Pluralism in the Bible

Pluralism in the Bible
by Rabbi Lynnda Targan

“God was charitable toward the world by not endowing all talents in one place nor with one person nor with one nation, nor with one country, nor with one generation, nor with one world. But the talents are diffused… The disposition to universality always fills the hearts of the refined spirits of the human race.” — Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (Orot HaKodesh I)

The Hebrew Bible reflects the voice of Jewish heritage. Yet upon close examination there is more than one voice represented. What statement is the Bible’s multi-vocality making? What are some of the lessons that we can learn about how to live/ work in a pluralistic Jewish community based on the many voices resonating in the Bible? How do we begin to address the practical and positive implications that these lessons have for us as a diverse people? A close examination of select texts will explore these questions and more.