The Story of Dinah: Rape and Rape Myth in Jewish Tradition [Hardcover]

The Story of Dinah examines the intersection of rape culture and Jewish tradition by tracing over two thousand years of Jewish commentary on Genesis 34. Using a definition of rape derived from the Hebrew Bible, Ruit scrutinizes the commentaries on the text for reflections of what would be deemed rape myths today. This book journeys through time and tradition as it uncovers the evolution of Jewish thought regarding women, rape, and women who have been violated. Every period examined, from the biblical account and the intertestamental writings all the way through to present day, reveals surprising and powerful insights about Jewish tradition and its attitudes towards women and sexual violation.Gavi S. Ruit has taught Jewish studies courses at a number of Southern California universities and currently teaches adult education classes at synagogues in New England.

In an age marked by often toxic expressions of masculinity, and a relentless assault on womens bodies and autonomy, revisiting authoritative texts becomes an act of resistance, liberation, and illumination. Rabbi Gavi Ruit, with deep learning, attention to nuance, and a clear moral compass, charts our way through the ancient Biblical story of the rape of Dinah. Her survey of the commentaries is worth its weight in gold. Her call to attend to the implications of the story today is crucial. I grew from reading this brilliant book, and so will you. Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Vice President of American Jewish University

Gavi Ruit has written a masterpiece: a thoughtful and profound analysis of Genesis 34, the rape of Dinah, and the long and complex history of Jewish commentaries on the passage. More than a study of the past, this book illuminates the culture of rape that permeates our society and presents ways Jewish tradition can foster radical cultural change. Susannah Heschel, Dartmouth College

This careful and eye-opening study of the hl$