Bavli Formation and Reception Studies
Key Questions
What recent developments are occurring in academic Talmud studies at Columbia University?
Columbia is resuming academic Talmud scholarship following David Weiss Halivni's retirement in 2005. This revival includes contributions from scholars such as Lichtenstein, Flatto, and Hayman, alongside related projects like the Yerushalmi critical edition.
What new publications or editions are advancing Bavli formation and reception studies?
Key items include Moulie Vidas's author response on Amoraic distinctiveness, Tirzah Meacham's Tosefta scholarship, and the 2026 Shilat Edition of Sefer HaMitzvos. Additional work covers feminist analysis in Nashim and philological studies on Hullin.
How does the JNS article address misrepresentations of Talmudic rules in public discourse?
The article defends the concept of 'hashkem l'horgo' from Sanhedrin 72a against caricatures portraying it as aggression rather than restraint. It contributes to reception studies by clarifying the rule's original context in light of recent political references, such as Netanyahu's speech.
Columbia resuming academic Talmud after Halivni 2005; Yerushalmi critical edition (Guggenheimer); Oxford Handbook; Lichtenstein/Flatto/Hayman; Nashim feminist; Hullin philology; Reichman HfJS; Studia PRE; 'How to Read Mishnah'; YU conference on Yavne/Mishnah. New: Moulie Vidas author response on Amoraic distinctiveness; Tirzah Meacham Tosefta scholarship; Sefer HaMitzvos Shilat Edition 2026; and today's Avot 5:6 Tosafot Yom Tov analysis. Also today: JNS article defending hashkem l'horgo (Sanhedrin 72a) against mischaracterization, adding to reception studies.