A Rabbi Leads Conversations about the Ethics of Genesis

Biblical theologian Rabbi Burton Visotzky teaches at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. He's best known for his Genesis seminars, attended by novelists, poets, editors, filmmakers, CEOs, and attorneys to understand the relevance of Genesis to modern life. It became the basis of a 10-part PBS series in 1996. He is also the author of The Road To Redemption: Lessons from Exodus on Leadership and Community.

Visotzky who last examined The Bible's Book of Genesis, now interprets Exodus. His new book is "The Road To Redemption: Lessons from Exodus on Leadership and Community." (Crown) Visotzky's work on Genesis, led a Cover story in Time Magazine and PBS' Genesis series. His work on Exodus caught the attention of Dream Works. The film studio hired him to be a consultant on the animated feature on Exodus, "The Prince of Egypt." Visotzky is chairman of Inter-religious studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary in America.

The journalist talks with Terry Gross about his new PBS 10-part series "Genesis: A Living Conversation." The series will premier Wednesday, Oct 16th on many PBS stations. It also has the companion book "Genesis: A Living Conversation." The TV show features writers, theologians and artists discussing the first book in the bible.