The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious Paperback – October 4, 2011

This is such a refreshing book. The other is a Jew and doesn’t seem to believe the New Testament, which is fine. Even though I have different beliefs than her, there is a depth and richness to this book that is so refreshing. If you want to put on your thinking cap and set your heart out to sea amidst the depths, then read this book.

If you have never before read Zornberg, any of her work may, at first, be a bit intimidating. Her scholarly background is so far-ranging, references seem to come from every kind of source, and it may feel as if you have stumbled into some cerebral wonderland on a very irregular journey. Put the book down, take a deep breath, and start reading it again. Read slowly, if you need. Savor her insights. Let your own mind travel with hers in the exploration of Bible as you may not have known it before now. Zornberg is not afraid to look into corners, open doors, move from room to room in her thought process. If the Bible - Torah - exists for us mere mortals to understand and use as a guide for life, then we must examine it from every possible angle: historical, psychological, mystical, pedagogical. A great Jewish sage once wrote, 'Turn it and turn it, for everything is contained within.' By Jewish tradition, there are seventy ways of examining every verse! Zornberg leads us through the study of a text that has played an integral role in western civilization using the scholarly developments of that same civilization to unlock message and meaning.

AVG’s biblical scholarship, mastery on English, huge range of sources and comprehensive analysis of the meaning of ancient texts is stunning. This work is to be read over and over again. The vast sources cited combined with an analaytical framework which resonates in a booming way to a modern reader simply amazes. If nothing other than giving a simple roadmap to understand the relationship between Torah, Midrash and a huge variety of authors of Modernity, this is a truly essential work.

Dr. Avivah Zornberg is perhaps the greatest modern writer on Jewish Biblical studies. The combination of English Literature, Torah Studies and Psychoanalysis is unparalleled. The depth of her writing is breathtaking.Myron S. Lazar, Ph.D.Psychoanalyst

If only read one set of biblical commentaries in your lifetime, Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg's ought to be it. She is a master of midrash who elucidates it's cryptic insights by interweaving them with psychological, philosphical and critical textual analysis. It is difficult reading at times but the result is revelatory.

All of this author's work requires a deep concentration on the subject matter. Her interpretations are thought provoking and sometimes seem within one's grasp of understanding. At other times the insights are harder to achieve but always one is left with a sense of accomplishment after reading her work

Anyone who has sat in on Dr. Avivah Zorenberg's classes will appreciate and enjoy this latest book. Organized by themes of communication both internal and external, Dr. Zorenberg combines classic literature, Midrashic interpretation and psychology to create a complete and complex picture of the heritage created by the forefathers, and places it in a thoroughly modern and engaging context.

So much to learn and such a wealth of knowledge!

Très bien et merci. FF.

As with all Avivah Gottleib Zornberg's books - and, indeed, her teaching, one is kept at full intellectual stretch while relishing her thoughts. Highly recommended and very readable.

wonderful book