Biblical Myth and Rabbinic Mythmaking by Michael Fishbane (Repost)

This is a comprehensive study of myth in the Hebrew Bible and myth and mythmaking in classical rabbinic literature (Midrash and Talmud) and in the classical work of medieval Jewish mysticism (the book of Zohar). Michael Fishbane provides a close study of the texts and theologies involved and the central role of exegesis in the development and transformation of the subject. Taken up are issues of myth and monotheism, myth and tradition, and myth and language. The presence and vitality of myth in successive cultural phases is treated, emphasizing certain paradigmatic acts of God and features of the divine personality.

Review:
In sum, this volume provides close and careful examinations of a rich variety of texts, thoughtful summaries of what may be concludedwith regard to each type of literature, two innovative appendices, and a number of detailed indexes. The author combines a broad knowledge of religious phenomenology, the theory of myth, and the classical and Christian traditions with a specialized, masterly, and detailed understanding of biblical, rabbinic, and kabbalistic texts and traditions. He presents the reader with a vast amount of text to absorb and an extensive number of interpretations and conclusions on which to reflect. Stefan C Reif, The Journal of Theological Studies Fishbane is one of those scholars best qualified to tackle a topic that covers nearly two thousand years of religous and literary history and he does not here shirk any aspects of the indomitable challenge that such a task represents…a work of sound and solid scholarship. Its interpretations and conclusions will long remain the subject of much discussion…truly outstanding and exceptionally important piece of research. Stfan C Reif, The Journal of Theological Studies a comprehensive study…a work of major significance for biblical and jewish studies. Peter Hayman, The Expository Times