Michelle J. Levine, PhD

137-72 70th Road  Flushing, NY 11367  (718) 896-2856  [email protected] Education Doctorate, Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, New York University, New York, NY Jan. 2000 Major: Medieval Biblical Minor: Medieval Dissertation: The Poetics of Characterization in Nahmanides' Commentary on Genesis Dissertation Committee: Robert Chazan (advisor); Yael Feldman; Elliot Wolfson Master of Science, Bible, University, Bernard Revel Graduate School, New York, NY Jan. 1987 Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Summa cum Laude with Honors in Biology, College, CUNY, Brooklyn, NY June 1984 Jerusalem College for Women, Michlalah, Jerusalem, Israel 1980-82

Teaching Experience Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women, Associate Professor of Bible; Received Tenure: 2009 Fall 2001-2014 Advanced Courses: Northern French Medieval Commentators (Honors); Nahmanides’ Literary Approach to the Bible (Honors); Philosophy and Theology of Meir Leibush Malbim (Honors); The Exegetical Methodology of R. Obadiah Sforno (Honors); Book of Genesis- Creation and Beyond; Women of the Book of Genesis; Book of Exodus-The Story of Moses; Book of Exodus- Redemption and The Acceptance of the ; Book of Judges; Book of Isaiah; Song of Songs; ;

Stella K. Abraham Yeshiva High School for Girls, Hewlett Bay Park, NY 1994-2001 Courses: Bible -Honors; Regents Biology

Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women, Instructor, Bible 1986-1989

Publications Book Nahmanides on Genesis:The Art of Biblical Portraiture, Brown Judaic Studies 350 (Brown University Press, 2009) Reviewed by George Savran in: Review of Biblical Literature by the Society of Biblical Literature (March 2013) Articles "Parshas Shemos" in: Torah Insights: Divrei Torah on the Parshiot Hashavua by Leading and Teachers, eds. Bertram Leff and Yisroel Epstein (New York: Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, 2000), 79-80.

“Maimonides' Philosophical Exegesis of the Nobles' Vision (Exodus 24): A Guide for the Pursuit of Knowledge” Torah u-Madda Journal 11 (2002-03): 61-106.

“The Inner World of Biblical Character Explored in Nahmanides' Commentary on Genesis” Journal of 56/2 (Autumn 2005): 306-334.

“Nahmanides’ Literary Approach to Biblical Narrative: Varied Repetition in the Joseph Story” Torah u-Madda Journal 13 (2005): 88-127.

"From Darkness to Light, From Slavery to Redemption" in: Pesach To-Go (New York: Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future, 2009), 39-46.

“Ramban on the Dynamics of the Biblical Dialogue in the Book of Genesis” in: Between Rashi and Maimonides: Themes in Medieval Jewish Thought, Literature and Exegesis, eds. Ephraim Kanarfogel and Moshe Sokolow (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2010), 365-399.

"The Cognitive, Emotional, and Sensory Experience of the Yamim Nora'im: The Message of the Akedah" in: Rosh Hashana To-Go (New York: Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future, 2010), 31-39.

“Va-Yera: The Potency of Prayer" in: Mitokh Ha-Ohel: Essays on the Weekly Parashah from the Rabbis and Professors of Yeshiva University, eds. Daniel Feldman and Stuart Halpern (New York: Michael Scharf Publication Trust of Yeshiva University Press, 2010), 45-60.

“Nahamu Nahamu Ami: Finding Comfort in Exile” in: Tisha Be-Av To Go (New York: Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future, 2011), 34-43.

“Yeshayahu’s Call to Prophecy and Ma’amad Har Sinai” in: From Within the Tent: The Haftarot: Haftarot Mi-Tokh Ha-Ohel- Essays on the Weekly Haftarah Reading from the Rabbis and Professors of Yeshiva University, eds. Daniel Feldman and Stuart Halpern (New York: Michael Scharf Publication Trust of Yeshiva University Press, 2011), 147-62.

“Character, Characterization, and Intertextuality in Nahmanides’ Commentary on Biblical Narrative” Hebrew Studies Journal 53 (2012), 261-282.

“Moshe Rabbenu at Ma’amad Har Sinai: Ascending and Descending the Mountain” Shavuot To Go (New York: Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future, May 2012), 24-31.

“Ramban’s Integrative Reading of Biblical Narrative” Conversations: Where the Yeshiva Meets the University: Traditional and Academic Approaches to Tanakh Study, edited by Rabbi Hayyim J. Angel, Issue 15, Winter 2013, 154-167.

