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The modern phenomenon of fan fiction involves readers writing creative pieces that answer questions left open in favorite works of literature. This also describes the ancient tradition of midrash, where readers write stories filling in gaps in the Bible.
Fan Fiction on the Book of Genesis discusses the questions left open in the first book of the Bible, and includes questions for the characters in the stories, which can serve as prompts for conversations or creative writing. It is perfect for anyone interested in reading Bible stories through a new and creative lens, people who enjoy creative writing and want to challenge themselves to write fan fiction/midrash on the Bible, and people who teach classes on the Bible and want ideas for discussion topics and questions.
“In Fan Fiction on the Book of Genesis: A Guide to Close Reading of and Creative Writing on the Bible, Sarah Rosenson asks deep and provocative questions of a rich selection of biblical texts. These questions model a deeply Jewish (midrashic) approach and they elevate intriguing aspects of human dynamics and encourage reflections on a range of aspects of human nature, emotions, and concerns. These questions also often elicit novel readings and interesting perspectives. Throughout, Rosenson engages productively with intriguing contemporary art, literature, and thought. This book will be of interest to anyone seeking to explore Genesis in ever deeper ways.”
—Dean Bell, President and CEO, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership
“Genesis is the first and foundational book of the Bible, revered by both Jewish and Christian communities. Its stories impart ancient wisdom that remains relevant for today. In Fan Fiction on the Book of Genesis, Sarah Rosenson insightfully and creatively guides readers through the fascinating plots and characters of Genesis, stimulating their thinking and imaginations to recognize how Genesis impacts their lives today.”
—Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies
Westmont College
“Fan Fiction on Genesis takes you into the classroom of a master educator, Sarah Rosenson. As she unpacks some of the juiciest narratives from the Book of Genesis, she takes her students on a journey that includes multiple perspectives on each story: from classical paintings of the masters, to works of fiction, to insights from the fields of psychology, human development and family systems. Rosenson poses dozens of questions to the main characters of each story. Every question is an invitation for the reader to consider the moral implications of how Biblical personalities behaved. Rosenson’s fresh take on how to teach Bible is a joy to read and an important contribution to the field.”
—Rabbi Sid Schwarz, author of Jewish Megatrends: Charting the Course of the American Jewish Future and Founding Rabbi of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation (Bethesda, MD)
Sarah Rosenson has a B.A. from Georgetown University, a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.A. in Jewish Studies from the Spertus Institute. She practiced law for a decade, and then taught classes on ethics, philosophy, the Bible, and world religions at a private high school. She currently teaches adults both in-person and online for various institutions around the country.
Classes Sarah has created and taught include Artistic Depictions of the Bible from Michelangelo to Chagall, Difficult Stories of Women in the Bible, Children’s Bible Stories for Adults, Ethics Thought Experiments, Ethics in Modern Life, Ethics and Sports, Jane Austen and Philosophy, and The Hobbit and Philosophy, among other topics.
You can find her website at www.sarahsclass.net.
Acknowledgements
Fan Fiction on the Bible: How to Use This Book
Adam and Eve: Genesis Chapter 3
Noah, His Family, and His Neighbors: Genesis 6:5 through 9:17
Abram, Sarai, and Hagar: Genesis Chapters 16 and 17
Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael: Genesis 18:1-15, and 21:1-21
Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Ishmael: Genesis 22:1-19
Rebecca: Genesis Chapter 24
Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Esau: Genesis 25:21-34 and 27:1 through 28:9
Jacob, Rachel, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah: Genesis 28:10 through Chapter 31
Jacob and Esau Reunited: Genesis Chapters 32, 33, and 35
Joseph from Childhood to Slavery: Genesis Chapter 37
Joseph in Potiphar’s House and in Prison: Genesis Chapters 39 and 40
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams: Genesis Chapter 41
Joseph Tests His Brothers: Genesis Chapters 42 through 44
The Family Reunited: Genesis Chapters 45 through 48, and Chapter 50
About the Author