The Legend of Safed

Language: English

Published by Wayne State University Press, US, 2019

0814346847 / 9780814346846

Series: Book 29 of 31 - Raphael Patai Series in Jewish Folklore and Anthropology

  • Softcover
  • New
See all details

Seller: Rarewaves.com USA, London, London, United KingdomRarewaves.com USA

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 11, 2025

Softcover

Condition: New

£ 38.70

 Free Shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: Over 20 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

In 1908, Solomon Schechter-discoverer of the Cairo Geniza and one of the founders of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America-published his groundbreaking essay on the city of Safed (Tzfat) during the sixteenth century. In the essay, Schechter pointed out the exceptional cultural achievements (religious law, moral teaching, hermeneutics, poetry, geography) of this small city in the upper Galilee but did not yet see the importance of including the foundation on which all of these fields began-the legends that were developed, told, and spread in Safed during this period. In The Legend of Safed: Life and Fantasy in the City of Kabbalah, author Eli Yassif utilizes ""new historicism"" methodology in order to use the non-canonical materials-legends and myths, visions, dreams, rumors, everyday dialogues-to present these legends in their historical and cultural context and use them to better understand the culture of Safed. This approach considers the literary text not as a reflection of reality, but a part of reality itself-taking sides in the debates and decisions of humans and serving as a major tool for understanding society and human mentality.Divided into seven chapters, The Legend of Safed begins with an explanation of how the myth of Safed was founded on the general belief that during this ""golden age"" (1570-1620), Safed was an idyllic location in which complete peace and understanding existed between the diverse groups of people who migrated to the city. Yassif goes on to analyze thematic characteristics of the legends, including spatial elements, the function of dreams, mysticism, sexual sins, and omniscience. The book concludes with a discussion of the tension between fantasy (Safed is a sacred city built on morality, religious thought, and well-being for all) and reality (every person is full of weaknesses and flaws) and how that is the basis for understanding the vitality of Safed myth and its immense impact on the future of Jewish life and culture. The Legend of Safed is intended for students, scholars, and general readers of medieval and early modern Jewish studies, Hebrew literature, and folklore.…

Seller Inventory # LU-9780814346846

Title
The Legend of Safed
Author
Eli Yassif
Publisher
Wayne State University Press, US
Publication year
2019
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
Language
English
ISBN 10
0814346847
ISBN 13
9780814346846
Item weight
333 grams
Series
Book 29 of 31: Raphael Patai Series in Jewish Folklore and Anthropology

Rarewaves.com USA

London, London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 11, 2025

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item9 to 14 business days9 to 14 business days
First item£ 0.00£ 0.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Seller's business information

RAREWAVES.COM LIMITED

Elsley Court, 20-22 Great Titchfield Street
London, United Kingdom W1W 8BE