Prof. Arnon Atzmon

Email
arnon.atzmon@biu.ac.il
Fields of Interest

Main Research Interests

  1. Philological analysis of rabbinic literature, especially Midrash and Aggadah.
  2. Midrash Esther.
  3. Pesikta De-Rav Kahana.
  4. Midrash Psalms.
CV

Curriculum Vitae      

Education, Certificates and Degrees

Year

Degree

Institute

Area of Specialty

1996

B.A.

Bar-Ilan

finance and computing

1999

M.A.

Bar-Ilan

Talmud

2006

Ph.D.

Bar-Ilan

Talmud

Doctoral thesis: Esther Rabbah II – Towards a Critical Edition

Advisor:  Prof. Joseph Tabory

Positions Held:

From-To

Institute

Research Area

Title

2006-2010

Bar-Ilan University

Talmud

Instructor

2010-2016

Bar-Ilan University

Talmud

Lecturer

2016-2021

Bar-Ilan University

Talmud

Senior Lecturer

-2022

Bar-Ilan University

Talmud

Associate Professor

 

 

Participation in National and International Scientific Conferences

Conference

Place and Date

Title of Paper/Lecture
  1. The 14th Congress of WUJS

Jerusalem, 2005

“Haggadah de-Megillat Esther: Toward the Anthologist’s Methodology” [HEB].
  1. The International Conference of the Department of Talmud in Bar-Ilan University

Ramat-Gan, 2006

“The Neo-Classical Late Midrash: Redaction and Formation” [HEB].
  1. The VIIIth EAJS Congress

Moscow, 2006

“Old Wine in New Flasks: The Story of Late Neo-Classical Midrash”.
  1. EABS Meeting

Budapest, 2006

“Mordekhai’s Dream: From Addition to Derasha”.
  1. International Meeting of SBL

Vienna, 2007

“Midrashic Targum or Targumic Midrash”.
  1. EABS Meeting

Lisbon, 2008

“The Esther Scroll: A Journey between Identities”.
  1. The Annual Conference of The Department of Talmud in Bar-Ilan University

Ramat Gan, 2009

“Between Rabbinical Interpretation and Popular Perception: The case of Esther Scroll” [HEB].
  1. The 15th Congress of WUJS

Jerusalem, 2009

“Methodological Considerations in the Editing of Rabbinic Texts: Midrash Esther Rabbah II” [HEB].
  1. The AJS 41St Annual Conference

Los Angeles, 2009

“’The Wise Woman from Saida’ – The Silent Dialogue Between Aggadah and Halakhah Regarding Women and Marriage”.
  1. “Aggadah and its Commentaries,” International conference of Bar-Ilan University and Touro College

Ramat Gan, 2010

“The ‘Ot-Emet’ commentary on the Midrashim” [HEB].
  1. The IX Congress of the EAJS

Ravenna, 2010

“’The Same Fate Is in Store for the Righteous and the Wicked’: Form and Content in Midreshei Aggadah”.
  1. The AJS 42nd Annual Conference

Boston, 2010

“’In the Third Month’ – Towards Pesikta de-Rav Kahana’s Essence and Redaction”.
  1. “Midreshei Aggada in Eretz Israel and Their Proliferation,” International Conference, Yad Ben Zvi

Jerusalem, 2011

“The Piska’ot on the Book of Exodus in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana” [HEB].
  1. International Meeting of SBL

Amsterdam, 2012

“The Tanhuma And the Pesikta”.
  1. The Bible from Inside and Out, Haifa University

Haifa, 2012

“Puzzling Parallels: Parshat Ha-omer in Letivicus Rabbah and Pesikta de-Rav Kahana”.
  1. “Literary Readings in Midrash and Aggada - in memory of Prof. Yona Fraenkel, Ben-Gurion University and Schechter Institute

Beer Sheva, 2013

“The Origin and Emergence of the Pesikta” [HEB].
  1. The 16th WCJS

Jerusalem, 2013

“Pesikta Material in Tanhuma Literature to Bamidbar” [HEB].
  1. The X Congress of the EAJS

Paris, 2014

“Editing and Meaning in Pesikta Rabbati and Tanhuma Midrash on ‘Vayehi Beyom Calot Moshe’ (num. 7:1)”.
  1. EABS International Meeting

Córdoba, 2015

“The ‘Eikhah’ Piskah in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana: Between Editorship and Authorship”.
  1. EABS International Meeting

Leuven 2016

“The Redactor’s Invisible Hand: The Case of Piska 19 in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana”.
  1. The 17th Congress of WUJS

Jerusalem, 2017

“The Original Order of Pesikta de-Rav Kahana” [HEB].
  1. Distinguished Lecture and Seminar in the Dept. of Philosophy and Religious Studies of Utrecht University

Utrecht, 2017

“Parables of the Pesikta – between text and context”.
  1. NAPH Conference

Amsterdam, 2018

“Exegesis and Literary Editing in Midrash on Psalms”.
  1. The XI Congress of the EAJS

Krakow, 2018

“From Aggadic Traditions to Literary Forms: The Case of the Pesikta and the Midrash on Psalms”.
  1. “Power of Parables: Narrative and Religious Identity in Late Antiquity”- International Conference

Utrecht, 2019

“Parables of Midrash Tehilim: Between Text and Context”.
  1. International Meeting of SBL

Rome, 2019

“Interpretation and Literary Editing in Midrash Psalms – Moses’ Prayer”.
  1. “Generations: The Evolution and Transmission of Rabbinic Text” - Research Workshop of The Israel Science Foundation

Ramat-Gan, 2019

“Midrash Tehilim on Psalm 90 – Moshe's prayer” [HEB].
  1. Distinguished Lecture and Seminar in the Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucuresti

Bucharest, 2019

“The Aggadic Midrashim - between Israel and Babylon”.

