Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Introduces and analyzes the work of the sixth-century liturgical poet Yannai, then presents, translates, and annotates that poets poems embellishing Genesis.
Synopsis
Piyyut is the art of Hebrew or Aramaic poetry composed either in place of or as adornments to Jewish statutory prayers. Laura S. Lieber uses the piyyutim of a single poet, Yannai (ca. sixth century C.E.), to introduce readers to this important but largely unfamiliar body of writings. Her groundbreaking study is an invitation to those with interests in areas such as liturgical studies, rabbinic literature and targum studies, the early synagogue and its art, Byzantine Christian culture and society, and the history of biblical interpretation to engage with these beautiful and neglected texts and include them in larger intellectual conversations.
About the Author
Laura Lieber received her rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1999 and her Ph.D. in History of Judaism from the University of Chicago in 2003. She is currently Assistant Professor of Late Ancient Judaism at Duke University.