The Drunkenness of Noah by H. Hirsch CohenReview by: Dennis PardeeJournal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 98, No. 3 (Jul. - Sep., 1978), pp. 310-311Published by: American Oriental SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/598721 .

Accessed: 16/06/2014 12:41

Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at .http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp

.JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range ofcontent in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new formsof scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.

.

American Oriental Society is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Journal ofthe American Oriental Society.

http://www.jstor.org

This content downloaded from 185.2.32.49 on Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:41:02 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

Journal of the American Oriental Society 98.3 (1978) Journal of the American Oriental Society 98.3 (1978) Journal of the American Oriental Society 98.3 (1978) Journal of the American Oriental Society 98.3 (1978) Journal of the American Oriental Society 98.3 (1978)

some of his fundamental theoretical positions do not. Beidelman makes these points effortlessly and elegantly. This book is no hagiography, it is pertinent reading.

NORMAN YOFFEE THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

The Synagogue: Studies in Origins, Archaeology and Architecture. Selected with a Prolegomenon by JOSEPH GUTMANN. Pp. xxi + 359, Many plates in text. New York: KTAV PUBLISHING HOUSE. 1975.

Joseph Guttmann, who has previously given us an

anthology of articles on the Dura-Europos synagogue, has here undertaken a more venturesome task in dealing with some of the basic questions of synagogue origins. The book is divided into three parts, matching the title. In Part I: 'Origins' various views, often conflicting, are

presented in the articles by L. Finkelstein, S. Zeitlin, M. Hengel, and S. B. Hoenig. The editor's article on the current state of research provides good orientation. The articles in Part II 'Archaeology' are a bit more diversified and deal not only with recently excavated

synagogues (G. Foerster, M. Avi-Yonah, A. Seager), with problems of art and symbolism (J. M. Baumgarten, M. Smith, J. Gutmann) but also with inscriptions (M. Hengel), the seat of Moses (I. Renov) and orientation

(F. Landsberger). It may be noted that recent archaeo-

logical work has not simplified the task of the scholar and some of the discoveries have made the picture more complex. The last section, 'Architecture', veers from interest in the ancient toward the medieval and the modern with articles on various aspects of synagogue architecture in Germany and the Unites States (Wisch- nitzer, H. Rosenau, A. Werner). The reviewer would add a simple remark about the problem of 'origins' -synagogue or not, it is difficult for him to believe that Jews in the diaspora, from the earliest period, did not have an assembly place for prayer.

J. C. GREENFIELD HEBREW UNIVERSITY, JERUSALEM

Jews of Elephantine and Arameans of Syene: Aramaic Texts with Translation. Edited and Newly Translated

by BEZALEL PORTEN in collaboration with JONAS C. GREENFIELD. Pp. vii + 165. [The Hebrew

University, Department of the History of the Jewish People: Texts and Studies for Students] Jerusalem: ACADEMON. 1974. 16.25 I.L.(= Israeli pounds).

some of his fundamental theoretical positions do not. Beidelman makes these points effortlessly and elegantly. This book is no hagiography, it is pertinent reading.

NORMAN YOFFEE THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

The Synagogue: Studies in Origins, Archaeology and Architecture. Selected with a Prolegomenon by JOSEPH GUTMANN. Pp. xxi + 359, Many plates in text. New York: KTAV PUBLISHING HOUSE. 1975.

Joseph Guttmann, who has previously given us an

anthology of articles on the Dura-Europos synagogue, has here undertaken a more venturesome task in dealing with some of the basic questions of synagogue origins. The book is divided into three parts, matching the title. In Part I: 'Origins' various views, often conflicting, are

presented in the articles by L. Finkelstein, S. Zeitlin, M. Hengel, and S. B. Hoenig. The editor's article on the current state of research provides good orientation. The articles in Part II 'Archaeology' are a bit more diversified and deal not only with recently excavated

synagogues (G. Foerster, M. Avi-Yonah, A. Seager), with problems of art and symbolism (J. M. Baumgarten, M. Smith, J. Gutmann) but also with inscriptions (M. Hengel), the seat of Moses (I. Renov) and orientation

(F. Landsberger). It may be noted that recent archaeo-

logical work has not simplified the task of the scholar and some of the discoveries have made the picture more complex. The last section, 'Architecture', veers from interest in the ancient toward the medieval and the modern with articles on various aspects of synagogue architecture in Germany and the Unites States (Wisch- nitzer, H. Rosenau, A. Werner). The reviewer would add a simple remark about the problem of 'origins' -synagogue or not, it is difficult for him to believe that Jews in the diaspora, from the earliest period, did not have an assembly place for prayer.

J. C. GREENFIELD HEBREW UNIVERSITY, JERUSALEM

Jews of Elephantine and Arameans of Syene: Aramaic Texts with Translation. Edited and Newly Translated

by BEZALEL PORTEN in collaboration with JONAS C. GREENFIELD. Pp. vii + 165. [The Hebrew

University, Department of the History of the Jewish People: Texts and Studies for Students] Jerusalem: ACADEMON. 1974. 16.25 I.L.(= Israeli pounds).

some of his fundamental theoretical positions do not. Beidelman makes these points effortlessly and elegantly. This book is no hagiography, it is pertinent reading.

