"In this ground-breaking book, Judy Klitsner presides over a conversation between pairs, or sequences, of biblical narratives. Paying close attention to the nuances of biblical language, she expertly maps the way in which passages echo and subvert one another. Her alert ear and vigorous writing style reveal new intertextual structures, within which later narratives reconsider earlier ones, revising and often redeeming them ... A moral and religious passion animates this innovative study." Avivah Zornberg, Torah scholar and author (including the JPS classic Genesis: The Beginning of Desire).

"Ms. Klitsner is an excellent teacher whose insights into biblical narrative will deepen the reader's engagement and understanding." - Rabbi David Silber, Founder and Dean of the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education

Judy Klitsner pairs biblical stories to show how a later text will often comment on, or even subvert, an earlier one. The author draws on her fluent command of Hebrew commentary and her broad reading of ancient and modern exegesis, and creates a rare dialogue between feminist and traditional Bible commentary. Using the method of parshanut (interpretation) and her own unique approach to biblical texts, Klitsner draws bold, surprising parallels between biblical passages, revealing previously unexcavated layers of meaning. The result is a series of fresh and original readings of familiar narratives, accessible to both novice and experienced readers of the Bible.

With her fresh, original readings of familiar narratives, Klitsner illustrates the dynamic nature of bibical attitudes regarding issues of ongoing relevance, such as the self, gender relations, and relations between Jews and non-Jews....