Prof. Kenneth Seeskin
Northwestern University
Prof. Kenneth Seeskin is Professor of Philosophy and Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor of Jewish Civilization at Northwestern University. He received his Ph.D in Philosophy from Yale University in 1972 and has been at Northwestern ever since. He specializes in the rationalist tradition in Jewish philosophy with an emphasis on Maimonides. Publications include Maimonides on the Origin of the World (CUP, 2005), Jewish Messianic Thoughts in an Age of Despair (CUP, 2012), and Thinking about the Torah: A Philosopher Reads the Bible (JPS, 2016).
Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Articles by Author
“The” Message of the Akedah?
Interpretations of the binding of Isaac all suffer from a common fault: they fail to consider the ambiguities and unanswered questions of the story. Rather than a simple lesson or theological conclusion, the story leaves us with a deep and abiding perplexity, even anxiety.
Did YHWH Speak to Moses Face to Face?
But doesn’t YHWH tell Moses that “no human can see me and live”(Exodus 33:20)?
A Relationship with God Is Not Enough: Adam Needed Eve
Human perfection cannot be achieved only through intellectual and spiritual development, but requires companionship and physical intimacy.
What Did the People Hear at Mount Sinai?
The answer, or lack thereof, teaches us something important about the meaning and limits of divine revelation.
Prophecy and Legislation After Moses
Deuteronomy promises the Israelites that God will continue sending prophets “like Moses.” But if the Torah’s legislation cannot be adjusted, what is the role of later prophets? And how can all the changes to Torah law made by the rabbis be justified?
The Tabernacle: A Concession to Human Religious Needs?
Why does God need an opulent dwelling, with precious metals and jewels, and priests with lush colored outfits? According to Maimonides, God doesn’t; it is we who need it.
When Did the Bible Become Monotheistic?
It is often said that monotheism is one of Judaism’s greatest contributions to Western culture; however, it is far from clear that the Hebrew Bible is monotheistic. What is monotheism and when did it first develop?
