Psychological and philosophical reflections on life and humanity based on glimpses of the Bible

Interpretations of the Bible throughout the centuries

Throughout the centuries there have been various interpretations and commentaries on the Bible. Among the best known is one from the 11th century, by Rabbi Shlomo Yitschaki (known as Rashi, 1040 – 1105), a French rabbi of the Middle Ages, considered the greatest scholar to have interpreted the Old Testament. Another well-regarded interpretation of the Old Testament is of a much later date, in the 19th century, that of Moshe David Cassuto, an Italian rabbi and scholar (1883 – 1951).

Many such interpretations are primarily intended for those engaged in reading and learning the Bible and are otherwise too complicated for the average person to understand.

Bible stories told in simple language

Also, there are many books that tell the stories of the Bible in a more “simple and readable” language. Many of these books, intended for both adults and children, attempt to be accurate to the Scriptures, written in simple, understandable language, with the goal that the reader grasps and understands the main points of the stories. (I am not mentioning any examples of such stories here so as not to “advertise” any of them.)

However, Mordechai Rimor, Ph.D., psychologist, philosopher, university professor, and author of many scholarly and literary works, has found a unique way to draw our attention to the stories of the Bible. (Mordechai Rimor, Ph.D.: Variations on the Book: Glimpses of the Bible, Create Space Independent Publishing, 2012, 590 pages).

The uniqueness of Dr. Rimor’s “Variations on the Book”

“Variations on the Book” is unique in form and style, featuring short stories of one page or less. Each story is based on a verse taken from the Old or New Testament. In the more than 500 short stories in “Variations on the Book,” Dr. Rimor allows his imagination to take him beyond the “dry” interpretation of verse and toward a more poetic, interesting, and compact story. In doing so, he not only presents a unique approach (unlike many others who have tried to interpret the Bible literally), but also involves us, the readers, in visualizing the picture he draws before our eyes.

What is unique and refreshing about Dr. Rimor’s “Variations on the Book” is that he does not try to interpret the Biblical stories, nor does he try to write again or elaborate them in simple language. Rather, he takes one paragraph that catches his attention and, based on that one paragraph, crafts a short, concise fictional story, applying his own imaginative powers.

In doing so, Dr. Rimor gives us, the readers, the freedom and “permission” to use our own imagination, psychological and philosophical insight, just as he does! – engage with Bible stories in our waythus linking our own life experiences and wisdom with the stories of the Bible.

Many literary and religious scholars have long agreed on the premise that the Bible encompasses all possible “scenarios” of humanity, from love and death to betrayal and war; from faith and devotion, to sadness and joy. Dr. Rimor’s book takes note of such a well-known argument and uses his fruitful imagination to bring a new and current life perspective to many of the Bible verses.

As such, Rimor’s “Variations on the Book” hint at the educational value of the Bible, by “allowing” and encouraging us to open our eyes and imagination to the stories of the Bible, each from our own perception and life experiences.

Is there a better way to “engage” with these stories than on a personal level?