Dialogues in Judaic Studies

Ari Barbalat
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This podcast features educational, informative and intellectually compelling conversations with authors of newly-published books and recently-released monographs on Jewish history, Jewish religion, Jewish philosophy and Jewish literature. The podcast intends to reach academic specialists, members of the reading public and beginners with entry-level curiosity.

  1. 18h ago

    Yael Shemesh, *Elisha: The Holy Man of God*. Lenn Schramm, trans. Leiden: Brill, 2025.

    In contrast to the narratives surrounding Elijah, the tales of Elisha, particularly the brief legends, have not garnered much scholarly focus or thorough examination. However, this trend is beginning to shift, as recent studies frequently interpret them as being critical of Elisha. This book seeks to illuminate their depth and intricacy through literary analysis, positioning them as the earliest instance of prophetic hagiography in Israelite literature.

    Yael Shemesh, *Elisha: The Holy Man of God*. Lenn Schramm, trans. Leiden: Brill, 2025.

  2. Aug 14

    Sandra Jacobs, *The Body as Property: Physical Disfigurement in Biblical Law*. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015.

    This monograph posits that physical disfigurement played a role in biblical law to validate legal property acquisition, especially when the status of dependents was officially recognized. It is grounded in the fact that the cuneiform script originated in Sumer and Mesopotamia for the purpose of record-keeping: to serve as legal proof of ownership, where the inscription on a tablet recorded the sale or transfer of property. In biblical law, the legitimacy of property acquisition was vital, with physical disfigurements signifying dependents, akin to how a veil or head covering denoted a wife or concubine in ancient Assyrian and Judean cultures. This is primarily supported by the narratives of prescriptive disfigurements: specifically, circumcision and the piercing of a slave's ear, both of which were mandated only when a son or slave was permanently acquired. Additionally, it is contended that legal entitlement was pertinent to the punitive disfigurements noted in Exodus 21:22-24 and Deuteronomy 25:11-12, where the physical violation of women was regarded solely as a violation of male property rights.

    Sandra Jacobs, *The Body as Property: Physical Disfigurement in Biblical Law*. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015.

  3. Aug 3

    Eshbal Ratzon, Asaf Gayer and Jonathan Ben-Dov [with the assistance of Einat Tamir and Anna Shirav], *Material and Digital Reconstruction of Fragmentary Dead Sea Scrolls: The Case of 4Q418a*. Leiden: Brill, 2022.

    Researchers dedicated to ancient scrolls are keen to find effective ways to extract the most valuable information from the extensive collection of fragments. Various techniques have been applied to the Dead Sea Scrolls and other historical texts. This book expands on these techniques, converting them into a comprehensive protocol suitable for a contemporary computerized environment. Important methodological challenges are highlighted throughout the discussion, and an empirical evaluation of the possible margin of error is provided, as is standard in scientific research. The method is illustrated using the scroll 4Q418a, which is a version of a wisdom composition from Qumran.

    Eshbal Ratzon, Asaf Gayer and Jonathan Ben-Dov [with the assistance of Einat Tamir and Anna Shirav], *Material and Digital Reconstruction of Fragmentary Dead Sea Scrolls: The Case of 4Q418a*. Leiden: Brill, 2022.

  4. Jul 28

    Jonathan Darby, *Shaping Text through Song: The Influence of Singing upon Processes of Textual Interpretation and Variation in the Dead Sea Scrolls*. Leiden: Brill, 2026.

    This book examines the significant role of singing as a performative medium in the processes of textual interpretation and variation during the late Second Temple Period, as evidenced by the Dead Sea Scrolls. It posits that singing was a prevalent and influential mode of performance, impacting the processes of textual composition, interpretation, and transmission. These intricate processes lead to variations in textual forms, indicating that sung performance played a crucial role in the diverse textual traditions, including those that were ultimately included in the scriptural canons of Judaism and Christianity.

    Jonathan Darby, *Shaping Text through Song: The Influence of Singing upon Processes of Textual Interpretation and Variation in the Dead Sea Scrolls*. Leiden: Brill, 2026.

  5. Jul 24

    Pancratius Beentjes, *“Wisdom Sings Her Own Praise” (Sir. 24:1): Collected Essays on the Book of Ben Sira [III]*. Louvain, Belgium: Peeters Publishing House, 2025

    For students and scholars of Ben Sira, this is truly a Golden Age. In the past twenty-five years, research on the Book of Ben Sira (Ecclesiasticus) has developed into a thoroughly examined discipline. In addition to the release of essential resources, including new text editions and polyglots, a wide range of topics has been explored. In the first section of this volume, the author examines several literary components within the Book of Ben Sira, such as the prayer found in Sir. 22:27-23:6 and its medieval reinterpretation. The depiction of Aaron and Phineas is scrutinized, along with Ben Sira's references to angels. The second section of this collection features essays that analyze Ben Sira’s quotations from Proverbs and Isaiah. It also addresses the differing perspectives between Ben Sira and his grandson regarding prophets, wisdom, and the Torah.

