The Importance of Tanakh with Rabbi Francis Nataf (Episode 5a)

Open Book with Eitan and Itai

Purim Sameach! We are so grateful here in Jerusalem for a THREE DAY Purim.

Rabbi Francis Nataf originally learned under Nechama Leibowitz and Rav Aharon Lichtenstein. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book series on Chumash, Redeeming Relevance, and the host of the "Parsha!, etc. with Francis Nataf" Podcast.

Drawing a hard line when it comes to looking at the biblical text with an analytical eye, Rabbi Nataf has earned his place amongst the biblical commentators of old.

Based in Jerusalem, Rabbi Nataf is a successful writer and educator having written articles for Ha'aretz, The Jerusalem Report, The Jewish Press, Times of Israel, and many other publications. Rabbi Nataf is the associate editor of the Jewish Bible Quarterly and does translation work for Sefaria.

We Speak with Rabbi Nataf about discrimination against converts, Vayikra-Avoidance Syndrome, the Writing process, Megillat Esther, and of course, Coronavirus.

In this Episode we find out:

Is Rabbi Nataf planning on writing more books?

Is it safer for Jews to live in America or in the Diaspora?

Has Terrorism gone down in Israel this year?

How can creatives motivate themselves to complete their projects?

How does Purim Connect to this Week's Parsha?

Eitan writes articles about topics discussed on the show. You can read them here: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/ethan-yakhin/

See what we're cooking up on Instagram: instagram.com/jewcast

Questions, Comments, Corrections, or Concerns? Eitan and Itai always want to learn. Contact us at [e-mail] or [e-mail]