Samuel David Luzzato (Shadal) as a Bible Commentator

Samuel David Luzzato (Shadal) as a Bible Commentator, by Rabbi Prof. Meir Lockshin

This shiur was given during the 2016 Tanakh Study Days at Herzog College / Yeshivat Har Etzion.

In this class, we will examine the unique approach of Shadal (Shmuel David Luzzato) in his Bible commentary. We will look at different texts that highlight interesting features in his commentary to them. He does not hold back from interpreting the pshat (plain meaning of the text) in a way that contradicts traditional Rabbinic interpretations. Occasionally, he strongly voices his opposition to Rambam (Maimonides) and the apparent influence of Greek philosophers such as Aristotle on Rambam’s comments. Luzzato’s comments also reveal ideas about equality, sexual ethics, and the conviction that the purpose of the Torah(including mitzvoth such as Loving God, is not philosophy, but action: for furthering the goal of doing and spreading justice and righteousness.