Scripture as Logos: Rabbi Ishmael and the Origins of Midrash (Divinations: Rereading Late Ancient Religion)
Book Description
In the rich tapestry of Jewish spiritual tradition, the ancient practice of midrash offers profound insights into how sacred texts can speak across centuries. Azzan Yadin invites readers into a fascinating exploration of early rabbinic interpretation, focusing on the often-overlooked realm of legal midrash from the formative period of 70-200 C.E.
At the heart of this scholarly journey lies a remarkable discovery about how the rabbis understood Scripture itself. Yadin reveals that ancient interpreters saw two distinct aspects of sacred text, represented by the terms "torah" and "ha-katuv," each pointing to different spiritual realities. One connects to the divine revelation at Sinai, while the other reflects the ongoing study within rabbinic communities. This dual understanding suggests that Scripture was viewed not as a passive text requiring human interpretation, but as an active, self-revealing presence.
The book traces these interpretive approaches through the tradition associated with Rabbi Ishmael, uncovering a sophisticated spiritual methodology that challenges modern assumptions about ancient reading practices. Rather than emphasizing the interpreter's role, this tradition presents Scripture as dynamically engaged in its own explanation.
Yadin extends his investigation beyond rabbinic circles, drawing unexpected connections to Wisdom literature, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and early Christian writings. These discoveries illuminate how different spiritual communities approached sacred texts, offering contemporary readers fresh perspectives on the relationship between divine revelation and human understanding in their own spiritual practice.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 248 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Midrasj
- ✓ Explore Mechilta
- ✓ Explore Theory
- ✓ Explore Mekhilta de-Rav Yishmaʻel
- ✓ Explore Mechilta de-Rabbi Ishmael (anoniem)
- ✓ Explore Midrasch
- ✓ Explore Hermeneutik
