"The Book of Genesis as Tragedy"

"The Book of Genesis is often read from the perspective of a theology of history -- an unfolding of YHWH through the veil of temporality. The narrative however, I wish to claim, is conditioned upon a dialogical ethical encounter and ethical self-consciousness. The human encountering of the Divine does not bestow knowledge, it is not a guarantor of completion and does not provide a key to salvation. In that respect it is tragic. Human being cannot turn divine. Hearkening the Divine call is premised on an ethical turn that enables a forging of fate into destiny and it is only then that one can attain the humility of service. Genesis thus sets the possibility of a theologically forged ethical posture and conscience necessary for standing to the challenge of unbridled power."

Guest lecture in cooperation with the Selma Stern Center for Jewish Studies Berlin-Brandenburg.