Our next book is titled, As A Driven Leaf, written by Milton Steinberg. The book explores the struggle of Elisha ben Abuya, a rabbi torn between Jewish faith and Greek philosophy, grappling with doubt, identity and existential conflict. (This book is part of Rabbi Nemitoff's, (re)Introduction to Judaism Class.)

The age of the Talmud is brought to life in a breathtaking saga. First published in 1939, this masterpiece of modern fiction tells the gripping tale of renegade Talmudic sage Elisha ben Abuyah's struggle to reconcile his faith with the allure of Hellenistic culture. Set in Roman Palestine, As A Driven Leaf draws readers into the dramatic era of Rabbinic Judaism. Watch the great Talmudic sages at work in the Sanhedrin, eavesdrop on their arguments about theology and Torah, and agonize with them as they contemplate rebellion against an oppressive Roman rule. 

Steinberg's classic novel also transcends its historical setting with its depiction of a timeless, perennial feature of the Jewish experience: the inevitable conflict between the call of tradition and the glamour of the surrounding culture. A literary masterpiece, As A Driven Leaf is still regarded as a major influence on contemporary Jewish life and thought.

This event is open to all members of Beth Am, so please read the book and join us for a lively discussion. To receive Zoom access details, please email bam@betham.org.

*We enjoy a partnership with Kepler's Books, which will donate a portion of your purchase back to Beth Am each time you shop – as long as you enter Kepler's site through the Beth Am website. You may also generate a contribution to Beth Am when you shop at the Kepler's Books store in Menlo Park by mentioning us at the register.