Overview

Rachel S. Mikva undertakes a close examination of Midrash vaYosha, a medieval rabbinic text which explicates the Song at the Sea (Ex 15:1-18) and the events of the exodus from Egypt leading up to that climactic moment. Relatively short midrashim focusing on a brief biblical narrative or theme were composed in large numbers during the medieval period, and their extant manuscripts are sufficient in number to demonstrate the great popularity of the genre. Based on early manuscripts, two different recensions are transcribed and translated with significant annotation exploring variants, parallels, exegetical significance and literary style. A thorough historical analysis suggests that the midrash was performed as explication of the Torah reading at a certain point in its development - part of the gradual attenuation of live Targum. As Midrash vaYosha leaves the synagogue, its narrative dimension grows tremendously, yielding significant insight into the development of medieval Jewish exegesis.

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9783161510090

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Born 1960; 1982 graduated from Stanford University (BA); 1990 ordained by Hebrew Union College / Jewish Institute of Religion; 2003 doctoral studies at Jewish Theological Seminary, 2005 -09 teaching at Jewish Theological Seminary; 2008 doctorate awarded; 2009 appointed Rabbi Herman A. Schaalman Chair in Jewish Studies at Chicago Theological Seminary.

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