Biblical Myth and Rabbinic Mythmaking [Hardcover]

This is a comprehensive study of myth in the Hebrew Bible and myth and mythmaking in classical rabbinic literature (Midrash and Talmud) and in the classical work of medieval Jewish mysticism (the book of Zohar). Michael Fishbane provides a close study of the texts and theologies involved and the central role of exegesis in the development and transformation of the subject. Taken up are issues of myth and monotheism, myth and tradition, and myth and language. The presence and vitality of myth in successive cultural phases is treated, emphasizing certain paradigmatic acts of God and features of the divine personality.

1.Part One. Biblical MythIntroduction
2. Combat Myths and Divine Actions
3. Personalization and Historicization of the Combat Motif
4. Conclusions and Other Considerations
5.Part Two. Rabbinic Myth and MythmakingIntroduction
6. God and the Primordial Waters
7. Myths of Participation and Pathos
8. Myths of Divinity
9. Conclusions and Other Considerations
10.Part Three. Jewish Myth and Mythmaking in the Middle AgesIntroduction
11. The Primordial Serpent
12. Divine Sorrow and the Rupture of Exile
13. Conclusions
14. Final Conclusions

Michael Fishbaneis Nathan Cummings Professor of Jewish Studies and Chair of the Committee on Jewish Studies at the University of Chicago