NORMAN YOFFEE THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

The Synagogue: Studies in Origins, Archaeology and Architecture. Selected with a Prolegomenon by JOSEPH GUTMANN. Pp. xxi + 359, Many plates in text. New York: KTAV PUBLISHING HOUSE. 1975.

Joseph Guttmann, who has previously given us an

anthology of articles on the Dura-Europos synagogue, has here undertaken a more venturesome task in dealing with some of the basic questions of synagogue origins. The book is divided into three parts, matching the title. In Part I: 'Origins' various views, often conflicting, are

presented in the articles by L. Finkelstein, S. Zeitlin, M. Hengel, and S. B. Hoenig. The editor's article on the current state of research provides good orientation. The articles in Part II 'Archaeology' are a bit more diversified and deal not only with recently excavated

synagogues (G. Foerster, M. Avi-Yonah, A. Seager), with problems of art and symbolism (J. M. Baumgarten, M. Smith, J. Gutmann) but also with inscriptions (M. Hengel), the seat of Moses (I. Renov) and orientation

(F. Landsberger). It may be noted that recent archaeo-

logical work has not simplified the task of the scholar and some of the discoveries have made the picture more complex. The last section, 'Architecture', veers from interest in the ancient toward the medieval and the modern with articles on various aspects of synagogue architecture in Germany and the Unites States (Wisch- nitzer, H. Rosenau, A. Werner). The reviewer would add a simple remark about the problem of 'origins' -synagogue or not, it is difficult for him to believe that Jews in the diaspora, from the earliest period, did not have an assembly place for prayer.

J. C. GREENFIELD HEBREW UNIVERSITY, JERUSALEM

Jews of Elephantine and Arameans of Syene: Aramaic Texts with Translation. Edited and Newly Translated

by BEZALEL PORTEN in collaboration with JONAS C. GREENFIELD. Pp. vii + 165. [The Hebrew

University, Department of the History of the Jewish People: Texts and Studies for Students] Jerusalem: ACADEMON. 1974. 16.25 I.L.(= Israeli pounds).

some of his fundamental theoretical positions do not. Beidelman makes these points effortlessly and elegantly. This book is no hagiography, it is pertinent reading.

NORMAN YOFFEE THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

The Synagogue: Studies in Origins, Archaeology and Architecture. Selected with a Prolegomenon by JOSEPH GUTMANN. Pp. xxi + 359, Many plates in text. New York: KTAV PUBLISHING HOUSE. 1975.

Joseph Guttmann, who has previously given us an

anthology of articles on the Dura-Europos synagogue, has here undertaken a more venturesome task in dealing with some of the basic questions of synagogue origins. The book is divided into three parts, matching the title. In Part I: 'Origins' various views, often conflicting, are

presented in the articles by L. Finkelstein, S. Zeitlin, M. Hengel, and S. B. Hoenig. The editor's article on the current state of research provides good orientation. The articles in Part II 'Archaeology' are a bit more diversified and deal not only with recently excavated

synagogues (G. Foerster, M. Avi-Yonah, A. Seager), with problems of art and symbolism (J. M. Baumgarten, M. Smith, J. Gutmann) but also with inscriptions (M. Hengel), the seat of Moses (I. Renov) and orientation

(F. Landsberger). It may be noted that recent archaeo-

logical work has not simplified the task of the scholar and some of the discoveries have made the picture more complex. The last section, 'Architecture', veers from interest in the ancient toward the medieval and the modern with articles on various aspects of synagogue architecture in Germany and the Unites States (Wisch- nitzer, H. Rosenau, A. Werner). The reviewer would add a simple remark about the problem of 'origins' -synagogue or not, it is difficult for him to believe that Jews in the diaspora, from the earliest period, did not have an assembly place for prayer.

J. C. GREENFIELD HEBREW UNIVERSITY, JERUSALEM

Jews of Elephantine and Arameans of Syene: Aramaic Texts with Translation. Edited and Newly Translated

by BEZALEL PORTEN in collaboration with JONAS C. GREENFIELD. Pp. vii + 165. [The Hebrew

University, Department of the History of the Jewish People: Texts and Studies for Students] Jerusalem: ACADEMON. 1974. 16.25 I.L.(= Israeli pounds).

some of his fundamental theoretical positions do not. Beidelman makes these points effortlessly and elegantly. This book is no hagiography, it is pertinent reading.

NORMAN YOFFEE THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

The Synagogue: Studies in Origins, Archaeology and Architecture. Selected with a Prolegomenon by JOSEPH GUTMANN. Pp. xxi + 359, Many plates in text. New York: KTAV PUBLISHING HOUSE. 1975.

