Inaug.-Diss.--Basel. / Curriculum vitae. "Verzeichnis der öfters zitieren Literatur"; p. [iv]-vi.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Indiana University, 1961. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references and index.

In the Bible certain objects appear in association with an individual character or characters and in particular narrative events. Rabbinic exegesis places these objects in new and innovative contexts. That is, the Rabbinic exegetes speak of the object's origin, history and fate: the circumstances under which the object was created, how it came into the possession of a Biblical character, its destiny, and, in some cases, its role in the Messianic era. This thesis examines Rabbinic interpretations of eight Biblical objects: Adam's garments, Abraham's ram, Solomon's throne, the staffs, asses, altars and wells used by various characters, and a divine fire. This is the first collection of the numerous parallel sources that deal with each of these objects. The traditions regarding these objects illustrate the Rabbis' concern with unity and continuity: different Biblical characters and events are linked together by means of the objects. The Rabbinic idea of the transmission of Biblical objects parallels the Rabbis' view of their own literature as having been transmitted through the generations.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 361-383). Also available on the Internet.

The following thesis focuses on the medieval kabbalistic legend of R. Joseph della Reina who, using traditions of esoteric magic, conjured Satan in order to slaughter him in an unsuccessful bid to force the Redemption of Israel. A translation of a version from eighteenth century Amsterdam is presented. Influenced by the heretical ideas of Sabbatianism, this version carries two opposing significations: that of a cautionary tale on one hand, that of a tragic tale of mystical heroism on the other. Based on evidence from the fiction of Isaac Bashevis Singer, the case is made that the modern author, in line with his philosophy of political passivism and historical pessimism, makes full use of the Faustian fascination of R. Joseph della Reina's fearsome story while repeatedly presenting the legend in such a way as to purge it of traditional ambiguity, undermine its tragic character, and leave behind only the aspect of caution or warning.

No description available.