Uploaded: 28 Apr 2018 (8 years ago) · Shared: 13 Sep 2018
Duration: 6:38
Video Description
In this captivating discussion, renowned scholar Prophet Benjamin Sommer explores a profound intersection between Jewish theology and early biblical texts. Focusing on Genesis 18, Dr. Sommer examines how ancient perceptions of divine embodiment present a fascinating parallel to concepts often associated with the Christian Trinity. By analyzing foundational scriptures shared across the Torah, Bible, and broader Abrahamic faith traditions, this insight provides a unique lens into the early history of Judaism and ancient Near Eastern thought.
Understanding how divine presence is framed in Genesis enriches interfaith dialogue for followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike. Dr. Sommer’s rigorous academic background sheds light on deep theological questions surrounding divine multiplicity and unity. Whether you are exploring Jewish mysticism, Christian theology, or general spiritual reminders from sacred texts, this video offers an engaging, respectful, and academically rich perspective on how ancient believers understood God's manifestation in the world.
Explore More
Benjamin Sommer Judaism TrinitySearch Google Search Explore Topics
Who is Benjamin Sommer?Benjamin Sommer has long been active as a lecturer and scholar-in-residence. He is teaching rabbis, Jewish educators, and laypeople in a variety of settings in the United States and Israel. Sommer has a BA with distinction in Philosophy and in Judaic Studies, Yale University, 1986; Studies in the department of Bible at Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 1986-1987; MA, Bible and Ancient Near East, Brandeis University, 1991; PhD, with distinction, Religion/Biblical Studies, University of Chicago, 1994. Sommer joined The Jewish Theological Seminary faculty as professor of Bible in July 2008.
What is Judaism?Judaism encompasses the religion, philosophy, culture and way of life of the Jewish people. Judaism is a monotheistic religion, with the Torah as its foundational text (part of the larger text known as the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible), and supplemental oral tradition represented by later texts such as the Midrash and the Talmud. Judaism is considered by religious Jews to be the expression of the covenantal relationship that God established with the Children of Israel. Judaism includes a wide corpus of texts, practices, theological positions, and forms of organization. Within Judaism there are a variety of movements, most of which emerged from Rabbinic Judaism, which holds that God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of both the Written and Oral Torah. The Jews are an ethnoreligious group and include those born Jewish and converts to Judaism. In 2012, the world Jewish population was estimated at about 14 million, or roughly 0.2% of the total world population. About 42% of all Jews reside in Israel and about 42% reside in the United States and Canada, with most of the remainder living in Europe.
What is Trinity?The Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Latin: trinus "threefold") holds that God is one God, but three coeternal consubstantial persons or hypostases. These being the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit - as "one God in three Divine Persons". The three Persons are distinct, yet are one "substance, essence or nature" (homoousios).
