"Dirshuniis astep forward; it carves out aplace for contemporary women to see themselves in the sacred texts. It focuses on the courage, the heartbreak, and the fight of biblical womenand it brings them to life. ... What would Judaism look like if women had been reading, studying, interpreting, and commenting on our sacred texts all thistime?Dirshunigives us aglimpse of that, and the view is spectacular." * Jewish Book Council *
"Bialas anthology together puts the writers in conversation across time. Dirshuni (Amos 5: 4) means seek me and this book fulfills its titles promise." * Association of Jewish Libraries *
"Jerusalem-based author and teacherTamar Bialabirthed a contemporary oeuvre of midrashim that could legitimately stand alongside those of the ancient rabbis in their canon of Midrash. With a capital M. Biala... collected contemporary midrashim written by a group of exceptional Israeli women. Curated in anthology form, unadorned, these luminous pieces addressed the needs and truths of the female half of the world....Not only is the world of Dirshuni now available to English-language readers, but there is a new twist: Biala has added framing and commentaries to each piece." * Jerusalem Post *
"Dirshuniis the long-anticipated English edition of a collection of midrash composed by Israeli women.Scholars will relish the books nuances, it is the less experienced Torah student who will learn most from this wealth of new insights into the tradition." * Moment Magazine *
Dirshuni is powerful, playful, joyful and sometimes painful. Its words and insights will be making many guest appearances in my sermons and teaching in the coming year.. . . Get a copy of Dirshuni. As we begin a new cycle of Torah for the year, it should be at your sidefor your own learning and teaching. It will yield numerous insights. With a solemn caveat: Dont lend it out. You might never see it again. * Religion News Service *
. . . . Anyone interested in midrash or contemporary Israeli womens thought should find this work intriguing and stimulating. * The Reporter *
I hope that the writings in this collection will be part of our conversation, and that we will be better able to listen to her voice. * The Jewish News of Northern California *
As the first anthology of Midrashim written by women in English, Dirshuni offers valuable insights into midrashic feminist interpretation. . . . Bialas commentary. . . . sparks further questions and insights. Her remarks are a testament to the effort, thought, consideration, and time that not only went into writing the commentary, but also into the midrashim themselves. * Reading Religion *
This text is a gifta profound exploration of both ancient text and the modern world all through the lives of women and their experiences. . . . This volume should be required reading. * CCAR Journal *
How thrilling to have this rich collection of womensmidrashimin our hands. The melding of scholarship, deep insight, and creativity in this brilliantly edited volume yields fresh new feminist perspectives on classical Jewish tradition. We are truly blessed to have this resource for understanding biblical texts and rabbinic commentaries.
-- Marcia Falk, author of Night of Beginnings: A Passover Haggadah
Opinions regarding the practical conclusions to be drawn from the innovative readings of sacred history offered here will no doubt differ widely, ranging from demand for inclusion in the canon to dismissal as heresy. Either way, the jolt that these feminist midrashim present to traditional sensibilities, highlighting and imaginatively amplifying upon the lacunae of distinctly male perspectives, will leave readers with much food for thought. -- Tamar Ross, author of Expanding the Palace of Torah: Orthodoxy and Feminism
Those familiar with feminist midrash primarily in the U.S. context will be surprised and delighted with the richness, range, and erudition of this collection by Israeli women. The conversations with and reworkings of traditional texts are consistently thought-provoking, sometimes brilliant, and always carefully explained. This is an exciting addition to the body of feminist commentary available in English. -- Judith Plaskow, author of Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective
Part classical midrash, short story, poetry and social commentary, these midrashim are a new genre, a treasure to cherish. These voices and texts are bound to leave each student moved and changed. -- Rabbi Avi Killip, Hadar
"A long-overdue expansion of the sacred Jewish library following centuries of patriarchal hegemony, exclusion and injustice. The texts profound insights result from the encounter between the authors' lived experience, their creativity, and Torah study. This volume belongs in every Jewish library, in our homes, our schools, and our synagogues." -- Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon, Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, NYC
"In its 2 slim Hebrew volumes, Dirshuni changed the study of Rabbinic midrash for those fortunate enough to grasp the brilliance, expert knowledge and exquisite language that pays homage to while shattering traditional midrash. Now the English reader has the opportunity to study these masterpieces and to find their own voice in our tradition." -- Rabbanit Devorah Zlochower, Yeshivat Maharat
