Tikvah

Jon D. Levenson


Jon D. Levenson is the Albert A. List Professor of Jewish Studies at Harvard Divinity School and the author, most recently, of Israel’s Day of Light and Joy: The Origin, Development, and Enduring Meaning of the Jewish Sabbath (Eisenbrauns).

Latest Content

  1. Observation ·

    Marilynne Robinson Promises Her Reading of Genesis Is Faithful to the Text. Is It?

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Or does the highly lauded American author's new book revive some old prejudices?

    Marilynne Robinson Promises Her Reading of Genesis Is Faithful to the Text. Is It?
  2. Observation ·

    When Did Judaism Begin?

    By Jon D. Levenson

    A new book called The Origins of Judaism places the momentous occurrence much later in time than that proposed by most scholars. Is it right?

    When Did Judaism Begin?
  3. Observation ·

    All Diversities But One: Why American Universities Put Religion Aside

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Diversity has become a prime goal in the world of higher education. How did religious diversity get left out of the mix?

    All Diversities But One: Why American Universities Put Religion Aside
  4. Observation ·

    Did Jews Really Believe There Were Two Gods in Heaven?

    By Jon D. Levenson

    That's the contention of a new book by a major historian of ancient Judaism. It deserves serious attention, but it also overstates its case.

    Did Jews Really Believe There Were Two Gods in Heaven?
  5. Response ·

    Does the New Testament Support Christian Zionism?

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    Does the New Testament Support Christian Zionism?
  6. Response ·

    On Confusing One’s Own Views with the Bible’s

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    On Confusing One’s Own Views with the Bible’s
  7. Observation ·

    A Tale of Two Soloveitchiks

    By Jon D. Levenson

    One Soloveitchik warned about the dangers of Jewish-Christian dialogue. Another, his forebear, tried to intensify such dialogue, or so a third member of the family now argues. Is he right?

    A Tale of Two Soloveitchiks
  8. Response ·

    What It Means to Read the Bible as Nothing More than Great Literature

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    What It Means to Read the Bible as Nothing More than Great Literature
  9. Response ·

    The Contrast Between the Bible’s Idea of History and the Modern Idea

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    The Contrast Between the Bible’s Idea of History and the Modern Idea
  10. Response ·

    Comparing (and Contrasting) Catholic and Jewish Reactions to the Modern Liberal Order

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    Comparing (and Contrasting) Catholic and Jewish Reactions to the Modern Liberal Order
  11. Response ·

    A Museum for the Bible in a Religiously Diverse Land

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    A Museum for the Bible in a Religiously Diverse Land
  12. Response ·

    Deeper Reasons for the Bias in Biblical Studies

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    Deeper Reasons for the Bias in Biblical Studies
  13. Response ·

    “Is the Torah a Work of Philosophy?” An Exchange

    By Kenneth R. Seeskin, Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    “Is the Torah a Work of Philosophy?” An Exchange
  14. Response ·

    The Inescapable Personhood of God

    By Jon D. Levenson

    Committed to developing and supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

    The Inescapable Personhood of God
  15. Monthly Essay ·

    Is the Torah a Work of Philosophy?

    By Jon D. Levenson

    As the latest attempt to draw universal ethical principles from the Bible shows, philosophical investigation of its text offers the prospect of great rewards—and grave dangers.

    Is the Torah a Work of Philosophy?