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. Aubrey Buster, *Remembering the Story of Israel: Historical Summaries and Memory Formation in Second Temple Judaism*. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2022.

    2d ago

    Aubrey Buster, *Remembering the Story of Israel: Historical Summaries and Memory Formation in Second Temple Judaism*. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2022.

    In this book, Aubrey Buster reveals how techniques taken from cultural and social memory studies, along with the new formalism, can illuminate the communal importance of biblical and extra-biblical historical summaries during the Second Temple period. By refining models inspired by memory studies, Buster applies them to ancient texts, showcasing the development of Judah's narrative about their history throughout the Second Temple era. Buster's thorough research uncovers how and where the historical summary plays a role in the book of Psalms, Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles, as well as in the Qumran Psalms Scrolls, Words of the Luminaries, Paraphrase of Genesis and Exodus, and Pseudo-Daniel. Buster demonstrates that the historical summary functions as a generative, replicable, and ultimately fruitful form of memory. By transcending genre boundaries and time frames, liturgical performances, and literary works, these historical summaries created a highly selective yet broadly applicable means of commemorating significant events from Israel's history.

    1h 9m
  2. Katell Berthelot, *Jews and Their Roman Rivals: Pagan Rome's Challenge to Israel*. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2021.

    2d ago

    Katell Berthelot, *Jews and Their Roman Rivals: Pagan Rome's Challenge to Israel*. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2021.

    Throughout their history, Jews have been under the sway of various imperial powers, from Assyria and Babylonia to Persia and the Hellenistic kingdoms. This monograph illustrates how the Roman Empire posed a unique challenge to Jewish intellectuals like Philo, Josephus, and the Palestinian rabbis, who both resisted and assimilated Roman ideals and imperial ideology. Katell Berthelot investigates how, well before the empire adopted Christianity, Jews began to view Israel and Rome as adversaries vying for dominance. Each side regarded its laws as the most flawless ever composed, and both believed themselves to be a devout people tasked with a divine mission to establish order and peace in the world. Berthelot argues that the rabbinic association of Rome with Esau, the twin brother of Israel, mirrored this competitive spirit. She examines how this challenge reshaped ancient Jewish perspectives on military strength and the application of force, legal authority, and inclusion within the community of Israel. Berthelot posits that Jewish thinkers sometimes emulated Roman practices while at other times proposing alternative frameworks. Offering fresh insights into Jewish thought during antiquity, this monograph uncovers how Jewish interactions with pagan Rome led to significant developments in the understanding of the Torah and the process of conversion to Judaism.

    1h 9m
  3. Rinat Harash, *Apollo, Dionysus and the Ubermensch at Sinai: An Attempt at a Nietzschean Analysis*. Boston: Academic Studies Press, 2026.

    May 29

    Rinat Harash, *Apollo, Dionysus and the Ubermensch at Sinai: An Attempt at a Nietzschean Analysis*. Boston: Academic Studies Press, 2026.

    The biblical narrative surrounding Sinai and Moses is pivotal to Jewish and Western culture; however, it has often been regarded only from a religious perspective. In this study, Dr. Rinat Harash offers an insightful interpretation, utilizing Nietzsche’s concepts of the Apollonian, the Dionysian, and the Übermensch in the context of the revelation at Mount Sinai, the Golden Calf incident, the building of the Tabernacle, and the esteemed figure of Moses. Her research sheds light on both the core Jewish myth and Nietzsche’s philosophical ideas, creating a unique blend that connects religion and art, merging the two opposing forces that are key to Western civilization—Jerusalem and Athens. To learn more about Dr. Harash's educational initiative to help young adults learn from Friedrich Nietzsche's teachings, *Strong from Within*, please see the following webpage:  Link: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StrongFromWithinShop?ref=profile_header The book may be purchased at the following website:  Link: https://www.academicstudiespress.com/9798897831036/

    45 min
  4. Stephanie Binder, *Tertullian and the Jews in Early Christian Literary Imagination*. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2026.

    May 28

    Stephanie Binder, *Tertullian and the Jews in Early Christian Literary Imagination*. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2026.

    This study investigates Tertullian, known as the first individual to articulate Christian theology in Latin. It emphasizes the critical issues that are essential for understanding his biography and works, particularly focusing on his depiction of the Jews within the broader context of early Christian literature. This subject provides an opportunity to evaluate how socio-historical factors have influenced scholars' interpretations over the centuries regarding the portrayal of Jews in patristic writings, thus underscoring the importance of objectivity in academic inquiry. Finally, instances of the diverse representations of Jews in Tertullian's writings are presented to scrutinize the range of his viewpoints, understand his position in relation to other Christian authors, and investigate how his work mirrors the evolution of Christian identity during his era.

