Rabbinic Literature, Syriac Patristic

Liturgical Poetry in the Late Antique Near East: A Comparative Approach

by Ophir Münz-Manor

Journal of Ancient Judaism 1:3 (2010), pp. 336-361
An English version of the Hebrew article from Pe'amim

The article presents a contemporary view of the study of piyyut, demonstrating that Jewish po- etry of late antiquity... more The article presents a contemporary view of the study of piyyut, demonstrating that Jewish po- etry of late antiquity (in Hebrew and Aramaic) was closely related to Christian liturgical poetry (both Syriac and Greek) and Samaritan liturgy. These relations were expressed primarily by common poetic and prosodic characteristics, derived on the one hand from ancient Semitic poetry (mainly biblical poetry), and on the other from innovations of the period. The significant connections of content between the different genres of poetry reveal the importance of com- parative study. Thus the poetry composed in late antiquity provides additional evidence for the lively cultural dialogue that took place at that time.

Salamandra and the Flames of Hell

by Reb Chaim HaQoton

Throughout Rabbinic literature—the Talmud and the Midrash—a mysterious creature known as the Salamandra is mentioned.... more Throughout Rabbinic literature—the Talmud and the Midrash—a mysterious creature known as the Salamandra is mentioned. This creature is also mentioned by various early philosophers and scientists. It is reported to have been created in fire and therefore have fire-resistant capabilities. Other sources attribute the origins of the Salamandra to witchcraft. This discrepancy is elaborated upon and several methods of resolution are presented. Nonetheless, all these mythological stories seem to contradict the reality where no such creature is found. This paper explores and reconciles the differences between various descriptions of the Salamandra’s origin and its role in rabbinic literature. Many Classic Rabbinic sources (from Medieval to contemporary) have been used throughout this work to illustrate the Salamandra’s significance in Jewish theology and laws of purity.

The Visit of the Rural Sage: Text, Context and Intertext in a Rabbinic Narrative, Jerusalem Studies in Jewish Folklore 26 (2009) 3-24

by Reuven Kiperwasser