A Jew and a gentile in the mirror of a rabbinic conversion story: from Aquila the Proselyte to Abba Golis

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Abstract

This is a narratological inquiry into stories about the conversion of Gentiles to Judaism. Rabbinic literature relates a relatively small number of such stories, and as a rule, their plots explore the uneasy acceptance of the Other. Two conversion stories from midrashic literature (of Late Antique Mediterranean provenance) analyzed here are about an uneasy conversion, in which the convert is disappointed in his new identity or finds himself in a demanding situation. Both explore rather humoristic situations in which a satirical approach to the institution of conversion is evident. However, by poking fun, the narrator sheds light on some problematic norms and beliefs of the social insiders' group. This paper attempts to show how the image of a convert is helpful in the process of identity formation of the rabbinic narrator and aims to explore how behind the stories of acceptance of converts, the self of the rabbinic narrators is hidden.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)323-340
Number of pages18
JournalJewish Studies Quarterly
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

RAMBI Publications

  • Rambi Publications
  • Aquila -- of Pontus
  • Jewish converts -- History -- To 1500
  • Conversion in rabbinical literature
  • Midrash -- History and criticism

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