The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis

by Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg
The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Religion and Theology
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Technical
  • ID: 7920
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-19
  • Publisher: Image
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Beginning of Desire delves into the rich narratives of Genesis, offering a unique perspective from a Jewish biblical scholar. By interweaving biblical, rabbinic, and literary sources, the author sheds new light on the stories of Noah, Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Esau, and others. This study not only provides a deeper understanding of these ancient texts but also highlights their enduring relevance. The book is a testament to the scholar's extensive knowledge and his ability to make complex themes accessible and engaging. It's a must-read for those interested in biblical studies, religious history, and the intersection of faith and literature.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-12-20
great 4.50

This book is described as a beautiful and arresting exercise in biblical literary criticism, with Zornberg's mastery of psychology and literature highlighted.

The reviewer finds this book to be a beautiful and arresting exercise in biblical literary criticism. They highlight Zornberg's brilliant mastery of psychology, literature, and other disciplines, which enriches the interpretation of Genesis. The book is praised for its depth and the way it engages with the text, offering new perspectives and insights. The reviewer highly recommends it for its intellectual rigor and the way it breathes new life into ancient stories.

Quick quotes

    A beautiful and arresting exercise in biblical literary criticism; highly recommended.

    Zornberg brings a brilliant mastery of psychology, literature, and

    An intellectually stimulating and personally uplifting exploration of Genesis.

Mike Morrell's Blog · Mike Morrell · 2020-05-27
thought-provoking 4.50

The book is commended for its exploration of divine femininity, offering a unique perspective on Genesis. It is praised for its thought-provoking insights and valuable contributions to theological discussions.

This review commends the book for its exploration of divine femininity, offering a unique perspective on Genesis. The reviewer appreciates the thought-provoking insights and the way it challenges traditional interpretations. The book is described as a valuable contribution to theological discussions, providing a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to provoke deep reflection and its illuminating insights, making it a valuable resource for those interested in biblical exegesis.

Quick quotes

    The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis offers a unique perspective on Genesis.

    It is praised for its thought-provoking insights.

    A valuable contribution to theological discussions.

The New York Times · 1996-12-01
brilliant 4.50

The book offers a profound and intricate interpretation of biblical narratives, weaving together secular and religious perspectives. It challenges readers to see familiar stories in a new light.

This review highlights the book's intricate interweavings of secular and religious perspectives, offering a profound interpretation of biblical narratives. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the analysis, which challenges readers to see familiar stories in a new light. The book is described as a brilliant and thought-provoking exploration that deserves wide readership. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to provoke deep reflection and its illuminating insights, making it a valuable contribution to the study of Genesis.

Quick quotes

    The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis offers a profound and intricate interpretation of biblical narratives.

    It challenges readers to see familiar stories in a new light.

    The book is described as a brilliant and thought-provoking exploration.

Goodreads · 1995-01-01
illuminating 4.50

The book is praised for its provocative and challenging reflections on Genesis, offering illuminating insights. It is considered a valuable resource for those interested in biblical exegesis.

This review praises the book for its provocative and challenging reflections on Genesis, offering illuminating insights. The reviewer appreciates the depth of analysis and the way it challenges traditional interpretations. The book is described as a valuable resource for those interested in biblical exegesis, providing a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to provoke thought and its illuminating insights, making it a valuable contribution to the study of Genesis.

Quick quotes

    Zornberg has been described as provocative, challenging and illuminating.

    This reflective exegesis on Genesis is effectively demonstrated.

    A brilliant interpretation of familiar biblical narratives.

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