A Curious Student’s Guide to the Book of Genesis: Enduring Life Lessons for the Twenty-First Century
Ebook
Genesis contains a rich, nuanced text, and yet, when taught to children, it is often done through a series of "factoids," such as the number of animals brought into the ark or Esau's red lentil soup. Worst still, children are frequently discouraged from asking questions about its complex storylines. This book was written to redress both pedagogical shortcomings. It does so by reminding children that the Bible teaches us to be truly good people via amazing stories of brave men and women doing incredible things. However, the most valuable lessons we learn from the Bible seem to come from people's daily lives: how they speak to their spouses, how they treat their children, how they interact with their neighbors. Perhaps most importantly, the Bible teaches us to ask questions. At times, the answers to our questions come easily. At other times, the answers we seek are hidden away, and so we are left to think and wonder. Nonetheless, ask we must, because by asking questions, we can deepen our connection to the ones we address the questions to, be it parents, teachers, or even God himself.
“A great tool for parents when studying with their children. The thought-provoking questions really help bring the book of Genesis to life in today’s world!”
—Paul S. Oberman, Head of School, Robert M. Beren Academy, Houston, Texas
“Rabbi Reuven Travis continues to add much needed high-quality contributions to the library of Torah texts written in the contemporary vernacular for young English readers. His ability to approach Tanach by balancing tradition and modernity fulfills Rav Kook’s dictum of presenting Torah in the form of Yayin yashan b’kankan chadash (‘old wine in new flasks’).”
—Elisha Paul, Head of School, Addlestone Hebrew Academy, Charleston, South Carolina
“A clear, well written text for young readers that helps practically apply beautiful and important Torah lessons and values to everyday living.”
—Malka Landman, Resource Center Director, Torah Day School of Atlanta
- Title: A Curious Student’s Guide to the Book of Genesis: Enduring Life Lessons for the Twenty-First Century
- Author: Reuven Travis
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781725256941, 9781725256934, 1725256932, 9781725256927, 1725256924, 1725256940
- Resource ID: LLS:9781725256941
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-02-12T10:57:12Z
Reuven Travis has taught a wide range of classes, including Jewish law, Bible, and Jewish history, to students from grade two through high school. He received his BA from Dartmouth College, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He holds a master’s degree in teaching from Mercer University and a master’s in Judaic studies from Spertus College. He has previously published scholarly works on the books of Job, Numbers, and Genesis, respectively.