The return of the repressed : Pirqe de-Rabbi Eliezer and the Pseudepigrapha / / by Rachel Adelman.

• Superior document: Supplements to the Journal for the study of Judaism, v. 140
• Author: Adelman, Rachel.
• Year of Publication: 2009
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Supplements to the Journal for the study of Judaism ; v. 140.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (368 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

This study analyzes mythic narratives, found in the 8th century midrashic text Pirqe de-Rabbi Eliezer (PRE), that were excluded, or ‘repressed’, from the rabbinic canon, while preserved in the Pseudepigrapha of the Second Temple period. Examples include the role of the Samael (i.e. Satan) in the Garden of Eden, the myth of the Fallen Angels, Elijah as zealot, and Jonah as a Messianic figure. The questions are why these exegetical traditions were excluded, in what context did they resurface, and how did the author have access to these apocryphal texts. The book addresses the assumptions that underlie classic rabbinic literature and later breaches of that exegetical tradition in PRE, while engaging in a study of the genre, dating, and status of PRE as apocalyptic eschatology.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material / R. Adelman -- Chapter One. Genre: Pirqe De-Rabbi Eliezer As Narrative Midrash / R. Adelman -- Chapter Two. The Author-Ity Of Pirqe De-Rabbi Eliezer / R. Adelman -- Chapter Three. The Historical Context / R. Adelman -- Chapter Four. The Problem Of The Origin Of Evil / R. Adelman -- Chapter Five. Adam, Eve And The Serpent – The First Version Of The Fall (PRE 13) / R. Adelman -- Chapter Six. The Myth Of The Fallen Angels / R. Adelman -- Chapter Seven. Introduction To The Etiological Narratives In Pre / R. Adelman -- Chapter Eight. The Jewish Myth Of Prometheus, Or The First Havdalah / R. Adelman -- Chapter Nine. Rosh Ḥ̣odesh As A Women’s Holiday – The Origin Of A Minhag / R. Adelman -- Chapter Ten. Why Is Elijah Invited To The Brit Milah? / R. Adelman -- Chapter Eleven. Jonah’s Sojourn In The Netherworld / R. Adelman -- Conclusion / R. Adelman -- Appendix A. The Relationship Between PRE And Liturgy / R. Adelman -- Appendix B. A Diplomatic Edition Of PRE 1 And 2 The Biography Of Eliezer Ben Hyrcanus / R. Adelman -- Appendix C. A Diplomatic Edition Of PRE 30 The Banishment Of Ishmael And Hagar (Abraham’s Penultimate Trial) / R. Adelman -- Appendix D. A Diplomatic Version Of Chapter 13 Adam, Eve, And Samael In The Garden Of Eden / R. Adelman -- Appendix E. A Diplomatic Version Of Chapter 22 The Fallen Angels / R. Adelman -- Appendix F. A Diplomatic Version Of PRE Chapter 20 The Banishment From Eden And The First Havdalah / R. Adelman -- Appendix G. A Diplomatic Version Of A Selection From PRE 29 The Covenant Of Circumcision / R. Adelman -- Appendix H. A Diplomatic Version Of A Selection From PRE 47 The Zeal Of Phinehas / R. Adelman -- Appendix I. A Diplomatic Version Of PRE Chapter 10 Jonah’s Sojourn In The Netherworld / R. Adelman -- Short Forms And Editions Of Texts / R. Adelman -- Bibliography / R. Adelman -- Index Of Modern Authors / R. Adelman -- Index Of Ancient Jewish And Christian Sources / R. Adelman -- Supplements To The Journal For The Study Of Judaism / R. Adelman.