“The Berakhah of Yotzer Or: The Light of Creation, the Light of Redemption” From Within the Tent: The Weekday Prayers [Mi-Tokh Ha-Ohel: Tefillat Chol], eds. Daniel Feldman and Stuart Halpern (New York: Michael Scharf Publication Trust of Yeshiva University Press, 2014), 139-154.

Invited Conference Papers "The Inner World of Biblical Character Explored in Nahmanides' Commentary on Genesis" Annual Conference of the Association for Jewish Studies Dec. 2001

"Rabbinic and Spanish Exegesis in Nahmanides' Biblical Commentary: Variant Repetition in the Joseph Story" Annual Conference of the Association for Jewish Studies Dec. 2002

"Organization and Classification in Nahmanides’ Biblical Commentary: The Role of Introductory Qualifiers" Annual Conference of the Association for Jewish Studies Dec. 2003

"Nahmanides on the Dynamics of Biblical Dialogue in the Book of Genesis" International Conference sponsored by Cardozo School of Law and Stern College for Women: "Between Rashi and Maimonides- Themes in Medieval Jewish Law, Thought, and Culture" Nov. 2004

“The Literary Role of Character Epithets Explored in Nahmanides’ Commentary on Genesis” (Hebrew) The Fourteenth World Congress of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, Israel Aug. 2005

"Intertextuality in Nahmanides' Biblical Commentary: Making Connections Between Texts" Annual Conference of the National Association of the Professors of Hebrew (NAPH) July 2010

“Nahmanides’ Structural Analysis of the Pattern and Design of Biblical Narrative” Annual Conference of the Association for Jewish Studies Dec. 2011

“The Art and Meaning of Biblical Poetry in Nahmanides’ Biblical Commentary” (Hebrew) The Sixteenth World Congress of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, Israel July 2013

Chairperson for Academic Conferences “New Perspectives on the History of Northern French Biblical Exegesis”: Chair for Session for “Bible and the History of Biblical Interpretation,” 45TH Annual Conference for the Association for Jewish Studies Dec. 2013

Journal/Grant Reviewer Evaluator for Israel Science Foundation for a research grant for scholarship on biblical exegesis March 2008 Anonymous reviewer for submitted articles, Journal of Jewish Studies (Oxford, England) March 2012 January 2014 Sept. 2014 Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis Advisor Mentor for Bachelor’s Honors Thesis, S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program, Stern College "The Historical Contexts and Intrinsic Relationship of Isaiah 13 and Isaiah 14:1-2" 2003-04 "Rashbam's Peshat Methodology" 2009-10 "Exploring Fear of God in the Bible" 2009-10 “Seeking Patterns in the Biographies of the Judean Kings in the Books of Kings and Chronicles” 2011-12 “Midrashic Techniques Explored in the Exegetical Methodology of Rashi’s Commentary” 2012-13 “Nature’s Best Medicine: The Emerging Use of Natural Chemicals to Mediate Phenotypic Effects of Familial Dysautonomia” (Second Reader) 2013

Adult Education “Women in the Bible”- Weekly Lecture Series, Holliswood, NY 2011-2013 Women's Weekly Bible and Biblical Exegesis Lecture Series, Kew Gardens Hills, NY 2000-2014 Torah Seminars, New York, NY 1999-2001 Shalhevet Torah Institute for Women, Queens, NY 1991-1994

Yeshiva University and Community Sponsored Lectures Lectures extensively for and Jewish organizations as well as for Yeshiva University public forums on diverse Bible and Biblical Exegesis topics and on seasonal themes related to Jewish tradition. Selected Lectures From 2005-Present “The Special Qualities of Divine Providence in the Philosophy of Rabbi Meir Leibush Malbim” Cong. Etz Chaim Shavuot Day of Learning , Kew Gardens Hills, NY May 2005

“The Path of Repentance in the Bible” Yom Kippur Annual Lecture, Cong. Ahavas Yisrael, Kew Gardens Hills, NY Oct. 2005

“Song of Songs: A Love Song for the Ages and Rashi’s Commentary” Cong Ohab Zedek Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Belle Harbor, NY April 2006

“Tools for Learning Ramban’s Commentary on the Torah” Scholar in Residence, Cong. Etz Chaim, Kew Gardens Hills, NY May 2006

“Signs of the Times: Nahmanides’ Archetypal Characterization of the Patriarchs” Cong. Etz Chaim Rosh Chodesh Lecture Series, Kew Gardens Hills, NY Jan. 2007

“The Celebration of Tu Bishvat: The Miracle of Nature” Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon Lecture Jan. 2007

