“This is an excellent introduction to law through biblical stories. At the same time, it is also a wonderful introduction to the Hebrew Bible through legal thinking.”
— Vered Karti Shemtov, Stanford University
"The Bible, much like the law itself, has always needed learned interpreters to help us navigate our way through the mazes of its myriad meanings. Barak-Erez is one such guide and her book is full of wisdom—and wisdom, as we are told, is worth more than gold (Proverbs 16:16)."— Adam Tomkins, University of Glasgow, Law and Liberty
“In 127 crystal-clear readings, at once accessible and erudite, Daphne Barak-Erez has given us more than a contemporary guide to reading the Bible, or even a non-fundamentalist handbook for applying the Bible to 21st-century law: this is a textbook in how to think historically, humanely, and honestly.”
— Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, Howard M. Holtzmann Jewish Chaplain at Yale
“. . . takes well known biblical stories and trains the attention onto their legal significance, thereby offering a fresh and fascinating way of understanding them. Barak-Erez’ deep and deft analysis challenges us to think about the legal issues as if they happened today, understand their intricacy, and reflect upon the outcome.”
— Pnina Lahav, Boston University
"The book takes what could be misunderstood as a polarizing religious text, which “belongs” to some but not to others, and shows how lawyers – all lawyers – can and should read it as lawyers to help address and resolve difficult contemporary challenges. In this way, Barak-Erez has authored an important book that shows how lawyers can play an important role in overcoming religious, political and cultural divides by thinking like lawyers and role modeling commitment to public citizenship, the rule of law, justice and inclusivity."— Legal Profession JOTWELL - The Journal of Things We Like (Lots), Eli Wald, Biblical Insights for Lawyers
“Daphne Barak-Erez illuminates our thinking about a myriad of contemporary problems by offering us concise analysis of parallels from the Hebrew Bible. Her clarity, even-handedness, and pragmatic narratives enable readers to appreciate the longevity of the challenges of judging, governance, and fairness and the reasons to know but not be locked into ancient responses.”
— Judith Resnik, Arthur Liman Professor of Law, Yale Law School