The origins of Judaism's regional subcultures' are poorly understood, as are Jewish identities other than Ashkenaz' and `Sepharad'. Through case studies and close textual readings, this volume illuminates the role of geopolitical boundaries, cross-cultural influences, and migration in the... číst celé
Rabbinic Approaches to Apostasy and Reversion in Medieval Europe
The book explores the evolving rabbinic views on apostasy and reversion among Jews in northern medieval Europe, particularly from the late twelfth century. Kanarfogel presents evidence that prominent rabbinic authorities mandated rituals, such as immersion, for returning apostates, countering the belief that they could rejoin without special rites. He argues that this shift was influenced by changing Christian attitudes towards Jews, highlighting the complex interplay between external societal pressures and internal religious practices during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
Ephraim Kanarfogel's work delves into the rich intellectual landscape of medieval Ashkenaz, revealing that rabbinic scholarship extended beyond Talmudic studies to encompass a wider array of scholarly pursuits. By challenging the prevailing notion of Ashkenazic intellectualism as limited, he highlights the cultural interactions and diverse interests of rabbinic figures in western Europe, offering a nuanced understanding of their contributions to Jewish thought and culture during this period.
The resilience and creativity of Ashkenazic Jewry in medieval northern France, Germany, and England are highlighted through their response to various challenges in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This well-organized community produced significant Talmudic and halakhic works, collectively known as Tosafot, which transformed the landscape of rabbinic literature. Scholars have extensively studied this period, shedding light on the robust societal structures and contributions of Franco-Russian Jewry during a time of adversity.
Mystical, Magical, and Pietistic Dimensions in the Tosafist Period
Set in the high Middle Ages, the tosafists emerged as influential Jewish scholars in northern Europe, transforming Talmudic study. Unlike their Christian contemporaries, they largely refrained from engaging in broader philosophical and religious debates, which has led to their perception as having a limited influence on mystical or esoteric traditions. Their unique contributions to Jewish scholarship highlight a distinct intellectual path during a time of significant cultural exchange.