Since the Hebrew Bible is a sacred text for Jews and Christians many readers naturally assume it cannot contain any humor. This talk will explore several biblical narratives that employ humor to make serious theological points. Becoming aware of such biblical humor can enrich our understanding of these stories and of certain theological ideas the ancient biblical writers wished to emphasize.

Joel Kaminsky is the Morningstar Family Professor of Jewish Studies and a professor of Bible in the Religion Department at Smith College where he has taught since 1997. His research explores the intersection between narrative and theological currents in the Hebrew Bible and Rabbinic literature and seeks to illuminate the distinct ways that Jews and Christians over the past two millennia have interpreted the Hebrew Bible.

Thursday, January 16, 2025 • 314 Royce Hall • 2 PM

Joel Kaminsky (Smith College)
Moderator: Carol Bakhos (UCLA)

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The Bible and the Ancient World Seminar Series
Sponsored by The UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies

Cosponsored by the UCLA Center for the Study of Religion, the UCLA Department of Near Eastern Languages & Cultures, and the Kershaw Chair of Ancient Eastern Mediterranean Studies