A Controversy Among the Sages - Dr. Asael Abelman

Special study for Shavuot 2020 with Dr. Asael Abelman, a professor at Herzog College and Shalem College

The opening story of the Book of Ruth describes a family leaving the land of Israel and moving to Moav [Moab], staying there for almost ten years, with the sons of the family marrying local women. This is not the most important aspect of the Book of Ruth, but nontheless it is clear that this behavior is criticized by the text. This issue will lead us to examine later Jewish texts from the Talmud that deal with the conflict between Sages living in Israel, and Sages living in Babylon.

Dr. Asael Abelman is a professor at Herzog College and Shalem College.