In the present work, the author explores the potential of interpretation as a key to unlocking some of the deeper, enriching meanings of the biblical texts read in the synagogue on Sabbaths and the High Holidays.

Until his retirement, Professor Murray H. Lichtenstein taught for twenty-four years in the Department of Classical and Oriental Studies at Hunter College, CUNY. He received his doctorate in ancient Semitic languages and literature from Columbia University and also studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has authored numerous studies of biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts in the scholarly journals and has contributed articles to the Encyclopedia Judaica, the Encyclopedia of Religion, and several recent books on biblical and related subjects. Dr. Lichtenstein lectured extensively before academic, adult education, religious and community groups in the New York City area and continues to do so now in South Florida.