The Ḥavurot that Were in Jerusalem
A tradition in the name of R. Eleazar b. R. Zadok in Tosefta Megillah 4:15 tells of the activities of certain ḥavurot, or societies "that were in Jerusalem". This article tries to clarify: a) the historical veracity of the existence of such societies; b) their social and/or religious funct...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Print Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
College
1984
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In: |
Hebrew Union College annual / Jewish Institute of Religion
Year: 1984, Volume: 55, Pages: 55-74 |
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Tosefta
/ Jewish ethics
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IxTheo Classification: | BH Judaism ZB Sociology |
Parallel Edition: | Electronic
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Summary: | A tradition in the name of R. Eleazar b. R. Zadok in Tosefta Megillah 4:15 tells of the activities of certain ḥavurot, or societies "that were in Jerusalem". This article tries to clarify: a) the historical veracity of the existence of such societies; b) their social and/or religious function; and above all, c) the ideonic motivation behind them. Checking this last point brings us to examine the place of a "pragmatic" reasoning for doing acts of kindness, coming to assure a kind of "social contract" for the mutual benefit of all involved. This, as against the usual reasoning for doing the good for "its own sake" or because it was commanded by God. Another point explored is the possible connection between charity and prayer as corelated social functions. |
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ISSN: | 0360-9049 |
Contains: | In: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Hebrew Union College annual / Jewish Institute of Religion
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