This collection of essays is his first of now three collections that he has published. The collection is separated into two different parts, methodology and articles on various topics. Rabbi Angel seamlessly uses the methodology stated in the first section in his articles in the second. What is fascinating is Rabbi Angel’s ability to learn through many different means and texts. The articles on methodology go through very different speakers including Nehama Leibowitz, Rabbi Samet and the Rambam. Simultaneously, Rabbi Angel is able to use seemingly conflicting methodologies depending on the situation. He uses the extreme text based study of texts of Nehama Leibowitz, the literary study of Tanach of Rabbi Samet, and will sometimes read things allegorically based on the rational teachings of the Rambam. Rabbi Angel also allows himself of many other ways and methods of learning. He also uses Haftarot and any other biblical texts that can lend themselves in giving light onto the text he is studying. Rabbi Angel is even able to look at the archeological and other finds in his studies. He specifically uses this to find out how Sodom was destroyed. Assuming that G-d would have done the destruction naturally causes problems for the plain meaning of the text. The brimstone has no basis in the findings so far. Rabbi Angel displays a fascinating view; perhaps an earthquake destroyed Sodom. However, Rabbi Angel still takes into account the plain reading of the text that the destruction came from heaven. From both Biblical and other sources, Rabbi Angel shows that the ancient people believed that earthquakes came from heaven. In general, it is truly rare to see a person that is truly trying to find the essence of the text. Rabbi Angel is not focused on using his specific methodology; rather, he is focused on using whatever necessary to get the best explanation of the text that he can. This truly intellectually honest approach is something to behold. What was (and continues to be in his classes in Yeshiva College) most fascinating was the way he views learning Tanach. To Rabbi Angel, Tanach is not a text that we are just supposed to study and learn. It is a way of life that we are supposed to gain lessons from and live our lives based on them. This is seen in his article on Avraham. He goes through the different stories of Avraham’s relationship with G-d. Rabbi Angel, by going through all of the examples, shows how while Avraham truly is the exemplar of faith, he did not fully accept everything G-d said. Rather, we are allowed and supposed to question G-d, as long as we follow His commandments as Avraham always did. While is clear from this article in particular, in all of the articles it becomes evident that Rabbi Angel does not just learn Bible in the classroom or library. The Tanach is a way of life, something he looks at for everything.