Joseph Guttmann, who has previously given us an

anthology of articles on the Dura-Europos synagogue, has here undertaken a more venturesome task in dealing with some of the basic questions of synagogue origins. The book is divided into three parts, matching the title. In Part I: 'Origins' various views, often conflicting, are

presented in the articles by L. Finkelstein, S. Zeitlin, M. Hengel, and S. B. Hoenig. The editor's article on the current state of research provides good orientation. The articles in Part II 'Archaeology' are a bit more diversified and deal not only with recently excavated

synagogues (G. Foerster, M. Avi-Yonah, A. Seager), with problems of art and symbolism (J. M. Baumgarten, M. Smith, J. Gutmann) but also with inscriptions (M. Hengel), the seat of Moses (I. Renov) and orientation

(F. Landsberger). It may be noted that recent archaeo-

logical work has not simplified the task of the scholar and some of the discoveries have made the picture more complex. The last section, 'Architecture', veers from interest in the ancient toward the medieval and the modern with articles on various aspects of synagogue architecture in Germany and the Unites States (Wisch- nitzer, H. Rosenau, A. Werner). The reviewer would add a simple remark about the problem of 'origins' -synagogue or not, it is difficult for him to believe that Jews in the diaspora, from the earliest period, did not have an assembly place for prayer.

J. C. GREENFIELD HEBREW UNIVERSITY, JERUSALEM

Jews of Elephantine and Arameans of Syene: Aramaic Texts with Translation. Edited and Newly Translated

by BEZALEL PORTEN in collaboration with JONAS C. GREENFIELD. Pp. vii + 165. [The Hebrew

University, Department of the History of the Jewish People: Texts and Studies for Students] Jerusalem: ACADEMON. 1974. 16.25 I.L.(= Israeli pounds).

Porten has restudied a number of Aramaic papyri previously published by Cowley (Aramaic Papyri of the

Porten has restudied a number of Aramaic papyri previously published by Cowley (Aramaic Papyri of the

Porten has restudied a number of Aramaic papyri previously published by Cowley (Aramaic Papyri of the

Porten has restudied a number of Aramaic papyri previously published by Cowley (Aramaic Papyri of the

Porten has restudied a number of Aramaic papyri previously published by Cowley (Aramaic Papyri of the

Fifth Century B.C.. ##1, 5-15, 18-23, 25, 27-28, 30-34, 36-38, 44, 47, 56), Kraeling (The Brooklyn Museum Aramaic Papyri, ##1-12, 14), and Bresciani-Kamil (Hermopolis West Papyri, #:1-7). The work includes a transliteration of the Aramaic text and new translations into English and Hebrew-the latter being of very limited value to all but the Israeli students for whom the collection is primarily intended. In the forward, Porten writes: "The present collection is a preliminary publica- tion of a complete Corpus of Aramaic Texts of the Persian Period which will include introduction, translation, and detailed commentary for each text." In the meantime, the present work is an inexpensive collection of selected Aramaic texts especially useful for students and non- specialists.

J. DAVID WHITEHEAD UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, ONTARIO

The Halakhah at Qumran. By LAWRENCE H. SCHIFFMAN.

Pp. xii + 170. [Studies in Judaism in Late Antiquity 16]. Leiden: E. J. BRILL. 1975. Dfl. 64.

A full title for this work would be: The Halakhah at Qumran: Goals, Sources, Terminology, and a Case Study in the Sabbath Halakhot. It represents a dissertation done at Brandeis University under Professors A. A. Altman, N. M. Sarna, and B. A. Levine (the last of New York University). Schiffman's respect for a wide variety of sources of comparison reflects his training under these men. The case study in the Sabbath halakhot fills only about 60 pages of the book (including the conclusion), but it is a model of proper method in comparing halakhic (and occasionally non-halakhic) sources. Some might quarrel with the author's choice of a case study, since the main collection of halakhot on the Sabbath is con- tained in the Damascus Covenant-best known in its Cairo Geniza form. The manuscripts of this document which have shown up at Qumran fully justify, however, the choice of subject and the title of the book.

On the much disputed question of identifying the qumran sect, Schiffman feels that the Sabbath halakhot cast no new light. Rather he prefers L. Ginzberg's description: "An unknown Jewish sect."

DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Drunkenness of Noah. By H. HIRSCH COHEN. Pp. xiii + 177. (Judaic Studies IV). University, Alabama: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA PRESS. 1974. $7.95.

Fifth Century B.C.. ##1, 5-15, 18-23, 25, 27-28, 30-34, 36-38, 44, 47, 56), Kraeling (The Brooklyn Museum Aramaic Papyri, ##1-12, 14), and Bresciani-Kamil (Hermopolis West Papyri, #:1-7). The work includes a transliteration of the Aramaic text and new translations into English and Hebrew-the latter being of very limited value to all but the Israeli students for whom the collection is primarily intended. In the forward, Porten writes: "The present collection is a preliminary publica- tion of a complete Corpus of Aramaic Texts of the Persian Period which will include introduction, translation, and detailed commentary for each text." In the meantime, the present work is an inexpensive collection of selected Aramaic texts especially useful for students and non- specialists.

J. DAVID WHITEHEAD UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, ONTARIO

The Halakhah at Qumran. By LAWRENCE H. SCHIFFMAN.

Pp. xii + 170. [Studies in Judaism in Late Antiquity 16]. Leiden: E. J. BRILL. 1975. Dfl. 64.

