Robert Alter in Conversation · Approaching the 45th Anniversary of "The Art of Biblical Narrative"

Jewish tradition teaches that Torah has 70 faces, encouraging us to discover its manifold truths. Few modern books have revealed a new face of Torah as powerfully as Robert Alter’s The Art of Biblical Narrative. Published in 1981, it challenged readers to see the Hebrew Bible not solely as a theological text or historical document, but as a sophisticated and breathtaking work of literary art. For many, it forever changed how they understood the sacred text.

Now, nearly 45 years after its publication, we are honored to host Robert Alter for a conversation with New Lehrhaus executive director Robby Adler Peckerar, reflecting on the book's enduring legacy. As part of Limmud North America's Global Day of Jewish Learning, join us to explore the book's inspiration, initial reception, its lasting impact, and the continued relevance of a literary approach to sacred texts.