I'm Not Text Part 2

Session Submission Type: Seminar

Abstract

Are the boundaries between conventional texts and alternative information units dissolving? This seminar brings together scholars investigating non-traditional texts or reevaluating specific textualities. Material, Sound, and Performance Studies, along with various other disciplines explored in the papers, present innovative methods for interpreting non-traditional textual forms and deconstructing conventional texts.

The seminar will showcase seven presentations delving into aspects of Jewish culture across time and media—from ancient rabbinic scrolls and inscriptions to modern phonographic records and videos. Amar-Zifkin will delve into the sensory dimensions of Jewish medieval texts, Spivak will expose the logical architecture of the Talmudic O’ keihluf, and Feuerstein will examine the agency of Pitgam within the Zoharic corpus as an oral device.

Turning to performed text, Ramati will explore the role of both humans and non-humans in the re-vernacularization of Hebrew at the turn of the nineteenth century while Aronis will investigate the medium of rocks in non-reciprocal communication practices with God, the deceased, and historical communities. Davis will scrutinize the boundaries between reading dance as text and poetry as text, with an analysis of German/Jewish avant-garde dancer Valeska Gert. Krug will discuss Heschel's vision of persons' ability to embody texts.

These papers collectively challenge conventional concepts of text and text-based research, offering fresh insights into the hermeneutical production of meaning.

Sub Unit

• Modern Jewish Literature and Culture

Chair

• Netta Schramm, Ben Gurion University

Discussants

• Ido Ramati, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Hillel Feuerstein

• Jackie Davis, University of California, Los Angeles

• Amelia Spivak

• Emilie Amar-Zifkin, McGill University

• Carolin Aronis, Colorado State University

• Joshua Krug

Zoom Host

• Zoom Host 16