently) stark moral problems raised in the mikra were given short shrift. Only one Midrash Rabbah is brought, and the only Rishonic view discussed is that of the Rambam?? Also, I believe she put Rashi in the wrong category in page 384. That being said, there are many other great resources available for that, including classics like the Mikraot Gedolot, and online resources like Alhatorah.org.

On the flip side, the author’s survey of modern Israeli rabbinical and religious academic perspectives on the Akedah is an invaluable intro: Prof. Yeshayahu Liebowitz, Rav Kook, Rav Yoel Bin-Nun, Prof. Avi Sagi, Rav Shagar, Rav Cherlow, Prof. Chana Safrai, Rav Yehuda Brandes, and Prof. Binyamin Ish-Shalom.

In addition, the author also has some great pull-quotes on the diversity of approaches and the inherent subjectivity that cannot be avoided when discussing the Akedah:

“Critique leveled from outside the world of faith is by nature subversive, rejecting the story and its images. Critique from within the religious world raises objections that usually culminate in resolution or apologetics rather than rejection.”

“Fundamental philosophical thoughts are naturally imprinted with the personality and basic positions of the thinker. Because of its depth and the intensity of the questions that it raises, the Akedah reflects the innermost beliefs of the many thinkers who have studied it. To paraphrase the well-known expression, it can be said, “Tell me how you understand the Akedah, and I will tell you your standpoint within the contemporary religious world.””

Lastly, she has a concise defense of the religious value of striving to understand Biblical personalities and narratives in the contemporary cultural background of the ancient Near East:

“The interpretation that I would like to propose here—understanding Abraham’s position in light of his contemporary cultural background—is not new. Atheists and Bible critics continue to use it to completely invalidate the ethical mores of the Bible as “primitive” and incompatible with the spirit of modern “enlightenment.” Nonetheless, I would actually like to propose this approach from a faith-based perspective. I argue not only that it is plausible, but that, in fact, contemporary Bible readers have a moral and educational obligation to examine Abraham and his reaction to the trial of the Akedah against the backdrop of his historical period.”

Highly recommended for anyone interested in the topic.