Abstract
SUMMARY That the famous Rabbi Moses Maimonides (Egypt, 1178) condoned–or even recommended–spousal abuse has been widely reported. The present article finds that this standard, literal interpretation of the passage (Ishut § 21.10a) has little to support it. That reading ignores the text's figures of speech. And it fits neither the dynamics of the case, the legal history of the issue, nor the literary context. Rebutting the published “proof” that medieval legal experts read the passage literally, this article suggests that Maimonides' words may have implicitly taken a stand against spousal abuse. It concludes by pondering the meaning of the standard view's popularity.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call