The Scrolls of Deborah

Rebekah is an eager student, more sister than master. With Deborah, she breathes in the name of God, stories of Sarah and the matriarchs, and tantalizing tales from distant lands: “I told her about the cats of Egypt and the red radishes and green lettuce and the sweet, juicy melons … at the market.” They grow together, traipsing desert fields and anointing each other with oil. They mark coming-of-age milestones with delight. And when Abraham sends an envoy seeking a wife for his son, they travel together to meet him. While the novel acknowledges hard realities, including era misogyny, slavery, the Akedah, and sexual assault, it does so in an unobtrusive way; its focus is more celebratory. While Deborah–who taught herself to read over Jacob’s shoulder–charges gentle Joseph with writing her stories down, they already pulse through the women of her “quite … remarkable tribe” by virtue of her determined repetition. They dance each month in ceremonies evoking Rosh Chodesh; they bind their family together, uplifting kindness and righteousness. Through their eyes, new depth is revealed in the patriarchs, too: Abraham has regrets; divine light shines forth from Isaac. In the exaltant biblical novel The Scrolls of Deborah, it is women of Abraham’s tribe who are the true storymakers.–Michelle Anne Schingler “Foreword Reviews”

Esther Goldenberg, a Chicago native now residing in Israel, is an author, educator, and mother to two children. Though once a reluctant reader, Esther’s innate fondness for captivating narratives led her to discover a deep passion for writing. Her eagerly anticipated debut novel, The Scrolls of Deborah, a work of Biblical fiction and the first installment of the Desert Songs Trilogy, is set to be published in February 2024. Alongside her writing endeavors, Esther remains committed to teaching individuals and groups of all ages, sharing her knowledge and creative insights. In her free time, she cherishes adventures with her children, enjoys communal chanting sessions with her neighbors, and revels in the serenity of nature through leisurely walks.

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