Dr. Diane M. Sharon: Battle of The Gods

Battle of The Gods: The Myths of Baal Vs. The God of Israel Dr. Diane M. Sharon Mondays, April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, June 1 12:00 –1:30 PM In Canaanite myth, Baal is characterized as Rider of the Clouds, Ruler of the Storm, Subduer of the Sea and Lord of Fertility. While the seat of Baal worship was destroyed in 1200 BCE, the power of its archaic traditions captivated Israelites, from farmers and herdsmen to transgressive priests and leaders, luring them to alien worship and seducing Israel into abandoning the covenant at Sinai. Over time, the language, imagery and rituals associated with Baal have come also to suffuse the worship of Israel's God. This semester we examine how the struggle between Baal and Yahweh plays out throughout the biblical story of ancient Israel from the Book of Judges through the prophets and the psalms, and how its traces mark our Jewish lives today.   The Leon Finley Course in Jewish Studies    212.507.9580 | EmanuelStreickerNYC.org