A National Narrative

In this conversation, Professor Kass sets out the structure and frame of Exodus as a tale of national birth. He argues that the transformation of the children of Israel into the Jewish nation concentrates on three big ideas: a narrative story, a law to structure society, and a mission to accomplish. Kass and Silver then enter into the book itself and discuss the character of Moses, the nature of Egypt, the purpose of the plagues, the essence of awe and reverence, and much else.

In this conversation, Professor Kass sets out the structure and frame of Exodus as a tale of national birth. He argues that the transformation of the children of Israel into the Jewish nation concentrates on three big ideas: a narrative story, a law to structure society, and a mission to accomplish. Kass and Silver then enter into the book itself and discuss the character of Moses, the nature of Egypt, the purpose of the plagues, the essence of awe and reverence, and much else.