Les formules de bénédiction forgées par les sages (étude préliminaire)

This study deals with the work of the Tannaim in two separate fields: Tannaitic literature as opposed to the benedictions in the prayer book. The first was written in Mishnaic Hebrew and incorporates elements borrowed from foreign languages (Aramaic, Greek and Latin). The second is free of foreign influences and for the most part shows affinity to the language and style of Biblical Hebrew. This affinity is expressed in both direct quotations from the Bible and in quotations that have undergone a change in form, and in the borrowing of words (especially rare ones) and idioms from the Bible. The rhythm of Biblical Hebrew can also be discerned easily in the benedictional language (especially in long benedictions or in sequences of several blessings). Occasionally the affinity to Biblical Hebrew can be seen in the metamorphosis of a biblical quotation such as its transference from a negative context to a positive one and so forth.