Search results

1

The Phenomenon of Rewriting Scripture in Late Second Temple Judaism: Some Methodological Reflections on the So-Called “Rewritten Bible” Category

100%

Majewski M.

Verbum Vitae

|

2021

|

vol. 39

|

issue 4

1311-1334

EN

The term “Rewritten Bible” was introduced by Géza Vermes in 1961 to describe works from late Second Temple period that “retell” or “rewrite” Scriptures with characteristic changes. Since then, much has been written about this category of texts. Today some researchers are tired of discussing this concept, suggesting even a move away from the notion. Others, on the contrary, apply it to an increasing number of texts, including even works lying outside the specific context of late Second Temple Jewish literature. This article discusses the phenomenon of the “Rewritten Bible” (RewB) and takes up a polemic with certain approaches to the category, concerning terminology, scope, and character, as well as indication of the purposes of rewriting activity. The article shows that the category remains useful and important, within certain methodological clarifications.

2

Abraham’s Trials in Ancient and Medieval Jewish Writings

84%

Kaczorowska K. M.

Verbum Vitae

|

2021

|

vol. 39

|

issue 4

1357-1376

EN

The article presents a brief overview of the Jewish rabbinical resources with regard to the Patriarch Abraham and his life, viewed as a series of trials. From the second century BCE, the Jewish authors were recognizing numerous events in Abraham’s life as ordeals, gradually more and more difficult and challenging. Through them God put Abraham and his faith to the test in order to assure that his election of Abraham was right. On the basis of The Book of Jubilees and several rabbinical works, including Pirqe Abot, Pirqe Rabbi Eliezer and Abot de Rabbi Nathan as well as the writings of Jewish medieval commentators (esp. Maimonides and Rashi), the paper in detail analyzes the concept of these trials and the differences that can be identified in the sources concerning their identification and order. Firstly, the reasons of the rabbinical commentators’ particular interest paid to Abraham have been given. Subsequently, the concept of his numerous trials, identified by the rabbis and Jewish scholars, have been discussed, followed by a thorough presentation of selected rabbinic works and discussions whether the experiences of Abraham’s life should and/or should not be regarded as trials.

3

„Idealny” kalendarz w Księdze Jubileuszy

84%

Tronina A.

Verbum Vitae

|

2020

|

vol. 38

|

issue 1

EN

In the mid-2nd century B.C., Palestinian Judaism experienced a profound upheaval as, among other things, a pagan temple calendar was introduced to the cult. The Maccabean Uprising was one reaction to this revolution. Another consequence was the secession of a group of clergymen and worshipers to the desert, led by the Teacher of Righteousness. This group adopted their own liturgical calendar, which had been devised a bit earlier by the author of the Book of Jubilees. There, the basis for the calculation of festive dates is not the cycles of the moon, but rather a solar year consisting of 364 days. This number, divided by 7, allowed the celebration of the Sabbath and the other feasts of Israel in a regular order, with no disruption related to the calculation of lunar months.

PL

W połowie II w. przed Chr. judaizm palestyński doznał głębokiego wstrząsu, spowodowanego m.in. wprowadzeniem do kultu świątynnego kalendarza pogańskiego. Reakcją na tę rewolucję było powstanie machabejskie, a w konsekwencji secesja na pustynię części kapłanów i wiernych pod wodzą Mistrza Sprawiedliwości. Przyjęli oni własny kalendarz liturgiczny, poświadczony nieco wcześniej przez autora Księgi Jubileuszy. Podstawą obliczeń dat świątecznych nie są tam cykle księżyca, lecz rok słoneczny, liczący 364 dni. Liczba ta, podzielna przez 7, umożliwiła świętowanie szabatu i świąt Izraela w stałym porządku, bez zakłóceń związanych z nierównością miesięcy księżycowych.

Refine search results

3 Verbum Vitae

1 Kaczorowska K. M.

1 Majewski M.

1 Tronina A.

2 2021

1 2020

The Phenomenon of Rewriting Scripture in Late Second Temple Judaism: Some Methodological Reflections on the So-Called “Rewritten Bible” Category

Abraham’s Trials in Ancient and Medieval Jewish Writings

„Idealny” kalendarz w Księdze Jubileuszy