LECTURES

“The story of Clemency comes from a strange episode in Genesis that many people have puzzled over for years. What is the significance of it? What is the meaning of it?” – James MacMillan

Composer James MacMillan joins Dr. Jonathan P. Decter, Edmond J. Safra Professor of Sephardic Studies at Brandeis University, in conversation to explore the story of Abraham and Sarah, their charged encounter with three mysterious travelers, and the exile of Hagar and the dying Ishmael. Discover how the story has played a prominent role in the histories of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and inspired BLO’s Opera Annex production Clemency.

Jonathan P. Decter currently teaches Introduction to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam