Prof. Tova Ganzel

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טובה גנזל

The Believer and the Modern Study of the Bible

Part of my research explores rabbinic engagement with modern biblical criticism, examining how traditional Jewish scholars have responded to critical approaches to the Bible. I have studied Mendelssohn’s commentary on Ecclesiastes, the biblical exegesis of Samson Raphael Hirsch, and the epistolary exchanges between R. Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin (Netziv), Samuel David Luzzatto (Shadal), and Samuel Isaac Reggio. I also initiated and co-edited the volume The Believer and the Modern Study of the Bible (together with Yehudah Brandes and Chayuta Deutsch), which presents a range of traditional Jewish perspectives on critical biblical scholarship.

This research addresses the tension between religious commitment and critical inquiry, analyzing the strategies adopted by modern and traditional commentators. Core questions include: How do Orthodox Jewish scholars interpret the biblical text in light of challenges posed by critical scholarship? In what ways do they balance firm religious faith with academic engagement? And what significance does biblical study hold for the believer in contemporary times?

Relevant publications:

  1. The Believer and the Modern Study of the Bible, edited by Tova Ganzel, Yehudah Brandes, and Chayuta Deutsch. Boston: Academic Studies Press, 2019. Expanded, non-academic version: Jerusalem: Beit Morasha, 2015, 2016 (second edition) [Hebrew].
  2. Tova Ganzel, “‘He Who Restrains His Lips Is Wise’ (Proverbs 10:19): Is That Really True?,” Jewish Thought and Jewish Belief (= The Goldstein-Goren Library of Jewish Thought 15), edited by Daniel J. Lasker, 129–41. Beer Sheva: Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 2012 [Hebrew].
  3. Tova Ganzel, “Between the Prophet and His Prophecy.” In The Believer and the Modern Study of the Bible, edited by Tova Ganzel, Yehudah Brandes, and Chayuta Deutsch, 463–80.  Boston: Academic Studies Press, 2019. An expanded version is found in the Hebrew edition: Jerusalem: Beit Morasha, 2015, 2016 (second edition), pp. 425–38.
  4. Tova Ganzel, “The Rabbis Sought to Withdraw the Book of Ezekiel”: The Rabbinic Re-Authorization of the Book of Ezekiel.” Journal of Ancient Judaism 11 (2020): 1–20. https://doi:10.30965/21967954-12340009
  5. Tova Ganzel, “The Influence of Mendelssohn’s Commentary on Qohelet on Nineteenth-century Orthodox Jewish Commentators in Eastern and Western Europe.” Hebrew Union College Annual) 2022(: 207–225.  DOI: 10.15650/hebruniocollannu.92.5
  6. Tova Ganzel and Elie Fisher. “A Glimpse of Rabbi David Zvi Hoffmann’s Methods as a Decisor of Halakhah” [Hebrew]. Jewish Studies Internet Journal) 2022(: 22.  A https://jewish-faculty.biu.ac.il/files/jewish-faculty/shared/JSIJ22/ganzel_fischer.pdf
  7. Tova Ganzel and Elie Fisher. “Rabbi David Zvi Hoffmann’s position on Sesame Oil—A Diachronic Study in Light of New Sources.” Oqimta 9 (2023). [Hebrew].  http://www.oqimta.org.il/english/MainPage.aspx