Description
Book SynopsisThe Biblical narrative is usually very terse and cryptic. Over the millennia, Jewish scholars often painted a patriarchal picture with women "in their place." Yes, ancient Middle Eastern society was patriarchal, but matriarchs had power as well. Yes, kings ruled, but the king’s mother had major influence over him. Powerless women existed, but so did female prophets and judges. The narrative describes real people, with human weaknesses as well as strengths. There are love stories and lust stories, as well as stories of the dangers of favoritism, greed, and envy. This book puts these women—some are role models—into the context of an ancient society, bringing them imaginatively from the sidelines onto center stage.
Trade Review“Reguer fills her narrative with minute details of what life was like in the women’s respective historical periods, which helps well-trod biblical stories come to life… Onto Center Stage is written by an academic and published by an academic press, but these facts should not scare potential readers off. The prose is easy to read and engaging, making it accessible to a wide array of readers… Onto Center Stage is an enjoyable peek inside the lives and times of biblical-era women.”
— Leah Grisham, Jewish Book Council
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. Sara
2. Rebecca
3. Rahel and Leah
4. Powerless Women: Dina and Tamar
5. Miriam and Tzippora: Sisters-in-Law
6. Deborah the Judge
7. Ruth
8. Chana
9. David’s Wives: Michal, Avigayil, Bathsheba
10. Esther
11. Addendum: Reclaiming the Heroic Jewish Judith
