The Nursing Father: Book of the Month (Menachem Av, 5785)

For Menachem Av we have selected The Nursing Father: Moses as a Political Leader as our Book of the Month.  Written by Aaron Wildavsky, it was first published in 1984. In this work Wildavsky explores the political leadership of Moses as portrayed in the Bible. He examines the story of Moses not just as a religious narrative, but also as a case study in political leadership, arguing that it offers valuable insights into the dynamics of power and governance. The book's title, drawn from Bemidbar 11:12, itself gives an insight both into the mindset of Moshe and the author's approach.

The book's central thesis is that the Moses story can be understood as a lesson in political leadership, and that this understanding can enrich our comprehension of both biblical narratives and broader political theory. Wildavsky analyzes Moses's actions, decisions, and relationships within the context of his role as a leader of the newly-established desert nation, highlighting the challenges and complexities of his leadership. 

Wildavsky's approach to the topic is rooted in the field of political science and draws on sociological perspectives in order to analyze the political aspects of the Moses narrative. He examines how Moses navigated various political challenges, such as establishing authority, managing dissent, and mediating between different factions within the Israelite community. The book also explores the concept of the "nursing father" as a metaphor for Moses's role in nurturing and guiding Israel, both physically and politically. 

The Nursing Father has been reviewed and discussed by scholars of political science and religious studies, who have noted its provocative and insightful analysis of Moses's leadership. While some reviewers have questioned the extent to which Wildavsky's analysis fully integrates sociological theories, they generally acknowledge the book's contribution to understanding the political dimensions of the Moses story. 

You can find The Nursing Father on the shelves of the Marvin N. Hirschhorn collection, which is housed in the library of our Beit Midrash.