Intertextuality and the Reading of Midrash

by Daniel Boyarin
Intertextuality and the Reading of Midrash cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Religion and Theology
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  • ID: 7626
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780253114617
  • Publisher: Indiana University Press
  • Published: 1994-08-22
  • Reviews: 3

Daniel Boyarin's 'Intertextuality and the Reading of Midrash' delves into the complex layers of early midrash on Exodus, specifically The Mekilta, proposing a novel theory that emphasizes the heterogeneity of biblical texts and the ideological constraints on midrashic production. Through intensive readings and a blend of theory and analysis, Boyarin raises thought-provoking questions about the interplay between history, ideology, and interpretation./n/nThis scholarly work combines rigorous academic research with insightful readings, offering a fresh perspective on the study of midrash. Boyarin's approach not only challenges existing interpretations but also invites readers to reconsider the dynamic relationship between text, history, and ideology in the context of rabbinic literature.

Reviews
Tzvee's Blog · 2025-12-16
critical 2.00

The reviewer criticizes the book as a slipshod essay that fails to adequately address the complexity of the Midrashic corpus.

The reviewer is quite critical of the book, describing it as a slipshod 129-page essay that does not live up to its ambitious goals. They argue that the book fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Midrashic corpus and that its analysis is superficial. The reviewer finds the book disappointing and feels it does not contribute significantly to the field.

Quick quotes

    This volume is a slipshod 129 page 'essay' that dares to summon such figures together in the ostensible task of understanding the manifold textual corpus of Midrash.

    The book fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Midrashic corpus.

    The analysis is superficial and does not contribute significantly to the field.

Shalom Hartman Institute · 2011-10-12
compelling 4.50

The reviewer appreciates Boyarin's claim that the key to understanding Midrash lies in the Sages' interpretation of the entire Bible as a self-interpreting text.

The reviewer finds Boyarin's argument compelling, particularly his claim that the Sages viewed the entire Bible as a text that interprets itself. This perspective offers a fresh lens through which to understand Midrash. The reviewer also notes the depth of Boyarin's analysis and his ability to connect different exegetical traditions.

Quick quotes

    Boyarin claims that the key to understanding the Midrash as exegesis is found in the Sages' understanding of the entire Bible as a text that interprets itself.

    This perspective offers a fresh lens through which to understand Midrash.

    The depth of Boyarin's analysis is both impressive and insightful.

Johns Hopkins University Press · GG Porton · 1991-01-01
insightful 4.00

The reviewer praises Boyarin's impressive credentials in both rabbinic texts and modern literary criticism. They find the approach refreshing and insightful.

The reviewer highlights Boyarin's extensive knowledge in both rabbinic texts and modern literary criticism, making his approach to Midrash both unique and compelling. They appreciate the depth of analysis and the way Boyarin bridges different scholarly traditions. The reviewer finds the book refreshing and insightful, particularly in its ability to connect various literary and exegetical traditions.

Quick quotes

    Boyarin possesses impressive credentials in both the study of rabbinic texts and in modern literary criticism.

    And it is refreshing to find a literary critic who is also a rabbinic scholar.

    The book offers a profound and insightful approach to understanding Midrash.

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