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ix Dedication and Acknowledgments I DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO THE MEMORY OF TWO GREAT SOULS. The first is my beloved wife, Rivka, who died on the first day of the month of Nisan 5763 (April 3, 2003), after three years of heroic struggle with cancer. Rivka studied philosophy and computer science at Bar Ilan University, educational psychology at Rutgers University, and classics and cognitive science at the Hebrew University. She integrated all her various fields of study and knowledge in her work at the International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential, where she founded and directed the computer institute. The book is also dedicated to the memory of my uncle, after whom I was named: Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Olesker, who was killed in Poland during the Holocaust. He was ordained as a rabbi in the Rabbinical Seminary at Vienna and earned his Ph.D. in Jewish history at the University of Vienna. My late uncle and my late wife both had great love for Torah. They overcame many difficulties during their lives, and had an enormous devotion and strong will that enabled x them to surmount these obstacles. Sadly, the two of them died at a young age, before they could fulfill their plans and hopes. I am glad that I can dedicate this study of the Hebrew Bible and early Judaism to their blessed memories. I could not have brought this book to its final form without the help and excellent work of my editor, Dr. Herb Levine. The book has benefited greatly from his deep knowledge of the Hebrew Bible and his unique editorial skills. My thanks also to my former student and dear friend, Ms. Margot Pritzker, who read the entire manuscript and gave me valuable comments. I received support in the writing and publication of this book from various foundations and individuals. Parts of the book were translated from the Hebrew by my former student, Dr. Azan Meir-Levi, now Professor of Talmud at Rutgers University . This translation was funded by the Yad Hanadiv Foundation. The publication of the book was subsidized by a dear friend who wants to keep his anonymity and by the Wolfson Foundation at the Hebrew University. The Shalom Hartman Institute and its director, Rabbi Prof. David Hartman , provided me with excellent working conditions and a stimulating environment. Finally, I would like to thank the Jewish Publication Society ; the editor-in-chief, Dr. Ellen Frankel; the publishing director , Carol Hupping; and their staff for their patience and good work. Israel Knohl Department of Bible Hebrew University Jerusalem DEDICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...

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