A full title for this work would be: The Halakhah at Qumran: Goals, Sources, Terminology, and a Case Study in the Sabbath Halakhot. It represents a dissertation done at Brandeis University under Professors A. A. Altman, N. M. Sarna, and B. A. Levine (the last of New York University). Schiffman's respect for a wide variety of sources of comparison reflects his training under these men. The case study in the Sabbath halakhot fills only about 60 pages of the book (including the conclusion), but it is a model of proper method in comparing halakhic (and occasionally non-halakhic) sources. Some might quarrel with the author's choice of a case study, since the main collection of halakhot on the Sabbath is con- tained in the Damascus Covenant-best known in its Cairo Geniza form. The manuscripts of this document which have shown up at Qumran fully justify, however, the choice of subject and the title of the book.

On the much disputed question of identifying the qumran sect, Schiffman feels that the Sabbath halakhot cast no new light. Rather he prefers L. Ginzberg's description: "An unknown Jewish sect."

DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Drunkenness of Noah. By H. HIRSCH COHEN. Pp. xiii + 177. (Judaic Studies IV). University, Alabama: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA PRESS. 1974. $7.95.

Fifth Century B.C.. ##1, 5-15, 18-23, 25, 27-28, 30-34, 36-38, 44, 47, 56), Kraeling (The Brooklyn Museum Aramaic Papyri, ##1-12, 14), and Bresciani-Kamil (Hermopolis West Papyri, #:1-7). The work includes a transliteration of the Aramaic text and new translations into English and Hebrew-the latter being of very limited value to all but the Israeli students for whom the collection is primarily intended. In the forward, Porten writes: "The present collection is a preliminary publica- tion of a complete Corpus of Aramaic Texts of the Persian Period which will include introduction, translation, and detailed commentary for each text." In the meantime, the present work is an inexpensive collection of selected Aramaic texts especially useful for students and non- specialists.

J. DAVID WHITEHEAD UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, ONTARIO

The Halakhah at Qumran. By LAWRENCE H. SCHIFFMAN.

Pp. xii + 170. [Studies in Judaism in Late Antiquity 16]. Leiden: E. J. BRILL. 1975. Dfl. 64.

A full title for this work would be: The Halakhah at Qumran: Goals, Sources, Terminology, and a Case Study in the Sabbath Halakhot. It represents a dissertation done at Brandeis University under Professors A. A. Altman, N. M. Sarna, and B. A. Levine (the last of New York University). Schiffman's respect for a wide variety of sources of comparison reflects his training under these men. The case study in the Sabbath halakhot fills only about 60 pages of the book (including the conclusion), but it is a model of proper method in comparing halakhic (and occasionally non-halakhic) sources. Some might quarrel with the author's choice of a case study, since the main collection of halakhot on the Sabbath is con- tained in the Damascus Covenant-best known in its Cairo Geniza form. The manuscripts of this document which have shown up at Qumran fully justify, however, the choice of subject and the title of the book.

On the much disputed question of identifying the qumran sect, Schiffman feels that the Sabbath halakhot cast no new light. Rather he prefers L. Ginzberg's description: "An unknown Jewish sect."

DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Drunkenness of Noah. By H. HIRSCH COHEN. Pp. xiii + 177. (Judaic Studies IV). University, Alabama: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA PRESS. 1974. $7.95.

Fifth Century B.C.. ##1, 5-15, 18-23, 25, 27-28, 30-34, 36-38, 44, 47, 56), Kraeling (The Brooklyn Museum Aramaic Papyri, ##1-12, 14), and Bresciani-Kamil (Hermopolis West Papyri, #:1-7). The work includes a transliteration of the Aramaic text and new translations into English and Hebrew-the latter being of very limited value to all but the Israeli students for whom the collection is primarily intended. In the forward, Porten writes: "The present collection is a preliminary publica- tion of a complete Corpus of Aramaic Texts of the Persian Period which will include introduction, translation, and detailed commentary for each text." In the meantime, the present work is an inexpensive collection of selected Aramaic texts especially useful for students and non- specialists.

J. DAVID WHITEHEAD UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, ONTARIO

The Halakhah at Qumran. By LAWRENCE H. SCHIFFMAN.

Pp. xii + 170. [Studies in Judaism in Late Antiquity 16]. Leiden: E. J. BRILL. 1975. Dfl. 64.

A full title for this work would be: The Halakhah at Qumran: Goals, Sources, Terminology, and a Case Study in the Sabbath Halakhot. It represents a dissertation done at Brandeis University under Professors A. A. Altman, N. M. Sarna, and B. A. Levine (the last of New York University). Schiffman's respect for a wide variety of sources of comparison reflects his training under these men. The case study in the Sabbath halakhot fills only about 60 pages of the book (including the conclusion), but it is a model of proper method in comparing halakhic (and occasionally non-halakhic) sources. Some might quarrel with the author's choice of a case study, since the main collection of halakhot on the Sabbath is con- tained in the Damascus Covenant-best known in its Cairo Geniza form. The manuscripts of this document which have shown up at Qumran fully justify, however, the choice of subject and the title of the book.