    1h 49m
  5. Rhiannon Graybill, *Are We Not Men? Unstable Masculinity in the Hebrew Prophets*. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016.

    May 27

    Rhiannon Graybill, *Are We Not Men? Unstable Masculinity in the Hebrew Prophets*. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016.

    This monograph presents an innovative perspective on gender and embodiment as depicted in the Hebrew Bible. It argues that prophecy disrupts traditional notions of masculinity and alters the way the mainly male Hebrew prophets perceive their physical selves. Furthermore, the prophet's body is framed as a queer entity. The book explores prophetic masculinity through critical analyses of various prophetic figures, including Isaiah, Moses, Hosea, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Alongside thorough examinations of the biblical texts, this narrative interacts with contemporary intertexts from philosophy, psychoanalysis, and horror cinema: Isaiah is juxtaposed with the poetry of Anne Carson; Hosea is analyzed through the lens of possession films and feminist film theory; Jeremiah is linked to psychoanalytic concepts of hysteria; and Ezekiel is associated with Daniel Paul Schreber's *Memoirs of My Nervous Illness*. Additionally, the book offers a detailed examination of Moses's body. This interpretative approach uncovers surprising aspects of the biblical texts and elucidates the unique intersections of masculinity, prophecy, and the body both within and beyond the Hebrew Bible. Engaging with prophecy and prophetic masculinity is essential for queer interpretations. Biblical prophecy cultivates new expressions of masculinity and embodiment; this research provides an important framework for navigating this largely unexplored territory.

    58 min
  6. Getachew Metaferia, ed., *Ethiopia and the Judeo-Christian Tradition: Antiquity to Modernity*. Berlin: Logos Verlag, 2025.

    May 22

    Getachew Metaferia, ed., *Ethiopia and the Judeo-Christian Tradition: Antiquity to Modernity*. Berlin: Logos Verlag, 2025.

    Rich in historical significance and contemporary relevance, this monograph provides readers with a deep understanding of Ethiopia’s enduring role in the Judeo-Christian narrative—spanning from the past, through the present, and into the future.  This research represents a groundbreaking academic endeavor that emphasizes the unique Judeo-Christian heritage of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC). Through eight insightful chapters written by both established and emerging scholars, this volume explores how the EOTC—deeply rooted in Ethiopia’s historical background—blends the Old and New Testaments within its rituals, customs, and identity.  Situated at the crossroads of history, trade, and cultural exchange, Ethiopia has traditionally served as a refuge for the three Abrahamic faiths. Its geographical characteristics and culture of acceptance have nurtured a spirit of tolerance that, despite occasional challenges, has fostered connections over the ages. This context makes the EOTC’s fusion of traditions remarkably distinctive.  Furthermore, the book sheds light on the history and current circumstances of the Beta Israel community. Their recent return to Israel has brought about new dynamics, as they, like many groups in various societies, face identity challenges while contributing to the formation of a pluralistic and inclusive nation.

    1h 16m
  7. Bruce Wells, ed., *The Cambridge Companion to Law in the Hebrew Bible*. New York and Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2024.

    May 20

    Bruce Wells, ed., *The Cambridge Companion to Law in the Hebrew Bible*. New York and Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2024.

    This work offers a detailed overview of the history, essence, and impact of biblical law. It delves into the discussions surrounding the nature of biblical law, analyzing its historical backdrop, the importance of its regulations, and its effect on early Judaism and Christianity. The volume also poses essential questions: Were these regulations intended to act as the statutory law of ancient Israel? Is there any evidence indicating they had a different role? How does this legal material relate to other sections of the Hebrew Bible? Most crucially, the book conducts a comprehensive analysis of the Torah's laws, featuring individual essays on substantive, procedural, and ritual law. With contributions from a diverse group of experts, specifically crafted for this volume, this book provides a contemporary viewpoint on the scholarship of biblical law and highlights themes and topics for future exploration.

    1h 2m
  8. Megan Roberts, *Memory Formation in Isaiah 40–55: Poetic Reimagination that Accomplishes Comfort*. Leiden: Brill, 2025.

    May 19

    Megan Roberts, *Memory Formation in Isaiah 40–55: Poetic Reimagination that Accomplishes Comfort*. Leiden: Brill, 2025.

    Scholars agree that comfort and memory are key, interrelated themes in Isaiah 40–55; however, the notion of collective memory has not been specifically investigated to shed light on the link between memory and comfort. Sociological studies concerning memory and trauma theory address this methodological gap by outlining how the concept of memory is developed within Second Isaiah. This monograph employs such theoretical insights to comprehend how Second Isaiah articulates its message of comfort.

    1h 52m
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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.

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  • Creator
    Ari Barbalat
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    43
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    Clean
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    © 2026 Dialogues in Judaic Studies
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    Dialogues in Judaic Studies