Lishma: Sacred Story, Calculated Power: A Critical Reading of King David's Rise to Power with Assaf

King David is one of the most complex and influential figures in the Bible, Jewish Civilization and world culture – and also one of the most politically sophisticated.

This course offers a close, critical reading of the biblical story of David’s rise to power as told mainly in the books of Samuel, situating David firmly in the political, cultural, and military realities of the ancient Near East.

Through biblical scholarship, historical context, and literary analysis, we will explore how David emerges as a leader, skillfully combining symbolism, religion, story and relationships to establish and legitimize his rule. We will examine how David negotiates a volatile and chaotic world, how he acquires power, neutralizes rivals, manages internal dissent, and – perhaps most importantly – structures power in new ways that allow his dynasty to endure for centuries. Assaf Gamzou is an educator, researcher, and curator specializing in Jewish thought and popular culture. He has served as Director of Education at the ANU – Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv and has taught courses in Jewish education, Museum pedagogy and philosophy at Tel Aviv University, Shenkar and Seminar HaKibutzim. He currently works as VP of Engagement at UJA Toronto.