Abstract
Abstract This article introduces the confrontational theology of the rabbinic literature of late antiquity by means of a well-known, yet ill-understood legend. It goes on to argue that Talmudic confrontationalism comes coupled with an insistent dialogism that, unlike any other major human undertaking, displays a profound awareness of the indispensable role of external normative critique in the process of changing one’s mind.
Highlights
The Talmudic story of the Roman matron who asked Rabbi Yossi bar Halafta, how God occupied Himself since creating world, is quite well-known
It may seem to you an easy task, he answered, but it is as difficult for God as the parting of the Red Sea ()קשה היא לפני המקום כקריעת ים סוף, as it is written (Ps 68:7): “God makes the lonely ones dwell in a home” ()אלהים מושיב יחידים ביתה
To which he answered her, did I not tell you so? You thought it would be easy, but it is as difficult for God as the parting of the Red Sea ()קשה היא לפני המקום כקריעת ים סוף, as it is written (Ps 68:7): [this time quoting the entire verse] “God makes the lonely ones dwell in a home, he brings out the prisoners into prosperity” ( מוציא אסירים ַבּכּושרוֹת,)אלהים מושיב יחידים ביתה
Summary
The Talmudic story of the Roman matron who asked Rabbi Yossi bar Halafta (or Halfuta), how God occupied Himself since creating world, is quite well-known.
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