The Scrolls of Deborah, a Jewish Biblical novel – Esther Goldenberg

Episode 56.
Ever since Esther picked up the Torah in high school, she has been curious about the missing bits of scripture which bridge decades of many men’s lives and most women altogether. Her love for stories led her to imagine possible stories to fill those gaps in Torah. With scripture as inspiration, Esther’s historical fiction writing is a process of wonder and discovery. Figures and narrative turns appear seemingly unbidden in her mind. Her newest novel, The Scrolls of Deborah, is the life-story of Deborah, the nurse maid of Rebekah. A large family network surrounds those two central figures, expanding our sense of Rebekah’s family and life. By filling in the narrative gaps, Esther brings these distant biblical figures alive, giving the contemporary reader an opportunity to imagine life in biblical times.  

The Scrolls of Deborah is the first of a trilogy, and will be released in February 2024, though it is currently available for pre-order anywhere you buy your books.

Highlights:
- Raised Conservative and now follows Traditional Jewish practices her own way. 

- Imagination and creation of stories

- Connection between breath and faith

- Calls the Divine Ya, a shortened form of the Name – YHVH – normally pronounced Adonai

- Incorporates belief into daily life through breath practice

- The moon is an important celestial connection to divinity

- Daily life influenced by the Torah

 References:
Anita Diamond – The Red Tent

Sue Monk Kidd – The Book of Longings

Did Jesus Have a Baby Sister? – Dory Previn song covered by Sweet Honey in the Rock and others

Social Media links for Esther:
Website – https://www.esthergoldenberg.com

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript on Buzzsprout 

Other episodes with authors:

Lynne Golodner - Jewish novelist

Peter Young - Christian memoirs

David Green - Orthodox Jew using the Tanya

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.