Who Knows Twelve? Themes and Values in Trei Asar

The books of the twelve prophets known as the Trei Asar span hundreds of years, from the waning days of the Kingdom of Israel to the dawn of the Second Temple era. These prophets were of different walks of life – from noblemen to humble shepherds – and lived in various localities, but were united in their mission of conveying the word of God to the nation. In Who Knows Twelve, renowned scholar, historian, and lecturer Rabbi Berel Wein unravels the mystery of these twelve prophets. Drawing from profound historical knowledge and his own life experience as a community leader, Rabbi Wein explains the themes and topics of Trei Asar, applying them to issues at the forefront of contemporary life: faith and doubt, family and community, national unity and the Land of Israel, Jewish survival, sin and repentance, personal and national redemption, assimilation, intermarriage, international disputes, betrayals and scandals, disappointments, and heroic behavior. Though the words of the prophets emerged from the ancient world, Rabbi Wein’s insights revitalize them, offering cogent messages for today.