Isaac On Jewish and Christian Altars

This work compares Rashi's commentary and the Glossa Ordinaria, highlighting their shared interpretative frameworks regarding the Binding of Isaac narrative.

In Isaac On Jewish and Christian Altars, Devorah Schoenfeld explores the parallel developments of Rashi's commentary and the Glossa Ordinaria during the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries. Despite the lack of direct contact between these two influential texts, they exhibit a shared interpretative framework that significantly influenced their readings of the near-sacrifice of Isaac. This comparative analysis reveals how both commentaries, while distinct, reflect similar theological and cultural contexts that shaped their perspectives on this pivotal biblical narrative.

Schoenfeld's work delves into the intricacies of each commentary, providing a thorough examination of their individual contributions to biblical scholarship. By analyzing the texts within their historical milieu, the author highlights the connections between Rashi's insights and the Glossa Ordinaria, emphasizing their common late antique heritage. This exploration not only sheds light on the similarities in their interpretations but also situates them within the broader Jewish-Christian polemic of the time, illustrating how both commentaries engage with and respond to each other's theological frameworks.

Through her meticulous research, Schoenfeld offers a fresh perspective on the enduring influence of these commentaries, demonstrating how Isaac On Jewish and Christian Altars serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of biblical interpretation in the High Middle Ages. The book provides scholars and readers alike with valuable insights into the ways these texts continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of religious narratives.