Robert Harris

A Rabbi and Professor at Jewish Theological Seminary

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Jan 23, 2024, 4:13 AM

לבנות ולהבנות בה: The Jewish Studies Scholars Solidarity Trip

Early this month twenty of my fellow Jewish Studies professors and I traveled to Israel on a mission to express our solidarity with colleagues in Israeli universities and other institutions of higher learning. Acting on an initial call by...

Sep 24, 2020, 9:11 AM

Abraham and Jeremiah

“The Akedah is not in the Torah; it is but one of several rabbinic constructs through which to read the narrative of Genesis 22.” So I have often remarked, generally to the surprise, if not consternation, of anyone who...

Sep 21, 2020, 9:05 AM

‘Social Distancing’?! Or Physical Distancing?

A Contemporary Interpretation of The Law of Four Cubits in Judaism Since early March, one of the most ubiquitous terms has been “social distancing,” the practice we all follow in one form or another to help prevent the spread of...

Sep 12, 2020, 12:52 AM

An Overriding Principle: “These Are My Commandments — Live!”

In the midst of what modern Bible scholars call the Holiness Code, the Torah commands the Israelite nation, “You shall keep My laws and My rules, by the pursuit of which humankind shall live: I am the LORD” (Leviticus...

Apr 13, 2020, 2:15 AM

Human Suffering and Divine Responsibility in the Time of Corona

I am writing these lines on the fourth day of Passover, on the day that most Christians around the world celebrate Easter, at a time when Muslims are preparing for Ramadan, and members of countless of other faiths turn...

Apr 6, 2020, 2:44 AM

The breath of life and the season of protection

“The LORD God formed the human of dust from the soil, blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the human became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). As most of us have now been hunkering down for...

Mar 16, 2020, 6:29 AM

Pikuach Nefesh: a Rabbi’s case for the need to protect life

When news of the crisis generated by the Coronavirus began peaking during these past weeks, I had initially hesitated from responding to, being neither a scientist nor a public health official. But eventually… as a rabbi, a faculty member...

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About Me

Robert A. Harris is Professor of Bible at The Jewish Theological Seminary, teaching courses in biblical literature and commentary, particularly medieval Jewish biblical exegesis, and is Chair of the Bible Department. Dr. Harris has written several books, and has published many studies in the history of medieval Biblical exegesis in both American and Israeli journals. He also lectures on biblical narrative and Jewish liturgy in congregations and adult education institutes around the country. Dr. Harris has lectured as a visiting professor at universities in Europe and Israel, and has served as a rabbi in several congregations in the United States and Israel.

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