The Intellectual History and Rabbinic Culture of Medieval Ashkenaz

by Ephraim Kanarfogel
The Intellectual History and Rabbinic Culture of Medieval Ashkenaz cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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  • ID: 7635
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780814338025
  • Publisher: Wayne State University Press
  • Published: 2012-12-17
  • Reviews: 3

Ephraim Kanarfogel's The Intellectual History and Rabbinic Culture of Medieval Ashkenaz challenges the long-held belief that Ashkenazic rabbinic scholarship was narrow in scope. Through decades of research, Kanarfogel reveals a rich tapestry of intellectual pursuits beyond Talmudic studies, including biblical interpretation, liturgical poetry, and even mysticism. /n/n This volume explores the cultural interactions and scholarly interests of Ashkenazic rabbinic figures, highlighting the diverse and multi-disciplinary approach of the Tosafists. Kanarfogel's work is a must-read for scholars of medieval and Jewish history, offering a fresh perspective on the intellectual heritage of medieval Ashkenaz.

Reviews
Academia.edu · 2025-12-16
comprehensive 4.20

The book is reviewed as a significant work in Jewish studies, focusing on the intellectual history and rabbinic culture during the medieval period. It is praised for its depth and thoroughness.

This review emphasizes the book's significance in the field of Jewish studies, particularly its focus on the intellectual history and rabbinic culture of the medieval period. The reviewer appreciates the author's thorough research and the book's comprehensive examination of the subject. The book is seen as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers, offering new insights and challenging traditional views. The reviewer highlights the book's potential to influence future scholarship in the field.

Quick quotes

    The paper reviews significant works in Jewish studies, focusing on the intellectual history and rabbinic culture during the medieval period.

    The book provides new insights and challenges traditional views.

    Kanarfogel's work is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers.

Wiley Online Library · 2014-06-16
insightful 4.50

The book is praised as a significant contribution to the intellectual history of rabbinic culture in Northern France and German-speaking lands. It is described as a hefty volume that will likely become a classic in the field.

This review highlights the book's comprehensive examination of the intellectual history and rabbinic culture of medieval Ashkenaz. The reviewer emphasizes its importance as a classic work, noting its depth and breadth. The book challenges previous perceptions and offers a more nuanced understanding of the period. The reviewer appreciates the author's thorough research and the book's potential to influence future scholarship.

Quick quotes

    This hefty volume will be a classic in the intellectual history of the rabbinic culture of the Northern French and German-speaking lands.

    The book challenges the dominant perception that medieval Ashkenazic rabbinic culture was insular and uninfluenced by external intellectual currents.

    Kanarfogel's work is a significant contribution to the field of Jewish studies.

Yeshiva University Library · 2013-10-22
informative 4.00

The book is noted for its challenging of traditional views on medieval Ashkenazic rabbinic culture. It is seen as a significant work that examines the intellectual proclivities of the period.

This review discusses how the book challenges the dominant perception of medieval Ashkenazic rabbinic culture. The reviewer appreciates the author's efforts to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the period. The book is praised for its thorough examination of the intellectual history and rabbinic culture, making it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in the field. The reviewer highlights the book's potential to reshape the understanding of medieval Ashkenazic rabbinic culture.

Quick quotes

    The book challenges the dominant perception that medieval Ashkenazic rabbinic culture was insular and uninfluenced by external intellectual currents.

    Kanarfogel's work is a significant contribution to the field of Jewish studies.

    The book provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the period.

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