AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
Question Is there any proof acceptable to historians that Moses existed? How about the exodus? Any archeological proof?
Answer Dear David,
This is a long-standing academic discussion for Bible scholars, modern and traditional.
Those who operate from a fundamentalist faith perspective believe that Moses existed, that the narratives are historically true and happened as written,
There are Bible scholars who maintain that the court historians of King David's court who consolidated the historical legends, myths, memories, etc. of the previous centuries into the Biblical books leading to his ascension to the throne. Roughly speaking, for him or by his requests, his royal lineage and rights were proven, in addition to his rights to the conquered lands.
There are archaeological findings leading to speculation that have been interpreted by these two opinions to support their conclusions - as well as other Bible academic interpretations.
For an in-depth study, check the appropriate entries in the new Encyclopedia Judaica for Moses and the Exodus or the Anchor Bible Dictionary.
The index of Bible Review and Bible Arachaeology Review both would have articles dealing with this subject. These articles may also be on-line by topic and available through Google.
Best wishes for what will be a somewhat lengthy study, but certainly worthwhile.
