To describe the project undertaken by A.J. Jacobs, as he relates it in his book, The Year of Living Biblically, as daunting still seems somehow inadequate: gain a deeper understanding of Christianity and Judaism by living for one year according to a completely literal interpretation of the Bible-both Old and New Testaments. But where does one begin with a project of that scope? Even with a lifetime of study, such an understanding could, quite possibly, be unattainable.
For Jacobs, the desire to at least try came when he started thinking about a former member of his family, his ex-uncle Gil, a man who had been, at points in his life, a Hindu, a hippie, a born-again Christian and now an Orthodox Jew living in Jerusalem, Israel.
So, in late summer of '05 he came up with a plan of action. He purchased several translations of the Bible, as well as dozens of volumes of Bible-related commentary, interpretation and criticism. He also brought together a, in his words, “Spiritual Advisory Board” made up of officials from branches of Christianity and Judaism to offer advice and counsel on any religious uncertainties he might have.
The project would also involve adherence to many obscure rules such as letting his beard and sideburns grow freely and not trimming them at all, not wearing clothing made of mixed fibers, painting Bible passages in lamb"s blood on the door frame of his apartment. and blowing a shofar , a musical instrument made from a ram's horn, at the beginning of each month. When he was not at work he wore a robe and sandals and even erected a tent in his living room. His wife was not thrilled about many of these practices.
In order to try to see religion from many perspectives Jacobs made plans to visit, among others places, the Orthodox Jewish community in New York City's Crown Heights neighborhood, an Amish community in rural Pennsylvania, a Creationist museum in Kentucky and Jerry Falwell's cathedral in Virginia. A trip to Israel was in order as well so that he could finally meet his ex-uncle Gil, the inspiration for the project, face to face. In Sept. of '05 he felt he was ready to begin.
When I spoke to Mr. Jacobs it was the middle of November and he was just a couple of days away from the end of his book tour. I had arranged to interview him by phone when he made a stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The evening began with a few technical difficulties.
My phone rang at a few minutes after five.
“Hello. May I speak to Chris?”
“This is.”
“Chris, this is A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year Of Living Biblically. Are we still on for an interview tonight?”
“Oh, yes. Of course.” I hustled upstairs to my office. “Let me get my things together.”
“Great. I"m on my cell-phone so can you give me a cal at my hotel? Do you need the number?”
“No. I have it. Your publicist provided it. I'll call you in just a few minutes.” We hung up and I opened my notebook to the section where I had my questions marked. I dialed the hotel's number.
“Four Points Sheraton. This is Sylvia. How can I help you?”
“Yes. Can I please be connected with A.J. Jacobs' room?”
“Of course. One moment, please.” a quick blast of muzak and then the phone rang. And rang. And continued to ring. No answer. I hung up and dialed the front desk again.
“Four Points Sheraton. This is Sylvia. How can I help you?”
“Hello. I just called a minute ago to speak with A.J. Jacobs. There was a problem with the connection. Could you transfer me again, please?”
“Certainly. Just a moment.”
This time it was picked up after only a couple of rings. “Hi. Chris? Sorry about that. I was just finishing up another call. Can I call you right back in a couple of minutes?”
“Yeah. Sure. No problem.” We hung up again.
A few minutes later I answered my phone again. “Hi. It's A.J.. Again, sorry for that. I'm ready now.”
“Okay. I'll call the hotel again.” As I dialed the number once more I felt certain that the women at the front desk, upon hearing my third request for a transfer, was going to think I was an utter tool.
“Four Points Sheraton. This is Cathy. How can I help you?”
Ha! Dodged that bullet. “Yes. May I please be connected with A.J. Jacobs?”
“Certainly. One moment.”
He picked up promptly. “Hello.”
“Hello, Mr. Jacobs.”
“Hello. Are you there?”
“Yes. I'm here.”
“Hello. Chris?”
I had a sinking feeling. He couldn't hear me for some reason. What was wrong with the line?
