In this three-part series, we’ll explore three ancient Jewish works that stood just outside the biblical canon yet shaped Jewish imagination for centuries.

Part 1 - Ben Sira: A 1,900-year-old book that almost, but didn't quite, make it into the Bible, the Book of Ben Sira (also known as Ecclesiasticus) is full of moral advice, beautiful psalm-like passages, and some unfashionable views about women. We will look at its fascinating history and sample some of the text.