Tractates Pe'ah, Demai and Kil'ayim: Volume I/2. Text, Translation, and Commentary

Tal Ilan provides a feminist commentary on the first three mishnaic tractates of Seder Zera im, which ignore women and discuss gendered metaphors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2023
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

In this captivating volume, Tal Ilan delves into a feminist analysis of the first three mishnaic tractates of Seder Zera im (Seeds), which lack a Babylonian commentary. The first tractate, Pe ah, explores the theme of charity, revealing an intriguing perspective. Despite the historical reality that women in antiquity were often poorer than men, this tractate surprisingly disregards their existence entirely. Moving on to the second tractate, Demai, Tal Ilan uncovers an intriguing aspect. This tractate delves into the topic of doubtful tithing, and what makes it particularly fascinating is the revelation that the havurah, a sectarian organization, included women among its members. The third tractate, Kil ayim, delves into forbidden mixtures, encompassing mixed breeding among animals, mixed weaving of different threads, sowing mixed crops in a field, and working the land with two distinct animals harnessed together. Within this tractate, Tal Ilan meticulously examines the rich tapestry of gendered metaphors, providing a detailed exploration of their significance. This insightful and thought-provoking work offers a fresh perspective on these ancient texts, shedding light on the roles and experiences of women within the Jewish community during that time.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 236 x 165 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783161615337