Conference taveng::bagels

788.0. ""Testament" TV Special" by CURIE::BERMAN () Wed Oct 04 1989 14:32

    Did anyone out there see the Cable television series
    entitled "Testament?"  It was a 7-8 part series, in
    which the origins of the Bible -- and formalized
    religions -- were examined. I wish I had taped it, and
    if it runs again, I will.  It presented the story of
    the Jewish people in a kind, but honest light (and
    then discussed the building of the Christian and
    Protestant faiths), shattering some myths but mostly
    fostering a lot of understanding.
    
    One of the more interesting shows concerned the
    writing of the Five Books of Moses. When the people of
    Israel were taken to Babylonia ("...by the rivers of 
    Babylon I wept..."), it was then that the leaders decided
    that the history of the Jewish people should be preserved.
    All the existing writings were gathered, new ones created
    (especially the ones giving family lines...so-and-so begat
    so-and-so...), and the leaders/rabbis went through each
    piece by piece. What we have now represents only about 1/3
    of the histories. I wonder what we missed....
    
    Regarding the Exodus, archaeologists have been unable to
    find any traces of the People of Israel who wandered for
    40 years. Yet they can find ancient fire ruins and belongings
    built by nomads thousands of years ago. If it's possible to
    find the overnight campsite of a family of nomads, why no
    trace of several thousand people, wandering for 40 years?
    
    The series surely would dismay those people who believe
    Old Testament and New Testament to be the definitive "word of
    God," yet learning the history, finding out what concepts
    the Jews borrowed from existing beliefs, and tying the
    political with the religious was exhilerating.
    
    Anyone else see it? If so, what struck you?
    leah rifka
    

    Hi,
    
    I was fortunate to have a friend who taped it. Perhaps
    duplicates could be made if anyone is interested in a
    set.
    
    Irena
    

    I would be interested in obtaining a copy. Please let me know the
    cost associated with this.
    
    Shalom
    
    Dov

    
    Dov,
    
    Thanks for your patience. Am sending you mail.
    
    Irena
    

    Irena,   
    
    I sent a brand new tape to you via inter-office this a.m.
    
    Thanks again for your help.
    
    Dov