About the Bible Study Project

Is the Hebrew Bible a cultural document? A religious document? History? Myth? A blueprint for contemporary life? A reflection of life of an ancient world? Wherever you stand on the spectrum of belief, the Bible is the National Epic of the Jews - the Master Story of the Jewish People and of the Western World.

The Bible remains one of the most relevant yet controversial books because each each of us sees this unique text from our own special place in the world. Each individual's discovery of the Bible's relevance to life's fundamental questions adds to its potential to be a source of comfort and unity. Yet, that very discovery can also lead to hurt and divisiveness if it becomes a source of controversy over what these words mean.

WSJL believes that bringing together people of diverse backgrounds can enhance understanding of each person's cultural and religious perspectives without either validating or discrediting competing viewpoints. Especially in this age of increasing intolerance, these interactions, when conducted "L'Shem HaShamayim" (for the sake of heaven), are a sign of a healthy society, one which has room for intercultural respect and inter-community cooperation.

With all this in mind, the Wisconsin Society for Jewish Learning in collaboration with the Coalition for Jewish Learning and the Milwaukee Jewish Community Center has begun a two-year Bible Study Program.

A wide range of learning opportunities will be available during the two-year term of this project. Speakers representing differing scholarly and religious perspectives will visit our community, addressing from their individual perspectives how communities in the past and present have interpreted and re-interpreted the Biblical text. Participants will also choose among additional learning opportunities such as media events, Shabbatons, and a study trip to Israel. Study guides and other resources will be provided on the WSJL website.

Over the next few months, WSJL will be organizing groups of people to meet regularly to engage the Biblical text in an integrative way, to see the Biblical text as viewed through the lens of culture, history, literature, and theology. These groups will begin meeting after the fall holidays. Using a wide range of resources, each group will follow a planned course of study, examining selected books of the Bible from many perspectives.

Call or email WSJL Executive Director Kathy Jendusa for more information. Individuals or existing groups are welcome to participate.