In this Webinar, Professor Avivah Zornberg explores the after-effects of the Golden Calf narrative within the larger context of the Revelation at Mount Sinai. With the help of midrashic literature, she addresses critical moments in the history of Moses’ relationships with God and his people. Shuttling between the summit of the mountain and its base, he descends from on high to find the people dancing in orgiastic joy. Consequently, he smashes the Tablets of Revelation, reascends the mountain and, from a crevice in a rock, has a vision of the divine “from behind.” Finally, a second descent brings him face to face with the double reality of his people with God in their midst. He veils and unveils the uncanny radiance of his own face. Questions arise about inside and outside, about vision and obscurity, idolatry and revelation.
And more: can there be a theology of reading?
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For further information contact: Lee Rothfarb, rothfarb@ucsb.edu
