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.
