Akedah, The

Book Description

Drawing from both psychological insight and personal fatherhood, Louis Arthur Berman offers a profound exploration of one of scripture's most challenging narratives. The Akedah—the biblical account where Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac—has puzzled readers for millennia, raising fundamental questions about faith, obedience, and the complex dynamics between parents and children.

Berman approaches this ancient story through multiple lenses, weaving together his professional background in psychology with the intimate understanding that comes from being a father himself. Rather than offering simple answers, he invites readers into a rich investigation that spans cultures and centuries.

This comprehensive study traces how the Akedah has resonated across different traditions and artistic expressions. From its echoes in world mythology to its interpretations in Christian and Islamic thought, from its influence on English and American literature to its treatment in Israeli writing, Berman reveals how this single biblical episode continues to speak to universal human experiences.

The author examines not only the religious dimensions of Abraham's test but also its psychological underpinnings, exploring the eternal tensions that exist between generations. Through this multifaceted approach, readers encounter fresh perspectives on sacrifice, devotion, and the sometimes conflicting demands of divine calling and human love.

For those seeking deeper understanding of biblical narratives and their enduring relevance to contemporary life, Berman's work provides thoughtful analysis that bridges ancient wisdom with modern insight.