Midrash is a genre of rabbinic Bible exegesis, composed by various authors and compiled in anthologies during the first seven centuries of the Common Era. This thesis explores the reading of Midrash and its possible influence on early artistic activity. Examples of early Jewish and Christian biblical representations that display some degree of midrashic impact, are presented in order to establish the existence of a relationship between Midrash and art. Finally, by a systematic reading of the corpus of midrashic literature found in Midrash Rabbah, Midrashim that suggest graphic representation, but which have not yet to been found among early art forms, are categorized and analyzed.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Universiṭah ha-ʻIvrit bi Yerushalayim, Jerusalem, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 309-327).

Thesis (M.A. in Religion)--Vanderbilt University, May 2006. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

This study concerns the multicultural influences which shaped the architectural form and artistic decoration of the Synagogue at Dura-Europos, an ancient city located on the west bank of the upper Euphrates in Syria (244/5 C. E.) Preserving the Jewish tradition after the destruction of the Second Temple, in a location remote from Palestine, was essential in order to maintain a strong identity in the small Jewish community of Dura, engulfed by pagan and multitheistic societies. Biblical narratives were used by the Jewish community to assert their history. In chapter 1, there appears a discussion of what scholars have said about the cultural development of Dura, how the Synagogue paintings reflect it, and how these represent a Jewish identity. In chapter 2, two scenes from the frescoes will be discussed, highlighting the various cultural influences, both foreign and local. On the other hand Rabbinic literature, including the Midrash, the Mishnah and the Mekhilta de R. Ishmael, compiled by the third century C. E., gives a textual explanation for the scenes, emphasizing the strong association that the Jews of Dura had with their roots and heritage.

No description available.