Description
Book SynopsisIn Jews, Gentiles, and Other Animals, Mira Beth Wasserman undertakes a close reading of Avoda Zara, arguably the Babylonian Talmud's most scandalous tractate. According to Wasserman, Avoda Zara is where this Talmud joins the humanities in questioning what it means to be a human.
Trade Review"[A]n insightful examination of an entire tractate of the Babylonian Talmud, one of the central texts of rabbinic Judaism . . . Throughout the book, Wasserman displays a masterful ability to synthesize a large body of complex material, guiding the reader through the details of complex legal reasoning without getting lost in the weeds . . . Wasserman's accomplishment is substantial, and her work promises readers a rich reward." *
Journal of the American Academy of Religion *
"
Jews, Gentiles, and Other Animals is a highly original work that combines a broad view of patterns and structures with insightful readings of individual texts in their full semantic range. The work engages rigorous studies in rabbinic literature as well as theoretical discourse, balanced by a commitment to allowing the ancient texts to resist and talk back." * Barry Scott Wimpfheimer, Northwestern University *
"Elegantly written, fluidly organized, and argued with creativity and care,
Jews, Gentiles, and Other Animals is a joy to read. Mira Beth Wasserman is especially skilled in the pedagogy of taking readers through the intricacies of texts. She makes complicated talmudic passages comprehensible and allows readers to experience their richness fully." * Beth Berkowitz, Barnard College *
Table of ContentsA Note on Sources, Usage, and Transliteration
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Sense of a Beginning
Chapter 2. Jews, Gentiles, and Other Animals
Chapter 3. Leaky Vessels
Chapter 4. Ethics and Objects
Chapter 5. The Last Laugh
Notes
Index
Acknowledgments