On the much disputed question of identifying the qumran sect, Schiffman feels that the Sabbath halakhot cast no new light. Rather he prefers L. Ginzberg's description: "An unknown Jewish sect."

DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Drunkenness of Noah. By H. HIRSCH COHEN. Pp. xiii + 177. (Judaic Studies IV). University, Alabama: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA PRESS. 1974. $7.95.

Fifth Century B.C.. ##1, 5-15, 18-23, 25, 27-28, 30-34, 36-38, 44, 47, 56), Kraeling (The Brooklyn Museum Aramaic Papyri, ##1-12, 14), and Bresciani-Kamil (Hermopolis West Papyri, #:1-7). The work includes a transliteration of the Aramaic text and new translations into English and Hebrew-the latter being of very limited value to all but the Israeli students for whom the collection is primarily intended. In the forward, Porten writes: "The present collection is a preliminary publica- tion of a complete Corpus of Aramaic Texts of the Persian Period which will include introduction, translation, and detailed commentary for each text." In the meantime, the present work is an inexpensive collection of selected Aramaic texts especially useful for students and non- specialists.

J. DAVID WHITEHEAD UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, ONTARIO

The Halakhah at Qumran. By LAWRENCE H. SCHIFFMAN.

Pp. xii + 170. [Studies in Judaism in Late Antiquity 16]. Leiden: E. J. BRILL. 1975. Dfl. 64.

A full title for this work would be: The Halakhah at Qumran: Goals, Sources, Terminology, and a Case Study in the Sabbath Halakhot. It represents a dissertation done at Brandeis University under Professors A. A. Altman, N. M. Sarna, and B. A. Levine (the last of New York University). Schiffman's respect for a wide variety of sources of comparison reflects his training under these men. The case study in the Sabbath halakhot fills only about 60 pages of the book (including the conclusion), but it is a model of proper method in comparing halakhic (and occasionally non-halakhic) sources. Some might quarrel with the author's choice of a case study, since the main collection of halakhot on the Sabbath is con- tained in the Damascus Covenant-best known in its Cairo Geniza form. The manuscripts of this document which have shown up at Qumran fully justify, however, the choice of subject and the title of the book.

On the much disputed question of identifying the qumran sect, Schiffman feels that the Sabbath halakhot cast no new light. Rather he prefers L. Ginzberg's description: "An unknown Jewish sect."

DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Drunkenness of Noah. By H. HIRSCH COHEN. Pp. xiii + 177. (Judaic Studies IV). University, Alabama: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA PRESS. 1974. $7.95.

Two principal theories are propounded here: 1) Noah's drunkenness was not reprehensible, but a commendable

Two principal theories are propounded here: 1) Noah's drunkenness was not reprehensible, but a commendable

Two principal theories are propounded here: 1) Noah's drunkenness was not reprehensible, but a commendable

Two principal theories are propounded here: 1) Noah's drunkenness was not reprehensible, but a commendable

Two principal theories are propounded here: 1) Noah's drunkenness was not reprehensible, but a commendable

310 310 310 310 310

This content downloaded from 185.2.32.49 on Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:41:02 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

Brief Reviews of Books Brief Reviews of Books Brief Reviews of Books Brief Reviews of Books

action (the possibility of it being neutral is not discussed). By linking the notions of wine and reproductive prowess, the author concludes that when Noah became drunk he was simply fortifying himself for the task of repopulating the earth. Ham's sin consisted in spying on his father in the act of being fruitful and multiplying and, by the act of gazing, appropriating his father's power. 2) The biblical flood story is an account of the seismic waves which must have hit the Levant as a result of the Thera volcanic eruption in ca. 1450 B.C. Literarily, it is a

recasting of the old Mesopotamian flood story in the

light of the more recent deluge. These and many less important conclusions are reached

primarily by means of fanciful etymologies and extracting hidden meanings from what the biblical text does and does not say. One example of the philological method

employed here: A rather important element in Cohen's

theory of the flood is that the Hebrew word for 'flood' mabbil means 'seismic wave'. This is based on a deriva- tion from the root ybl 'bring, bear' which is compared immediately with yobel 'ram's horn'. Rams push with their horns and seismic waves push against land.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Joseph Narrative in Genesis. By ERIC I. LOWENTHAL.

Pp. ix + 212. New York: KTAV. 1973. $9.50.

A verse-by-verse commentary on Gen. 37, 39-48, 49:29-33, and 50. Though the author has read, and cites, critical commentaries, he is clearly more impressed by the methods of midrash. He treats the text as unitary and attempts to extract the deeper meaning of the narrative from idiosyncrasies of the text. He is especially interested in surmising motivations and in suggesting backgrounds for apparent irregularities in the narrative. The method "is to scrutinize the immensely condensed diction of the text so that its details will yield the intent"

(p. 1). Radaq would feel right at home, and B. Jacob would be honored at the extensive use made of his com-

mentary. DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Commentary of Rabbi David Kimhi on Psalms CXX- CL. Edited and translated by JOSHUA BAKER and ERNEST W. NICHOLSON. Pp. xxxii + 190. (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications 22). Cambridge: UNIVERSITY PRESS. 1973. $13.50.

