Sepphoris: A Mosaic of Cultures by Zeev Weiss (review)

Abstract

it is conventionally dated and situated in a synagogal rather than a scholastic setting. Atzmon also tackles two questions that have vexed students of Pesikta since its discovery. The first is the name of the work, “Pesikta.” Atzmon contends that this does not mean “verses” but rather “interruptions,” following the Mishnah (M. Megillah 3:4): “They interrupt [the regular reading of the Torah] for everything [םיקִיסִפְמַ לֹכּבַּ]: for the new moon, for Hanukah, for Purim, for fasts, for Ma‘amad [see M. Taanit 4:2] and for the Day of Atonement.” These interruptions (hafsakot) are what gave Pesikta its name: it is the midrash for the interruptions in the regular order of readings. The second question regards the order of the pesikata. Following this same mishnah—and a comparison to the parallel Pesikta Rabbati, which has a similar structure—Atzmon explains that the first pesikta is the one for Hanukah, which appears on pp. 1–15 of ed. Mandelbaum. “My Children, Read This Passage Every Year” is an important resetting of the stage, but it is far from a comprehensive study of PdRK. Some significant areas awaiting renewed study based on Atzmon’s theories are: (1) the relationship between PdRK and synagogue poetry; (2) the Roman context of PdRK, especially based on the numerous Greek loanwords in this midrash but also on descriptions of real life; (3) the relationship between sources in PdRK and their parallels in the Babylonian Talmud. Atzmon’s insistence on the agency of a “redactor” (ךרוע) in assembling homilies from existing materials should be tested in other rabbinic works. This hypothesis could also be examined in comparison to contemporary Christian homilies attributed to single authors. All this is to say that Atzmon’s careful work and bold claims have charted out a path for any future engagement with Pesikta. “My Children, Read This Passage Every Year” is thus a groundbreaking study of PdRK, which shakes up previous scholarship. It will doubtless engender significant debate in the field and should be consulted by anyone attempting to engage with this work.