January 31, 7:30 - 9:00 pm  - The Power of Equivocal Reading with Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky.

Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky, Blanche and Romie Shapiro Professor of Bible, is dean of Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies, JTS’s undergraduate school, and dean of the Gershon Kekst Graduate School. Previously, Dr. Kalmanofsky was associate vice chancellor, serving as an ambassador for JTS, teaching in communities across North America, building relationships with supporters, and sharing the impact of JTS on the Jewish world. As professor of Bible, she teaches courses on biblical literature, religion, and feminist interpretation of the Bible. In her writing and teaching, Dr. Kalmanofsky combines contemporary ideas and critical methods with traditional text study, teaching students to be careful, creative interpreters of Torah.

 It has always been difficult to read the Bible as a feminist and as a Jew, but it is particularly difficult to do so now. It has also never been more important. We will discuss the complications that come with integrating feminism and Judaism, and consider why these complications provide rich, invaluable perspectives on understanding and appreciating the Bible’s beauty and meaning.