As we benefit from a closer look at the stories in scripture of the women and men who came before us, we see a sharper focus on relationships in our own day.
In that sense, Vanessa Ochs edifies us with her new book – ‘Sarah Laughed’.
Having read the story of Abraham and Sarah, we remember that Sarah laughed when she heard the messengers from God announce that she would conceive and bring forth a child next year. How could this be, Sara thought?
Ochs proceeds to offer a modern Midrash from her perspective that yields a new insight into the mind of Sarah and Abraham.
The stories are replete with wisdom; the Midrash offers new potential for meaning in our contemporary situation.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
More on 'After the Apple'
Also, the section on Samson and Delilah injects insight into the stereotype many of us have about the heroic Samson .. and the way he recovers his strength one last time.
This is a fascinating piece of writing on stories we have read but need to read again.
This is a fascinating piece of writing on stories we have read but need to read again.
David and his first wife ... Michal
In the book, ‘After the Apple’, Rosenblatt provides a commentary on specific incidents and provides humanity to the story from the perspective of contemporary psychology.
For example, in the book of Samuel, we read about young David and his exploits. We learn of King Saul and his jealousy. We learn about David given in marriage to Michal, daughter of King Saul. Finally, we learn of the failed marital relationship between Michal and David. Apart from the struggle between King Saul and David, the marriage of Michal and David is more than a corollary.
Rosenblatt uses this piece of the story to illustrate a point about our understanding of marriage and divorce today.
“ … An important predictor of modern-day divorce is not whether you argue with your spouse but rather how you argue, and how the argument comes to an end. One of the first things to go in a marriage is civility. Verbal abuse, name-calling (also know as verbal sadism), and character assassination are demeaning and humiliating; they destroy self-esteem and human dignity…” (Page 148). Compare with the biblical text – 2 Samuel 6:16-23.
For example, in the book of Samuel, we read about young David and his exploits. We learn of King Saul and his jealousy. We learn about David given in marriage to Michal, daughter of King Saul. Finally, we learn of the failed marital relationship between Michal and David. Apart from the struggle between King Saul and David, the marriage of Michal and David is more than a corollary.
Rosenblatt uses this piece of the story to illustrate a point about our understanding of marriage and divorce today.
“ … An important predictor of modern-day divorce is not whether you argue with your spouse but rather how you argue, and how the argument comes to an end. One of the first things to go in a marriage is civility. Verbal abuse, name-calling (also know as verbal sadism), and character assassination are demeaning and humiliating; they destroy self-esteem and human dignity…” (Page 148). Compare with the biblical text – 2 Samuel 6:16-23.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
After the Apple
Here’s a great new book, published in March of 2005.
Naomi Harris Rosenblatt, a Jewish psychotherapist, has written a commentary on the scriptural text on a variety and series of stories in the Hebrew bible that evolve around the relationship between men and their wives and children.
This writing looks at the motives and feelings and reactions of women whose husbands were portrayed as the progenitors of the ‘people of God’.
Beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden, and then to Abraham and Sarah, Rosenblatt writes with keen insight about the nature of the familial relationships that are critical to the story of salvation.
Informative and edifying….
The book is entitled: 'After the Apple:Women in the bible:Timeless stories of love, lust, and longing'
Naomi Harris Rosenblatt, a Jewish psychotherapist, has written a commentary on the scriptural text on a variety and series of stories in the Hebrew bible that evolve around the relationship between men and their wives and children.
This writing looks at the motives and feelings and reactions of women whose husbands were portrayed as the progenitors of the ‘people of God’.
Beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden, and then to Abraham and Sarah, Rosenblatt writes with keen insight about the nature of the familial relationships that are critical to the story of salvation.
Informative and edifying….
The book is entitled: 'After the Apple:Women in the bible:Timeless stories of love, lust, and longing'
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Interview ... Boston Magazine writer
Well, I chatted with a Cheryl Alkon, research editor for Boston Magazine. She is writing a story for the sister magazine - Wedding Etiquette.
The story concerns the question of the frequency and efficacy of couples sharing living space before marriage. What are the issues around living together before marriage?
I shared with Cheryl my thoughts and anecdotes from more than thirty years of counseling and more than 1000 couples with whom I have worked.
We'll see what develops.
The story concerns the question of the frequency and efficacy of couples sharing living space before marriage. What are the issues around living together before marriage?
I shared with Cheryl my thoughts and anecdotes from more than thirty years of counseling and more than 1000 couples with whom I have worked.
We'll see what develops.
Research and information gathering..
One never knows what the day might bring in unexpected ways and times. Old acquaintances reappear in a cross current of energy.
A recent e-mail prompted me to recall an interview I conducted with a young couple who were immersed in a very different lifestyle project - 'Alternatives to Marriage'
We chatted for a bit and had a very good video program that was aired on local cable. That was three years ago.
They have now passed on my name to a local journalist who is doing some research and writing on these issues.
One just never knows. More to come after I chat with the journalist.
A recent e-mail prompted me to recall an interview I conducted with a young couple who were immersed in a very different lifestyle project - 'Alternatives to Marriage'
We chatted for a bit and had a very good video program that was aired on local cable. That was three years ago.
They have now passed on my name to a local journalist who is doing some research and writing on these issues.
One just never knows. More to come after I chat with the journalist.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Walpole Times
It's late Sunday and my deadline for the Walpole Times is here.
From card catalogue to the Internet' ... for publication July 28th ...www.walpoletimes.com ...
News
From card catalogue to the Internet' ... for publication July 28th ...www.walpoletimes.com ...
News
books today
Recently, I have been recommending Jodi Picoult's 'My Sister's Keeper' for reading and reflection.
In some sense it is a good follow on for folks who might have Sue Monk Kidd's recent novels. The description of family and interconnections in time of conflict and crisis are well crafted.
>Review
In some sense it is a good follow on for folks who might have Sue Monk Kidd's recent novels. The description of family and interconnections in time of conflict and crisis are well crafted.
>Review
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