The Story of Dinah: Rape and Rape Myth in Jewish Tradition

Gavi S. Ruit

doi:10.5771/9781978702059

Summary

The Story of Dinah examines the intersection of rape culture and Jewish tradition by tracing over two thousand years of Jewish commentary on Genesis 34. Using a definition of rape derived from the Hebrew Bible, Ruit scrutinizes the commentaries on the text for reflections of what would be deemed “rape myths” today. This book journeys through time and tradition as it uncovers the evolution of Jewish thought regarding women, rape, and women who have been violated. Every period examined, from the biblical account and the intertestamental writings all the way through to present day, reveals surprising and powerful insights about Jewish tradition and its attitudes towards women and sexual violation.

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Bibliographic data

Edition: 1/2019
Copyright Year: 2019
ISBN-Print: 978-1-9787-0204-2
ISBN-Online: 978-1-9787-0205-9
Publisher: Lexington, Lanham
Language: English
Pages: 180
Product Type: Monograph

1. Contents No access
2. Foreword No access
3. Acknowledgments No access
Chapter One. Introduction: Looking for Answers No access Pages 1 - 12
Chapter Two. Rape in the Hebrew Bible: Was Dinah Raped? No access Pages 13 - 28
Chapter Three. Intertestamental Period: Supportive Beginnings No access Pages 29 - 50
Chapter Four. Rabbinic Period: The Introduction of Rape Myth No access Pages 51 - 74
Chapter Five. Medieval Period: Redeeming Dinah No access Pages 75 - 92
Chapter Six. Modern Period: Orthodox Commentaries No access Pages 93 - 114
Chapter Seven. Modern Period: Progressive Commentaries No access Pages 115 - 130
Chapter Eight. Modern Midrash and Rape Myth: Everything Old Is New Again No access Pages 131 - 144
Chapter Nine. Conclusion: Jewish Tradition and Rape Myth No access Pages 145 - 158
Appendix. Annotated Translation of Genesis 34 No access Pages 159 - 170
Bibliography No access Pages 171 - 176
Index No access Pages 177 - 178
About the Author No access Pages 179 - 180