Conversion and Midrash:

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Conversion and Midrash: "
Lorena Miralles Maciá

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1075046
Doc. No	:	LA118675
Call No	:	‭10.1163/157006310X529227‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Lorena Miralles Maciá
Title & Author	:	Conversion and Midrash: [Article] : On Proselytes and Sympathisers with Judaism in Leviticus Rabbah\ Lorena Miralles Maciá
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Journal for the Study of Judaism
Date	:	2011
Volume/ Issue Number	:	42/1
Page No	:	58–82
Abstract	:	The homiletical commentary Leviticus Rabbah is proof of the interest that proselytism aroused among the Sages. Indeed, this Midrash includes several citations regarding converts to Judaism in general, as a collective with similar characteristics, as well as others about specific figures who became proselytes or at the least sympathisers. This paper analyses the texts relating to this matter in order to answer the following questions: what is the impression of proselytes as a well-known group that is transmitted by the Rabbis in a work dating back to fifth-century C.E. Palestine, taking into account that Christianity had already become the religion of the Empire? Were they accepted as a part of the true Israel? What type of individuals converted to Judaism according to the Sages? Were they notable figures or anonymous people? Were they biblical or contemporary characters? This study will contribute some answers in order to understand how the Rabbis tackled this phenomenon at a time when even specific decrees existed against this practice and when the Church was taking a decisive role against it. The homiletical commentary Leviticus Rabbah is proof of the interest that proselytism aroused among the Sages. Indeed, this Midrash includes several citations regarding converts to Judaism in general, as a collective with similar characteristics, as well as others about specific figures who became proselytes or at the least sympathisers. This paper analyses the texts relating to this matter in order to answer the following questions: what is the impression of proselytes as a well-known group that is transmitted by the Rabbis in a work dating back to fifth-century C.E. Palestine, taking into account that Christianity had already become the religion of the Empire? Were they accepted as a part of the true Israel? What type of individuals converted to Judaism according to the Sages? Were they notable figures or anonymous people? Were they biblical or contemporary characters? This study will contribute some answers in order to understand how the Rabbis tackled this phenomenon at a time when even specific decrees existed against this practice and when the Church was taking a decisive role against it.
Descriptor	:	Leviticus Rabbah
Descriptor	:	Midrash
Descriptor	:	Proselytes
Descriptor	:	sympathisers with Judaism
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/157006310X529227‬