    Pancratius Beentjes, *“Wisdom Sings Her Own Praise” (Sir. 24:1): Collected Essays on the Book of Ben Sira [III]*. Louvain, Belgium: Peeters Publishing House, 2025

  6. Jul 17

    Mikhl Yashinsky, ed. and trans., *The Mother of Yiddish Theatre: Memoirs of Ester-Rokhl Kaminska*. London: Bloomsbury, 2025.

    This intimate self-portrait of Ester-Rokhl Kaminska (1870–1925), a pioneering Yiddish actress, first appeared in the Warsaw daily *Der Moment* (1926-7) and is now translated into English for the first time. The memoir takes us through her life, illustrating the rise of this significant artist and her art form, as we follow Kaminska's challenging journey from shtetl to city, her illegal performances in unexpected venues across the Russian Empire, and her eventual acclaim from the public. The memoirs richly convey the everyday realities faced by working Jewish women, capturing the grit and the hard-won glamour of backstage life (or, in her case, back-barn/barrack/barroom). An extensive introduction and notes by Mikhl Yashinsky provide historical context and an evaluation of Kaminska's groundbreaking talent.

    Mikhl Yashinsky, ed. and trans., *The Mother of Yiddish Theatre: Memoirs of Ester-Rokhl Kaminska*. London: Bloomsbury, 2025.

  7. Jul 17

    Nathan French, *A Theocentric Interpretation of הדעת טוב ורע: The Knowledge of Good and Evil as the Knowledge for Administering Reward and Punishment*. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2021.

    In this scholarly inquiry, Nathan French seeks to address the question: what is the most accurate interpretation of הדעת טוב ורע, or "The Knowledge of Good and Evil," as mentioned in Gen 2:9, 17; 3:5, and 3:22? In Gen 3:5 and 3:22, this knowledge is associated with God and divine beings. This research delves into the variations of טוב ("good") and רעע ("evil/bad") found in the Hebrew Bible, primarily concentrating on Genesis and the Deuteronomistic History, particularly examining instances where God exerts influence over 'good' and 'bad/evil.' Based on the findings, Nathan French introduces a secondary discussion centered on the hermeneutical principle of divine retribution as a foundational aspect of ancient Near Eastern historiography. On a tertiary level, French explores the concepts of divine blessing and cursing, linking them to good and evil in both ancient Near Eastern literature and the Hebrew Bible. Through this focused theocentric analysis of the lexemes, combined with a broader examination of ancient Near Eastern history and culture, French proposes an answer to the central question of this study: 'The Divine Knowledge for Administering Reward and Punishment.' Thus, the Eden Narrative illustrates how humans partially achieve divinity, becoming akin to God and the divine beings (Gen 3:5; 3:22; Ps 82) by acquiring the forbidden divine knowledge that grants them ultimate power.

    Nathan French, *A Theocentric Interpretation of הדעת טוב ורע: The Knowledge of Good and Evil as the Knowledge for Administering Reward and Punishment*. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2021.

  8. Jul 15

    Ishay Rosen-Zvi, *How to Read the Mishnah and Midrash: An Introduction to Early Rabbinic Literature*. Daniel Tabak, trans. Oakland, California: University of California Press, 2026.

    The early rabbinic era produced two main literary forms—the Mishnah and Midrash—which have since become fundamental pillars of Jewish textual tradition. This monograph serves as the first comprehensive introduction to these two crucial works of Jewish thought in the English language. In many ways, all later rabbinic literature can trace its roots back to the framework established by these two genres. The Mishnah established a complete legal system that operates independently of the Bible, covering a remarkably broad spectrum of legal topics—from ritual law to civil disputes, capital legislation, marital status, and beyond—woven into a coherent and self-sustaining legal corpus. The Midrash is acknowledged as the first extensive commentary on the Pentateuch, characterized by its interpretive freedom and creative engagement. This practical guide offers a deep understanding of how the two texts function and provides essential tools for thorough engagement with them. With translations, detailed readings, and analyses of hundreds of primary source materials, this book grants readers a deeper understanding of the structure, methodology, and enduring significance of the Mishnah and Midrash.

    Ishay Rosen-Zvi, *How to Read the Mishnah and Midrash: An Introduction to Early Rabbinic Literature*. Daniel Tabak, trans. Oakland, California: University of California Press, 2026.
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About

This podcast features educational, informative and intellectually compelling conversations with authors of newly-published books and recently-released monographs on Jewish history, Jewish religion, Jewish philosophy and Jewish literature. The podcast intends to reach academic specialists, members of the reading public and beginners with entry-level curiosity.

Information

  • Creator
    Ari Barbalat
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dialogues in Judaic Studies
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    Dialogues in Judaic Studies