Rabbinic Drinking: What Beverages Teach Us About Rabbinic Literature

Description

Though ancient rabbinic texts are fundamental to analyzing the history of Judaism, they are also daunting for the novice to read. Rabbinic literature presumes tremendous prior knowledge, and its fascinating twists and turns in logic can be disorienting. Rabbinic Drinking helps learners at every level navigate this brilliant but mystifying terrain by focusing on rabbinic conversations about beverages, such as beer and wine, water, and even breast milk. By studying the contents of a drinking vessel—including the contexts and practices in which they are imbibed—Rabbinic Drinking surveys key themes in rabbinic literature to introduce readers to the main contours of this extensive body of historical documents. Features and Benefits: Contains a broad array of rabbinic passages, accompanied by didactic and rich explanations and contextual discussions, both literary and historicalThematic chapters are organized into sections that include significant and original translations of rabbinic textsEach chapter includes in-text references and concludes with a list of both referenced works and suggested additional readings Cover Rabbinic Drinking Title Copyright Dedication CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction 1. The Literature and History of the Rabbinic Movement 2. Biblical Interpretation 3. Social Boundaries 4. Gender and Sexuality 5. Magic, Idolatry, and Illicit Religious Practice 6. Sabbath, Festivals, and Holidays 7. Prayer and Ritual 8. Ritual Purity 9. Health and Hygiene Conclusion Glossary Subject Index Citation Index