Rabbinic Scholarship in the Context of Late Antique Scholasticism - (Education, Literary Culture, and Religious Practice in the Ancient World)

About the Book

"Based on an understanding of scholasticism as a cross-cultural phenomenon, this book examines the literary-historical development of rabbinic compilations. The book explores texts such as the Talmud Yerushalmi in the context of late antique scholarly practice, which preserved past knowledge for future generations. Catherine Hezser argues that rabbinic scholarship was an integral part of late antique intellectual life and should be recognized as an Eastern equivalent to Western, paideia-based forms of scholarship in the Roman-Byzantine period and beyond"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Based on an understanding of scholasticism as a cross-cultural phenomenon, undertaken by rabbinic, Graeco-Roman, and Christian scholars in late antiquity, this book examines the development of Palestinian rabbinic compilations from social-historical and literary-historical perspectives.The book focuses on the compilation of the Talmud Yerushalmi in the context of late antique scholarly practice aimed at preserving past knowledge for future generations.

This book provides insight into how rabbinic scholarship in the Land of Israel participated in the wider intellectual practices of Roman-Byzantine times. Beginning with the social, educational, and legal contexts that generated rabbinic knowledge. Catherine Hezser goes on to investigate the oral and written transmission of rabbinic traditions to eventually examine the compilation of the Talmud Yerushalmi with a comparative and redaction-historical approach.

Integrating Palestinian rabbinic education and scholarship into the context of late antique Graeco-Roman and Byzantine Christian scholarly practices, Catherine Hezser demonstrates how rabbinic compilatory techniques resembled but also differed from.those of Hellenistic, Roman, and Christian scholars. The book highlights how rabbinic compilations are idiosyncratic and create a distinct rabbinic identity. Overall, Hezser argues that rabbinic scholarship was an integral part of late antique intellectual life in the Near Middle East and should be recognized as an Eastern equivalent to Western, paideia-based forms of scholarship in the Roman-Byzantine period and beyond.

Review Quotes

"A must-read for scholars of rabbinic literature and late antique studies, offering fresh perspectives and stimulating ideas that will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion." --The Jerusalem Report

About the Author

Catherine Hezser is Professor of Jewish Studies at SOAS University of London, UK.