“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And in the land of Caanan the Word grew into language, spoken as a bond between people. Carved into bone and papyrus, into clay, onto animal hide, and later onto paper, the Word gave shape to human hopes and fears, to knowledge and wisdom, passed on through generations. The Word grew in human imagination, weaving its way through prophecies and commandments, poetry and politics. Enshrined in the Torah, enhanced by the Talmud and Mishna, it inspired, enlightened and instructed far beyond Caanan, becoming a living presence among the people.

(Poem by Stefanie Etzbach-Dale, adapted from the writings of Inge Etzbch)