Piyyut and Midrash: Form, Genre, and History

By Misha Blake

Novick studies the relationship between rabbinic midrash and classical (and to a lesser extent pre-classical) piyyut. The first focuses on features of piyyut that distinguish it, at least prima facie, from rabbinic midrash: its performative character, its formal constraints, and its character as prayer. The second part considers midrash and piyyut together via an analysis of a narrative form that looms large in both corpora. The 'serial narrative' is a narrative that binds biblical history together by stringing together instance of the 'same' event across multiple time periods. Thereby, Novick surveys basic features of serial narratives in midrash and piyyut. Subsequent chapters take up instance of specific serial narrative forms from Second Temple literature to piyyut the kingdom series, the salvation history, and the serial confession. Together, the two parts yield a nuanced account of the continuities and discontinuities between the two great corpora produced by rabbinic and para-rabbinic circles in Roman Palestine.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3525570805
• ISBN13: 9783525570807
• Release Date: November 2018
• Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht
• Length: 235 Pages

Customer Reviews

A Riveting Read

This thriller entralled me from beginning to end. What also impressed me was the background authenticity. I went to college just outside of Newark, New Jersey, where this novel takes place during the race riots in the sixties. I remember the extreme tension in Newark during that time and the author nails it. Block develops great characters: the protagonist is a vulnerable, white police detective; the racist killer is one...

I couldn't sleep at night, this book was so good

I just finished this book...it was fantastic! The way Brett developed the killer in particular was masterful, he was so real to me...and creepy. She set each scene so well, you are always right there filled with suspense at what will happen next. An excellent book, such a treat to read.

This Book Demands Your Attention!!!!!!!!

So many books lately follow the same plotlines and just fill in their stories with different names. Ms Block brings a fresh story, plotline, and anti hero that is impossible to put down. I love books that tell you a story then leaves you with something to think about. I would love a sequel to this book. I want to know so much more about Detective Emmett and I want to go on more crime solving capers with him. This would make...

Great Police/Psychological Thriller

This book has it all- an historical perspective on the riots of Newark, a police officer conflicted by his feelings for the church and his family, a twisted, psychotic killer and a riveting mystery. The main character captivates you as you feel his pain while he wrestles with his internal conflicts throughout the story. You will not be able to put this book down.

terrific historical police procedural

In 1967 Newark, his boss does not trust rookie homicide cop Martin Emmett who he assumes is a quota appointment. His confidence in the newcomer is not made any better when Martin fails at his first case. He demeans Martin and hurts the youngster's already shaky confidence by exiling him to the records room. However, racial tension in the Central Ward is high so when a mutilated corpse of a black teen who worked for the...