“The Sacrifice or Sanctification of Yiftach and His Daughter” Day of Learning, Yeshiva University Yom Iyyun Feb. 2008

“Why Begin The Torah with the Creation Story” Scholar in Residence, Young Israel of Southfield, Detroit, Michigan Nov. 2008 Congregation Ohel Yitzhak, Kew Gardens Hills, Simchat Torah Lecture Oct. 2014

“Nahmanides’ Insights into the Inner World of the Biblical Personalities” Scholar in Residence, Young Israel of Southfield, Detroit, Michigan Nov. 2008

“The Potency, Privilege, and Parameters of Prayer in the Book of Genesis” Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Monsey, NY May 2009

“The Nexus between Torah and Creation” Yeshiva University Yom Rishon Five Towns, NY Lecture May 2009 Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon May 2013

“The Story of Achsah (Judges, Chapter 1): A Warrior Groom and A Bride as Prize” Cong. Etz Chaim Rosh Chodesh Lecture Series, Kew Gardens Hills, NY Feb 2010

“The Book of Daniel: Tanakh be-Shanah [An Overview Course]” Young Israel Of North Woodmere, NY Feb 2010

“Redemption, Restoration, and Remembrance in the Book of Ruth” Stern College Weekend Shabbaton, sponsored by Torah Activities Council April 2010 Shavuot Lecture, Queens, NY May 2010

“The Song at the Sea and the Song of Deborah: Triumph, Celebration, and Praise” Cong. Ohab Zedek Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Belle Harbor, NY April 2010

“The Literary Study of Biblical Character in Nahmanides’ Commentary” Scholar in Residence, Cong. Brothers of Israel, Long Branch, NJ July 2010 Scholar in Residence, Young Israel of Jamaica Estates July 2012

“Isaiah: Prophet of Rebuke, Prophet of Consolation” Scholar in Residence, Cong. Brothers of Israel, Long Branch, NJ July 2010

“The Ritual of Repentance: The Avodah of Yom ha-Kippurim” Stern College for Women, Lecture for Torah Activities Council Sept. 2010 Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon Lecture Sept. 2011

“The Persona of “Mrs. Noah” Simchat Torah Lecture, Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, NY Oct. 2010

“Chanukah: A Celebration of Torah She’be’al Peh” Yeshiva University Kollel, Midreshet Yom Rishon for Women, Toronto, Canada Nov. 2010

“Woman of Folly, Woman of Valor: A Feminine Perspective on the Book of Proverbs” Cong Etz Chaim Rosh Chodesh Lecture Series, Kew Gardens Hills, NY; Dec. 2010 Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon Lecture March 2012

“Jacob and Esau: A Tale of Two Brothers” Queens College Hillel Dec. 2010

“Forging Our Nation’s Identity: Lessons from Exile and Redemption” Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon Lecture Dec. 2010

“Seeking the Literary Unity of the Book of Esther and What It Means for You” Stern College for Women, Beren Unite Weekend Shabbaton Feb. 2011

“Finding Joy and Happiness as a Galut ” Stern College for Women, Lecture for Torah Activities Council Feb. 2011

“Stability and Discord in the Book of Esther” Yom Iyyun on Purim- Yeshiva University Day of Learning March 2011

“The Creation and Fashioning of Woman in the Book of Genesis” Holliswood, NY Women's Learning Group March 2011

“From Darkness to Light, From Slavery to Redemption” Cong. Ohel Yizhak Passover Lecture, Kew Gardens Hills, NY April 2011

“Righteous Women, A Wicked King, and the Story of the Haggadah” Holliswood, NY Women’s Learning Group April 2011

“The Case of the Inverted Nuns: A Lesson in Emunah” Cong. Ohab Zedek Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Belle Harbor, NY May 2011 Shavuot Lecture, Queens, NY May 2011

“Walking in the Path of the First Baal Teshuvah” Dvar Torah for Yamim Noraim, Center for Jewish Future Recording, Yeshiva University Aug. 2011

“Purchase, Possession, and Perpetuity: Our Hebron (Genesis 23)” Lower Merion Midreshet Yom Rishon, Wynnewood, PA Nov. 2011

“The Road to Redemption: The Bittersweet Taste of Freedom” Cong. Ohab Zedek Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Belle Harbor, NY; Feb. 2012 Cong. Etz Chaim Rosh Chodesh Lecture Series, Kew Gardens Hills, NY March 2014

“The Na’aseh ve-Nishma Jew in R. Obadiah Sforno’s Philosophical Exegesis” TAC/SOY Shabbaton, Yeshiva University April 2012

