Slayers of Moses: The Emergence of Rabbinic Interpretation in Modern Literary Theory

by Susan A. Handelman

In this groundbreaking study, Susan Handelman examines the theological roots of the modern science of interpretation. She defines current structures of thought and patterns of organizing reality, clearly distinguishes them from previously reigning Hellenic modes of abstract thought, and connects them with important elements of the Rabbinic interpretive tradition. Hers is the first comprehensive treatment of the undeniable, and undeniably significant, influence of Jewish religious thought on contemporary literary criticism. Dr. Handelman shows how they provide a crucial link among several of the most influential modern theories of textual interpretation, from Freud to the Deconstructionist School of Lacan and Derrida, as well as current literary theorists who revive Rabbinic hermeneutics, such as Harold Bloom and Geoffrey Hartman.

Genres: Philosophy, Judaica, Nonfiction, Religion

290 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 1983

Reviews

[Pascale · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anybody interested in religion, or religious history pick up this book. It is also good for those of you who like literary theory. Susan Handelman describes the influence of the Rabbinic tradition (of interpretation and close textual analysis) on contemporary literary theory: Derrida, Bloom, Freud, Benjamin. It's very fascinating!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I only read the first section because that was the part assigned and I currently don't have time to read the rest. The basic focus of the book is a comparison and contrast of the interpretive methods of the early Rabbinic scholars and those of the Greek philosophers that have had such a great influence on Western understandings of language. Handelman also goes on to argue that this rabbinic influence is reflected in post-structuralist theory.

In the course of reading I could see just how much my assumptions of interpretation have been influenced by Greek philosophy and the rabbinic and Hebraic understandings seem like this exciting new branch of knowledge that's been ignored for the most part for 2,000 years. Highly recommended to those wanting to get a good introduction to rabbinic interpretive theories and a better understanding of how its differences from Greek thought went on to influence early Christian interpretation and, by extension, all of Western culture