This is a new edition of David Kimhi's commentary on Psalms 120-50 based on two early editions (Bologna

action (the possibility of it being neutral is not discussed). By linking the notions of wine and reproductive prowess, the author concludes that when Noah became drunk he was simply fortifying himself for the task of repopulating the earth. Ham's sin consisted in spying on his father in the act of being fruitful and multiplying and, by the act of gazing, appropriating his father's power. 2) The biblical flood story is an account of the seismic waves which must have hit the Levant as a result of the Thera volcanic eruption in ca. 1450 B.C. Literarily, it is a

recasting of the old Mesopotamian flood story in the

light of the more recent deluge. These and many less important conclusions are reached

primarily by means of fanciful etymologies and extracting hidden meanings from what the biblical text does and does not say. One example of the philological method

employed here: A rather important element in Cohen's

theory of the flood is that the Hebrew word for 'flood' mabbil means 'seismic wave'. This is based on a deriva- tion from the root ybl 'bring, bear' which is compared immediately with yobel 'ram's horn'. Rams push with their horns and seismic waves push against land.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Joseph Narrative in Genesis. By ERIC I. LOWENTHAL.

Pp. ix + 212. New York: KTAV. 1973. $9.50.

A verse-by-verse commentary on Gen. 37, 39-48, 49:29-33, and 50. Though the author has read, and cites, critical commentaries, he is clearly more impressed by the methods of midrash. He treats the text as unitary and attempts to extract the deeper meaning of the narrative from idiosyncrasies of the text. He is especially interested in surmising motivations and in suggesting backgrounds for apparent irregularities in the narrative. The method "is to scrutinize the immensely condensed diction of the text so that its details will yield the intent"

(p. 1). Radaq would feel right at home, and B. Jacob would be honored at the extensive use made of his com-

mentary. DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Commentary of Rabbi David Kimhi on Psalms CXX- CL. Edited and translated by JOSHUA BAKER and ERNEST W. NICHOLSON. Pp. xxxii + 190. (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications 22). Cambridge: UNIVERSITY PRESS. 1973. $13.50.

This is a new edition of David Kimhi's commentary on Psalms 120-50 based on two early editions (Bologna

action (the possibility of it being neutral is not discussed). By linking the notions of wine and reproductive prowess, the author concludes that when Noah became drunk he was simply fortifying himself for the task of repopulating the earth. Ham's sin consisted in spying on his father in the act of being fruitful and multiplying and, by the act of gazing, appropriating his father's power. 2) The biblical flood story is an account of the seismic waves which must have hit the Levant as a result of the Thera volcanic eruption in ca. 1450 B.C. Literarily, it is a

recasting of the old Mesopotamian flood story in the

light of the more recent deluge. These and many less important conclusions are reached

primarily by means of fanciful etymologies and extracting hidden meanings from what the biblical text does and does not say. One example of the philological method

employed here: A rather important element in Cohen's

theory of the flood is that the Hebrew word for 'flood' mabbil means 'seismic wave'. This is based on a deriva- tion from the root ybl 'bring, bear' which is compared immediately with yobel 'ram's horn'. Rams push with their horns and seismic waves push against land.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Joseph Narrative in Genesis. By ERIC I. LOWENTHAL.

Pp. ix + 212. New York: KTAV. 1973. $9.50.

A verse-by-verse commentary on Gen. 37, 39-48, 49:29-33, and 50. Though the author has read, and cites, critical commentaries, he is clearly more impressed by the methods of midrash. He treats the text as unitary and attempts to extract the deeper meaning of the narrative from idiosyncrasies of the text. He is especially interested in surmising motivations and in suggesting backgrounds for apparent irregularities in the narrative. The method "is to scrutinize the immensely condensed diction of the text so that its details will yield the intent"

(p. 1). Radaq would feel right at home, and B. Jacob would be honored at the extensive use made of his com-

mentary. DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Commentary of Rabbi David Kimhi on Psalms CXX- CL. Edited and translated by JOSHUA BAKER and ERNEST W. NICHOLSON. Pp. xxxii + 190. (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications 22). Cambridge: UNIVERSITY PRESS. 1973. $13.50.

This is a new edition of David Kimhi's commentary on Psalms 120-50 based on two early editions (Bologna

action (the possibility of it being neutral is not discussed). By linking the notions of wine and reproductive prowess, the author concludes that when Noah became drunk he was simply fortifying himself for the task of repopulating the earth. Ham's sin consisted in spying on his father in the act of being fruitful and multiplying and, by the act of gazing, appropriating his father's power. 2) The biblical flood story is an account of the seismic waves which must have hit the Levant as a result of the Thera volcanic eruption in ca. 1450 B.C. Literarily, it is a

recasting of the old Mesopotamian flood story in the

light of the more recent deluge. These and many less important conclusions are reached

primarily by means of fanciful etymologies and extracting hidden meanings from what the biblical text does and does not say. One example of the philological method

employed here: A rather important element in Cohen's

theory of the flood is that the Hebrew word for 'flood' mabbil means 'seismic wave'. This is based on a deriva- tion from the root ybl 'bring, bear' which is compared immediately with yobel 'ram's horn'. Rams push with their horns and seismic waves push against land.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Joseph Narrative in Genesis. By ERIC I. LOWENTHAL.

