Samuel ben Ḥofni Gaon and his cultural world : : texts and studies / / by David E. Sklare.

• Superior document: Études sur le judaïsme médiéval ; 18
• VerfasserIn: Sklare, David Eric,
• Place / Publishing House: Leiden, The Netherlands : : E.J. Brill,, [1996]; ©1996
• Year of Publication: 1996
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Études sur le judaïsme médiéval ; 18.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource.
• Notes: Contains reconstruction of two works by Samuel ben Ḥofni Gaon in original Judeo-Arabic and English translation.

Samuel ben ḥofni Gaon was head of the Yeshiva of Sura in Baghdad during the cultural renaissance which characterized the Buyid period. His writings reflect the impact of Arabic literature on Jewish intellectuals at this time. The first part of this volume presents the known details of his life and extensive writings and describes the dynamics of contemporary, tenth-century Jewish culture: the decline and temporary restoration of the yeshivot and the intellectual activity outside of them. Additionally, some of the basic concepts of his thought, strongly influenced by Mu'tazilite Kalām, are explained. The book provides the Judeo-Arabic text and annotated English translation of two of his works on legal theory, his Treatise on the Commandments and Ten Questions , reconstructed from manuscript fragments from the Cairo Geniza.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material / David E. Sklare -- Preface / David E. Sklare -- Symbols and Method used in Transcription and Translation / David E. Sklare -- Bibliographical Abbreviations / David E. Sklare -- Genealogical Table / David E. Sklare -- Chapter One Samuel ben Ḥofni Gaon: His Life and Works / David E. Sklare -- Chapter Two Samuel ben Ḥofni and Arabic Culture: An Intellectual Portrait / David E. Sklare -- Chapter Three The Yeshivot in Baghdad: Decline and Temporary Restoration / David E. Sklare -- Chapter Four Jewish Culture Outside the Yeshivot / David E. Sklare -- Chapter Five Central Concepts and Issues: Reason, Obligation, Universalism and Tradition / David E. Sklare -- Chapter Six Treatise on the Commandments : Introduction and Annotated Translation / David E. Sklare -- Chapter Seven Ten Questions : Introduction and Annotated Translation / David E. Sklare -- Bibliography / David E. Sklare -- General Index / David E. Sklare -- Index of Manuscripts / David E. Sklare -- Index of Sources / David E. Sklare.