Who is Water in Tanakh? The Development of Water in Genesis, Leviticus, and Jonah

As Rising Tide members who understand the power of water as a ritual element, you’ll enjoy learning about the way Jewish tradition has understood the power of water over time. Join us for this members-only interactive webinar where we will explore some of Tanakh’s depictions of water in narrative and legal contexts. How does water function in Tanakh, and who controls it? Does water have “a mind of its own”? A moral compass? Is it in conflict with God, or a partner in God’s endeavors? Looking at water’s place in creation and the flood, then in the ritual and legal parameters laid out in Leviticus, and finally within the narrative of Jonah, we will discover the significance, and the character of water in Tanakh and take away meaningful lessons about the place of water in our own Jewish identities and practices. No prior knowledge of Tanakh or of Hebrew is necessary. All texts will be accessible from instructor in both English and Hebrew. 

Presenter

Rachel Slutsky is a doctoral candidate in Hebrew Bible at Harvard University, where she specializes in ancient Jewish biblical interpretation. Rachel received her BA with Honors from Stern College, Yeshiva University in English Literature and Jewish Studies, as well as an MA from the University of Chicago in Hebrew Bible. In addition to co-directing the Jewish Studies Workshop at Harvard and serving as a Jewish Studies teaching fellow in courses on the Holocaust and modern Jewish History, Rachel speaks to both lay and academic audiences throughout the US and the UK about biblical interpretation, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim approaches to the Bible, and Jewish history. She currently has upcoming speaking engagements in Sweden, Germany, and Hong Kong, as well as a number of engagements scheduled throughout the US. She lives in Cambridge, MA with her husband, Jacob.