Pp. ix + 212. New York: KTAV. 1973. $9.50.

A verse-by-verse commentary on Gen. 37, 39-48, 49:29-33, and 50. Though the author has read, and cites, critical commentaries, he is clearly more impressed by the methods of midrash. He treats the text as unitary and attempts to extract the deeper meaning of the narrative from idiosyncrasies of the text. He is especially interested in surmising motivations and in suggesting backgrounds for apparent irregularities in the narrative. The method "is to scrutinize the immensely condensed diction of the text so that its details will yield the intent"

(p. 1). Radaq would feel right at home, and B. Jacob would be honored at the extensive use made of his com-

mentary. DENNIS PARDEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Commentary of Rabbi David Kimhi on Psalms CXX- CL. Edited and translated by JOSHUA BAKER and ERNEST W. NICHOLSON. Pp. xxxii + 190. (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications 22). Cambridge: UNIVERSITY PRESS. 1973. $13.50.

This is a new edition of David Kimhi's commentary on Psalms 120-50 based on two early editions (Bologna

1477, Naples 1487) and seven manuscripts (fifteenth or

early sixteenth century where dated). The Hebrew text is reproduced from typescript on the left page with

English translation and notes in normal print on the

facing page. A glossary is included at the end (pp. 171-

90). With Frank Talmadge's recent book on Kimhi (David

Kimhi: The Man and the Commentaries), we are witnessing a small revival in Kimhi studies. It is to be hoped that reliable modern editions of Kimhi's works and those of other medieval commentators will continue to appear. My only regret about the present work is that the editors did not see fit to give us in one volume Kimhi's entire work on the Psalms. Editions of the earlier portions are out-of-date or hard to come by, and most of them do not include a translation.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Inner World of Qohelet. By FRANK ZIMMERMANN.

Pp. xiv + 196. New York: KTAV. 1973. $10.00.

The "inner world of Qohelet" is that of a neurotic obsessed with guilt (because of early incestuous desires) and inadequacy (sexually impotent, mediocre station in

life). The Book of Qohelet is the catharsis by which the author obtains a measure of psychological stability. It was originally written in Aramaic in Seleucia or Antioch, about 300 B.C., by a minor official of the Seleu id court.

Though Zimmermann may well touch occasionally on

deeper points of Qohelet's psyche, the extremes of his

interpretation render his conclusion, that Qohelet was a

pathological neurotic, very unlikely. (An example of

straining the text to obtain negative results: every item of the list in ch. 3:2-8 must be immediately applied to

Qohelet and must have the most negative possible mean-

ing: hrg in vs. 3 means 'murder' and not 'kill'; 'sew' in vs. 7 must refer to Qohelet himself and must therefore have a deep sexual implication). Indeed, I remain un- convinced that Freudian psychoanalysis applied to ancient texts can do more than give occasional insights.

Misprints are fairly numerous but minor, though the

Hebrew/Aramaic transcriptions sometimes lack the all-

important diacritical marks. The three indexes (subject, Hebrew words, authors) do not include the most impor- tant: an index of texts discussed. The short commentary (pp. 136-63), which is separate from the main body of the book (pp. 1-135, notes pp. 177-84), does not fill this lacuna for it does not include cross-references to the many individual textual interpretations scattered throughout the book.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

1477, Naples 1487) and seven manuscripts (fifteenth or

early sixteenth century where dated). The Hebrew text is reproduced from typescript on the left page with

English translation and notes in normal print on the

facing page. A glossary is included at the end (pp. 171-

90). With Frank Talmadge's recent book on Kimhi (David

Kimhi: The Man and the Commentaries), we are witnessing a small revival in Kimhi studies. It is to be hoped that reliable modern editions of Kimhi's works and those of other medieval commentators will continue to appear. My only regret about the present work is that the editors did not see fit to give us in one volume Kimhi's entire work on the Psalms. Editions of the earlier portions are out-of-date or hard to come by, and most of them do not include a translation.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Inner World of Qohelet. By FRANK ZIMMERMANN.

Pp. xiv + 196. New York: KTAV. 1973. $10.00.

The "inner world of Qohelet" is that of a neurotic obsessed with guilt (because of early incestuous desires) and inadequacy (sexually impotent, mediocre station in

life). The Book of Qohelet is the catharsis by which the author obtains a measure of psychological stability. It was originally written in Aramaic in Seleucia or Antioch, about 300 B.C., by a minor official of the Seleu id court.

Though Zimmermann may well touch occasionally on

deeper points of Qohelet's psyche, the extremes of his

interpretation render his conclusion, that Qohelet was a

pathological neurotic, very unlikely. (An example of

straining the text to obtain negative results: every item of the list in ch. 3:2-8 must be immediately applied to

Qohelet and must have the most negative possible mean-

ing: hrg in vs. 3 means 'murder' and not 'kill'; 'sew' in vs. 7 must refer to Qohelet himself and must therefore have a deep sexual implication). Indeed, I remain un- convinced that Freudian psychoanalysis applied to ancient texts can do more than give occasional insights.

