Alon Ten-Ami
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jewish studies, Department Member
- Jewish Magic, Ancient Jewish magic, Biblical Studies, Babylonian Incantation Bowls, Aramaic Incantation Bowls, Jewish Studies, and 12 moreAshmedai, Comparative Literature, Religious Studies, Early Christianity, New Testament, Hebrew Bible, Theatre Studies, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Theology, Jewish History, German-Jewish Studies, and German-Jewish Literature (Jewish Studies)edit
Shimshon Friedburg (1745 – post 1827) from the city of Altona in Germany was a pious, enlightened Jew. Some of Friedberg's writings were dedicated to morality and criticism against the Jews in his community that abandoned the "yoke" of... more
Shimshon Friedburg (1745 – post 1827) from the city of Altona in Germany was a pious, enlightened Jew. Some of Friedberg's writings were dedicated to morality and criticism against the Jews in his community that abandoned the "yoke" of Torah and mitzvoth.
The essay "Menakot Kelim" (MS. British Library Or. 10484) which seems to have been written during the 1780s is an important historic source, which presents a firsthand testimony of the secularization processes in the Jewish communities of Altona-Hamburg during that period. Among these are mentioned modern commentary to the scriptures, mockery of the Sages and disrespect to rabbis; as well as adopting fashion, appearances and customs of gentiles, usage of a foreign language and the behavior of licentious Jewish women.
In his criticism the writer emphasizes the attempt of these Jews to resemble the gentiles and assimilate with them, while simultaneously distancing themselves from Judaism.
The lion's share of the essay is written in rhyming prose, while the other part includes two poems and a sermon about the difference between the word "Beged" and the word "Simla" in the Bible, that also deal with the same criticism and morality.
The essay can be also characterized as satirical and amusing. A frequent use of the literary means of the Calembour contributes to this style
The essay "Menakot Kelim" (MS. British Library Or. 10484) which seems to have been written during the 1780s is an important historic source, which presents a firsthand testimony of the secularization processes in the Jewish communities of Altona-Hamburg during that period. Among these are mentioned modern commentary to the scriptures, mockery of the Sages and disrespect to rabbis; as well as adopting fashion, appearances and customs of gentiles, usage of a foreign language and the behavior of licentious Jewish women.
In his criticism the writer emphasizes the attempt of these Jews to resemble the gentiles and assimilate with them, while simultaneously distancing themselves from Judaism.
The lion's share of the essay is written in rhyming prose, while the other part includes two poems and a sermon about the difference between the word "Beged" and the word "Simla" in the Bible, that also deal with the same criticism and morality.
The essay can be also characterized as satirical and amusing. A frequent use of the literary means of the Calembour contributes to this style
