Yemenite Midrash: Philosophical Commentaries on the Torah: An Anthology of Writings from the Golden Age of Judaism in the Yemen

by Y. Tzvi Langermann (Editor)

The fourteenth to sixteenth centuries were the most vibrant period in the intellectual history of the Yemeni Jews. By rooting themselves firmly in the tradition of the great philosopher Maimonides, they found that the Hebrew Bible contained philosophical truths that are at the core of humanity's highest goal.

In this anthology of midrashim, eight Yemeni authors explore the means of ethical and intellectual achievement, the structure of the universe, the natural world, human existence, prophecy, miracles, Jewish law and practices, and the essence of allegory, parable, and symbol. The result is an extraordinary glimpse into the heart and mind of medieval Yemenite Judaism.

351 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Brian Tice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great reference work, organized by theme with quotes from several Yemenite sources. It would be strengthened by presenting the sources in both the original language and English (only the English translation is given).