A Skirball Academy Class
Dr. Mark Weisstuch
Rembrandt: Painting the Bible
In numerous paintings, etchings and drawings, the renowned 17th-century Dutch master Rembrandt rendered a broad range of scenes from the Bible, including exquisite depictions of Abraham and Moses, Jacob, Joseph and Samson at key moments in their biblical lives. His images are not only moving and inspiring; they reflect profound theological insight. In this course, we will analyze his biblical corpus to explore how that insight enabled him to transform familiar biblical episodes into fresh, inventive midrash-like commentary. We will also discuss the man himself and his relationship to the Jews of Amsterdam, with whom he had such a seemingly special bond that he is often referred to as the “Jewish Rembrandt.” Is this historically accurate or an aspirational, romanticized myth?
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 29,
December 6
$180, $120 Temple Emanu-El members
Free for Friends of Streicker
Dr. Mark W. Weisstuch has been on the faculty of the Skirball Academy since its inception. Over the last several years, he has focused on the Second Temple period, teaching classes on the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Jewish origins of Christianity, the early roots of Jewish mysticism and the composition of the Bible.
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 29,
December 6
$180, $120 Temple Emanu-El members
Free for Friends of Streicker
In numerous paintings, etchings and drawings, the renowned 17th-century Dutch master Rembrandt rendered a broad range of scenes from the Bible, including exquisite depictions of Abraham and Moses, Jacob, Joseph and Samson at key moments in their biblical lives. His images are not only moving and inspiring; they reflect profound theological insight. In this course, we will analyze his biblical corpus to explore how that insight enabled him to transform familiar biblical episodes into fresh, inventive midrash-like commentary. We will also discuss the man himself and his relationship to the Jews of Amsterdam, with whom he had such a seemingly special bond that he is often referred to as the “Jewish Rembrandt.” Is this historically accurate or an aspirational, romanticized myth?
Dr. Mark W. Weisstuch has been on the faculty of the Skirball Academy since its inception. Over the last several years, he has focused on the Second Temple period, teaching classes on the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Jewish origins of Christianity, the early roots of Jewish mysticism and the composition of the Bible.