“Where was Moshe Rabbenu Standing when the Torah was Given?” Shavuot Lecture, Queens, NY May 2012

“Kiddush Hashem in the Book of Daniel” Lessons for Three Weeks” Scholar in Residence, Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, NY July 2012 Cong. Ohab Zedek Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Belle Harbor, NY August 2012

“The Proper Practice of Repentance in the Haftarot of the Three Weeks” Young Israel of St. Louis, Missouri, Memorial Lecture for the Sarah Adelman Memorial Fund July, 2012

“Bone of My Bones, Flesh of My Flesh” (Genesis 2) Cong. Ohel Yizhak, Kew Gardens Hills, NY, Simchat Torah Oct. 2012

“Character, Characterization, and Nahmanides’ Literary Analysis of the Genesis Narratives” Young Israel of Riverdale, NY, Rosh Chodesh Lecture Nov. 2012

“The Na’aseh ve-Nishma Jew: R. Obadiah Sforno’s Conception of the Ideal Jew” Shavuot Lecture, Queens, NY May 2013

“The Women of the Book of Judges: Reflections of Their Times” Scholar In Residence, Young Israel of Oceanside, NY June 2013

“Ha’azinu: The Song of Tisha Be-Av” Cong. Ohab Zedek, Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Belle Harbor, NY July 2013

“Testimony for the Generations: Ramban’s Analysis of the Song of Ha’azinu (Deut. 32)” (Hebrew) Efrat, Israel August 2013

“Walking in the Paths of Biblical Ba’alei Teshuvah” Stern College Orientation Shabbaton August, 2013

“The Power of Prayer in Genesis 20” Congregation Ohel Yitzhak, Kew Gardens Hills, NY, Simchat Torah Shiur Sept. 2013 “The Familial and the Leadership Roles of Miriam” Holliswood, NY Women’s Learning Group Nov. 2013

“Of Vineyards and Grapes: Yeshayahu’s Song” Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon Dec. 2013

“The Berachot before the Recitation of Shema: The Blessing of Light, The Promise of Redemption” Cong. Ohab Zedek Rosh Chodesh Lecture, Belle Harbor, NY April 2014

“Revealing the Light of Redemption through Our Prayers” Shavuot Lecture, Queens, NY June 2014 Orientation Lecture, Stern College for Women August 2014

“The Literary Resourcefulness of Biblical Repetition in the Thought of Ramban” Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School, Yemei Iyun on Bible and Jewish Thought June 2014

“Entering the Hearts and Minds of the Biblical Figures Through Ramban’s Commentary” Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School, Yemei Iyun on Bible and Jewish Thought June 2014

“The Message of the Menorah in R. Obadiah Sforno’s Religious Thought” Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon Dec. 2014

“The Illuminating Miracle of Chanukah” Stern College Torah Activities Council Lecture Dec. 2014

“The Blessing of Light” Ohel Sara Amen Group, Five Towns, NY Dec. 2014

Teaching Awards Senior Class Jewish Studies Professor of the Year Award May 2011

Educational Awards and Scholarships E. Billi Ivry Summer Research Grant, Stern College 2003, 2006 Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship in Jewish Studies, National Foundation for 1999-2000 Doctoral Fellowship, Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture 1998-1999 Rose Tuition Fellowship, New York University 1988-1991 Bernard Revel Graduate School Fellowship, Yeshiva University 1984-1985 Award, Brooklyn College 1984 Biology Award, Brooklyn College 1984 Sigma XI Honor Society 1984

Yeshiva University Faculty Involvement Member of Israel Task Force Committee, Yeshiva University 2003 Member of Committee on Academic Standards 2009-2013 Participant at Stern College Open House for Prospective Students 2003, -05,-07 Faculty Participant in the Stern College Metropolitan Experience 2004, -05, -07, -09, -11, -12 Guest Faculty for weekend Shabbaton, Stern College 2001, -02, -04, 2008-2013 Writer of Recommendations for students applying to varied Graduate Schools, Summer Internships, and Israel programs 2001-14 Honors Program Interviews 2008, 2012 Freshman Phonathon 2009, 2011

Community Educational Involvement Jewish Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Board of Education Yeshiva of Central Queens, Kew Gardens Hills, NY 1999-2011

Memberships Member of Association for Jewish Studies (AJS) Member of the National Association for Professors of Hebrew Language and Literature (NAPH) Member of the World Union of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, Israel

Languages Fluency in Hebrew Reading Knowledge of French, German, and Latin