NYC Gazette

Dr. Michelle Levine, Associate Professor of Bible at YU’s Stern College for Women, is a leading scholar on the biblical commentary of Nachmanides, the foremost thirteenth-century Spanish exegete. Levine’s scholarship focuses on Nachmanides’ interpretation of biblical narrative and song. She has recently presented several papers at academic conferences in the US and in Israel at Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University. Additionally, she is completing her second book on Nachmanides’ biblical commentary.

Levine particularly appreciates Nachmanides' perceptive understanding of the integral relationship between the literary dimension of the Torah and its relevant messages and meaning. In her research on his commentary, Levine has explored Nachmanides’ analysis of the Torah’s portrayal of biblical personalities; the structure and development of a biblical story from beginning to end; and the thematic cohesiveness of a biblical song.

Inspired by Nachmanides' close readings, Levine strives to convey her passion for his commentary to her undergraduate students at Stern College and to her graduate students in the GPATS Tanach Track Master’s program. She also teaches a weekly Torah class to women in her local Queens community, spreading her knowledge of Tanach to a broader audience. “By better understanding Torah, we better understand who we are and what our task is on Earth,” Levine stated. “We have a mission, a Divine mission; we are the nation that acknowledges Hashem."

Illustrating one hallmark feature of Nachmanides’ interpretation, Levine highlights that he reads biblical text from an integrative perspective seeking out overriding motifs and ideas. “Take, for example, Nachmanides’ study of the Song of the Sea,” said Dr. Levine. “In that poem, Nachmanides observes that wind is mentioned in different contexts—both as the agent that splits the sea to save the Israelites and as the agent that brings waters back together again to drown the Egyptians.” This imagery demonstrates Hashem's omnipotence according to Nachmanides.

Nachmanides notes parallels in later narratives where Hashem acts similarly when Israelites are in wilderness situations—making undrinkable waters sweet or bringing water from rocks—demonstrating providential actions through common thematic paradigms.

In her forthcoming book focusing on wilderness narratives, Levine illustrates how Nachmanides draws attention to defining features of biblical personalities like Moshe Rabbenu’s humility when he hesitated multiple times before accepting leadership roles commanded by Hashem.

“Moshe was humblest among all people,” said Levine. “He didn’t feel he could be that leader... It was his connection with Hashem through humility which allowed him constant intercession for people.”

Through her scholarship and teaching efforts, Levine hopes to inspire students toward advanced Torah study while seeking profound messages resonant with their daily lives.