Abraham, the Man and the Symbol: A Jungian Interpretation of the Biblical Story

Abraham the man was God's chosen one-chosen to impart the belief in one God to a pagan society and to bring forth a new nation in the Promised Land. Abraham the symbol shows that we all have a mission if we will heed the call from the voice of Self.

Abraham's relevance today extends far beyond the Jewish, Christian, and Moslem people and religious historians. His journey symbolically shows all people the personal and collective meaning in the story of every life.

Like Abraham, individuals interested in spiritual growth must connect their human condition to something higher. Abraham, as interpreted through the Jungian viewpoint, provides guidance in the struggle for meaning, answering God's call, the courage to sacrifice, and communicating with God.

"I was deeply impressed by the way the image of Abraham our father is presented, foremost as a symbol - the father of our nation and the bearer of the monotheistic faith - and, beyond that, as a human being with a private way of life, feelings, and doubts. The Jungian teaching of the archetypes adds a new point of view and an interesting dimension to the formation and development of the personality of Abraham...This is an original and fascinating book ." -Shimon Peres President of Israel (2007-2014)

Gustav Dreifuss, PhD, is a practicing Jungian analyst in Haifa, Israel. He is also a lecturer and supervisor of the Israel Association of Analytical Psychology and of the psychotherapy section of the Medical School in Haifa for postgraduate students. He has authored numerous papers on the themes of Jewish psychology, psychotherapy, treatment of Holocaust victims, and the Jungian interpretation of biblical stories.

Judith Riemer is an Israeli sculptor and artist with an extensive knowledge of Hebrew and Jewish literature, Jewish mysticism, and Kabbala.