Misprints are fairly numerous but minor, though the

Hebrew/Aramaic transcriptions sometimes lack the all-

important diacritical marks. The three indexes (subject, Hebrew words, authors) do not include the most impor- tant: an index of texts discussed. The short commentary (pp. 136-63), which is separate from the main body of the book (pp. 1-135, notes pp. 177-84), does not fill this lacuna for it does not include cross-references to the many individual textual interpretations scattered throughout the book.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

1477, Naples 1487) and seven manuscripts (fifteenth or

early sixteenth century where dated). The Hebrew text is reproduced from typescript on the left page with

English translation and notes in normal print on the

facing page. A glossary is included at the end (pp. 171-

90). With Frank Talmadge's recent book on Kimhi (David

Kimhi: The Man and the Commentaries), we are witnessing a small revival in Kimhi studies. It is to be hoped that reliable modern editions of Kimhi's works and those of other medieval commentators will continue to appear. My only regret about the present work is that the editors did not see fit to give us in one volume Kimhi's entire work on the Psalms. Editions of the earlier portions are out-of-date or hard to come by, and most of them do not include a translation.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Inner World of Qohelet. By FRANK ZIMMERMANN.

Pp. xiv + 196. New York: KTAV. 1973. $10.00.

The "inner world of Qohelet" is that of a neurotic obsessed with guilt (because of early incestuous desires) and inadequacy (sexually impotent, mediocre station in

life). The Book of Qohelet is the catharsis by which the author obtains a measure of psychological stability. It was originally written in Aramaic in Seleucia or Antioch, about 300 B.C., by a minor official of the Seleu id court.

Though Zimmermann may well touch occasionally on

deeper points of Qohelet's psyche, the extremes of his

interpretation render his conclusion, that Qohelet was a

pathological neurotic, very unlikely. (An example of

straining the text to obtain negative results: every item of the list in ch. 3:2-8 must be immediately applied to

Qohelet and must have the most negative possible mean-

ing: hrg in vs. 3 means 'murder' and not 'kill'; 'sew' in vs. 7 must refer to Qohelet himself and must therefore have a deep sexual implication). Indeed, I remain un- convinced that Freudian psychoanalysis applied to ancient texts can do more than give occasional insights.

Misprints are fairly numerous but minor, though the

Hebrew/Aramaic transcriptions sometimes lack the all-

important diacritical marks. The three indexes (subject, Hebrew words, authors) do not include the most impor- tant: an index of texts discussed. The short commentary (pp. 136-63), which is separate from the main body of the book (pp. 1-135, notes pp. 177-84), does not fill this lacuna for it does not include cross-references to the many individual textual interpretations scattered throughout the book.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

1477, Naples 1487) and seven manuscripts (fifteenth or

early sixteenth century where dated). The Hebrew text is reproduced from typescript on the left page with

English translation and notes in normal print on the

facing page. A glossary is included at the end (pp. 171-

90). With Frank Talmadge's recent book on Kimhi (David

Kimhi: The Man and the Commentaries), we are witnessing a small revival in Kimhi studies. It is to be hoped that reliable modern editions of Kimhi's works and those of other medieval commentators will continue to appear. My only regret about the present work is that the editors did not see fit to give us in one volume Kimhi's entire work on the Psalms. Editions of the earlier portions are out-of-date or hard to come by, and most of them do not include a translation.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The Inner World of Qohelet. By FRANK ZIMMERMANN.

Pp. xiv + 196. New York: KTAV. 1973. $10.00.

The "inner world of Qohelet" is that of a neurotic obsessed with guilt (because of early incestuous desires) and inadequacy (sexually impotent, mediocre station in

life). The Book of Qohelet is the catharsis by which the author obtains a measure of psychological stability. It was originally written in Aramaic in Seleucia or Antioch, about 300 B.C., by a minor official of the Seleu id court.

Though Zimmermann may well touch occasionally on

deeper points of Qohelet's psyche, the extremes of his

interpretation render his conclusion, that Qohelet was a

pathological neurotic, very unlikely. (An example of

straining the text to obtain negative results: every item of the list in ch. 3:2-8 must be immediately applied to

Qohelet and must have the most negative possible mean-

ing: hrg in vs. 3 means 'murder' and not 'kill'; 'sew' in vs. 7 must refer to Qohelet himself and must therefore have a deep sexual implication). Indeed, I remain un- convinced that Freudian psychoanalysis applied to ancient texts can do more than give occasional insights.

Misprints are fairly numerous but minor, though the

Hebrew/Aramaic transcriptions sometimes lack the all-

important diacritical marks. The three indexes (subject, Hebrew words, authors) do not include the most impor- tant: an index of texts discussed. The short commentary (pp. 136-63), which is separate from the main body of the book (pp. 1-135, notes pp. 177-84), does not fill this lacuna for it does not include cross-references to the many individual textual interpretations scattered throughout the book.

DENNIS PARDEE THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

311 311 311 311

This content downloaded from 185.2.32.49 on Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:41:02 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions