The Cambridge Genizah Collections
Their Contents and Significance

This collection of original contributions by an international group of experts summarizes recent developments in Genizah research. Stefan Reif's overview of a century of work on the famous Taylor-Schechter Collection of Hebrew manuscripts at Cambridge University Library is followed by Menahem Kister's textual interpretations of the Ben Sira fragments. Michael Klein uncovers targumic contexts and renderings, while Menahem Kahana demonstrates how Genizah texts permit the reconstruction of early midrashim. Neil Danzig's analysis sheds light on ninth-century prayers and homilies, and Joseph Yahalom chronicles Judah Halevi's last years. Haggai Ben-Shammai assesses S. D. Goitein's contribution to Jewish historiography and touches on Jewish theology, and Paul Fenton reveals that Muslims and Jews often co-operated professionally and sometimes enjoyed close social contact. Mordechai Friedman concentrates on child brides, family violence and Jewish marriage documents, while Joel Kraemer describes letters between women and their relatives. There are extensive indexes as well as 22 plates.

Reviews & endorsements

Review of the hardback: 'The editor is to be congratulated for furnishing us with this truly marvellous collection of essays. Each paper is a joy to read and represents the highest attainment in Genizah scholarship.' Siam Bhayro, Journal of Jewish Studies

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Product details

• Date Published: February 2011
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521152976
• length: 276 pages

• dimensions: 279 x 210 x 15 mm
• weight: 0.63kg
• availability: Available