
The Role of Snakes and Serpents in Jewish Texts
Date: January 16, 2020Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Contact: Jodi ZicklinEmail: Jodi.Zicklin@boulderjcc.org
Presented by: Rabbi Jamie Korngold
Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. In Jewish texts, the snake has a fascinating and complex role in the narrative of the Torah. They are blamed for Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, and sent to bite the Children of Israel to punish them for complaining to God in the desert. In the showdown with Pharaoh, Moses transforms his staff into a snake. Join Rabbi Jamie Korngold to look at the texts together and try to understand why the snake is so reviled. Presented in partnership with Haver, Boulder Rabbinic Council.