Biblical Narrative and the Formation of Rabbinic Law

Description

This book presents a new framework for understanding the relationship between biblical narrative and rabbinic law. Drawing on legal theory and models of rabbinic exegesis, Jane L. Kanarek argues for the centrality of biblical narrative in the formation of rabbinic law. Through close readings of selected Talmudic and midrashic texts, Kanarek demonstrates that rabbinic legal readings of narrative scripture are best understood through the framework of a referential exegetical web. She shows that law should be viewed as both prescriptive of normative behavior and as a meaning-making enterprise. By explicating the hermeneutical processes through which biblical narratives become resources for legal norms, this book transforms our understanding of the relationship of law and narrative as well as the ways in which scripture becomes a rabbinic document that conveys legal authority and meaning. Cover Half-title Title page Copyright information Dedication Table of contents Acknowledgments 1 Introduction Law and Narrative Halakhah and Aggadah Reading Narrative Back into Law: Biblical Exegesis 2 Abraham’s Knife Biblical Foundations The Akedah as Narrative Legal Terminology Law’s Authority and Legal Zealousness Genesis Rabbah 56:6 B. Hullin 16a Why Shehitah? Sacrificial Knives: Tannaitic Texts Sacrificial Knives: Amoraic and Anonymous Texts Zealousness Narrative Authority 3 Rebekah’s Betrothal Biblical Foundations Legal Terminology Becoming Rabbinic Law Creating Context: Genesis Rabbah 60:12 Linking Laws: B. Ketubot 57b Why Rebekah? The Virgin, the Ketubah, and the High Priest Finally, Why Rebekah? 4 Joseph’s Mourning Biblical and Second Temple Foundations Law’s Sources A Legal Anthology: Y. Moed Katan 3:5, 82c Linking Laws: B. Moed Katan 20a Another Disappearance Creating Legal Networks 5 An Assembly of Ten Biblical and Second Temple Foundations Beginning a Rabbinic Textual History: M. Sanhedrin 1:6–7 A Continued Textual History: Y. Sanhedrin 1:6, 19c; Y. Berakhot 7:3, 11c; Y. Megillah 4:3, 75b Y. Sanhedrin 1:6, 19c Y. Berakhot 7:3, 11c Y. Megillah 4:3, 75b B. Sanhedrin 74b B. Berakhot 21b B. Megillah 23b Overlapping Prooftexts? Circulating Traditions Fragmentary Traditions 6 Conclusion Bibliography Index of Primary Sources Subject Index