 

Organized National and International Scientific Conferences

Conference

Place and Date

Title of Paper/Lecture

“Aggadah and its Commentaries,” International conference of Bar-Ilan University and Touro College

Ramat Gan, 2010

“The ‘Ot-Emet’ commentary on the Midrashim” [HEB].

“Midreshei Aggada in Eretz Israel and Their Proliferation,” International Conference, Yad Ben Zvi

Jerusalem, 2011

“The Piska’ot on the Book of Exodus in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana” [HEB].

“Generations: The Evolution and Transmission of Rabbinic Text” - Research Workshop of The Israel Science Foundation

Ramat-Gan, 2019

“Midrash Tehilim on Psalm 90 – Moshe's prayer” [HEB].

Funding Sources

Period

Funding Agency

Title

Amount

2017-2020

ISF 1907/17

The Evolution and Textual Transmission of Midrash Tehilim – Individual Research Grant

300,000 NIS

2019

ISF 912/19

Generations: The Evolution and Transmission of Rabbinic Text – Research Workshop Grant

70,000 NIS

2020

ISF 54/20

‘My Children, Read this Passage Every Year’: Composition and

Meaning in Pesikta De-Rav Kahana – Publication Grant

27,000 NIS

2016-2021

A research grant from the Beit Shalom-Kyoto fund.

The creation, Redaction, and Textual Transmission of Midrash

67,000 NIS

Awards and Honors

Date

 

2002- 2005

Bar-Ilan's President Scholarship for distinctive doctoral students.

2002

Grant from the Zoltan & Lea Gaspar foundation.

2003

Grant from the Herzog Foundation.

2006

An International Fellowship in Jewish Studies from the Jewish Culture Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture.

2007-2008

A research grant from The Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies.

2010

A research grant from keren Barzilai for bibliographic studies.

2011

A research grant from The Sander and Samuel Kolatch Graduate Program in Talmudic and Rabbinic Studies.

2013

A research grant from The IHEL foundation in Bar-Ilan University.

2014

A research grant from The Sander and Samuel Kolatch Graduate Program in Talmudic and Rabbinic Studies.

2016–2021

A research grant from the Beit Shalom-Kyoto fund.
Publications

List of Publications

  1. Books as author:
  1. Midrash Esther Rabbah: Critical Edition Based on Manuscripts, with an Introduction, References, Variant Readings and Commentary, by J. Tabory and A. Atzmon, Jerusalem: The Midrash Project of the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, 2014 (417 pp.) [HEB].
  2. ‘My Children, Read this Passage Every Year’: Composition and Meaning in Pesikta De-Rav Kahana, Jerusalem: Magnes Press (410 pp.) [HEB].
  3.  
  1. Books as Editor:
  1. A. Atzmon, A. Grossman, N. Ilan, M. Shmidman & J. Tabory (eds.,) Carmi Sheli: Studies on Aggadah and its Interpretation Presented to Professor Carmi Horowitz, New York: Touro University Press, 2012 (258 pp.) [HEB].
  2. A. Atzmon and T. Shaphir (eds.,) Ke-Tavor Be-Harim: Studies in Rabbinic Literature Presented to Joseph Tabory, Alon Shevut: Tevunot Press, 2013 (463 pp.) [HEB].
  1. Articles and Chapters in Books:
    1. A. Atzmon, “Late Neo-Classical Midrash: Redaction and Formation,” in:  Melekhet Mahshevet: Studies in the Redaction and Development of Talmudic Literature, A. Amit and A. Shemesh (eds.), Ramat-Gan: Bar-Ilan University Press, 2011, pp. 87–99. [HEB]
    2. A. Atzmon, “Haman and The Satan, are one: On the development of a Narrative-Midrash on the Esther Scroll,” in: Carmi Sheli: Studies on Aggadah and its interpretation Presented to Prof. Carmi Horowitz, J. Tabory et al. (eds.), New York: Touro University Press, 2012, pp. 166–176. [HEB]
  2. Articles in Periodicals (refereed articles):
  1. A. Atzmon, “Ma’aseh Esther in Pirke deRabbi Eliezer and in Midrash Esther Rabbah II: Towards Establishing the Relationship between Parallels in Midrashic Literature,” Tarbiz LXXV, 3–4 (2006), pp. 329–344 [HEB].
  2. A. Atzmon, “Mordechai’s Dream: From Addition to Derashah,” Jewish Studies, an Internet Journal 6 (2007), pp. 127–140 http://www.biu.ac.il/JS/JSIJ/6-2007/Atzmon.pdf. [HEB]
  3. A. Atzmon, “Haggadah dimgillat Esther: Toward the Anthologist’s Methodology,” Iggud: Selected Essays in Jewish Studies 1 (2008), pp. 277-291. [HEB]
  4. A. Atzmon, “Old Wine in New Flasks: The Story of Late Neo-Classical Midrash,” European Journal of Jewish Studies 3/2 (2009), 183–203.
  5. A. Atzmon, “The Targum on the Esther Scroll: A Midrashic Targum or a Targumic Midrash,” Hebrew Union College Annual 80 (2009), pp. 1–20. [HEB]
  6. A. Atzmon, “Reconstructing the Original Midrash Based on Rabbinic Parallels: A New Paradigm for an Old Problem,” Jewish Studies, an Internet Journal 9 (2010), pp. 85-99 http://www.biu.ac.il/JS/JSIJ/9-2010/Atzmon.pdf [HEB].
  7. A. Atzmon, “’And He Advanced Her to the Best’: Identity and Interpretation in Rabbinic Literature, Beit Mikra 57/1 (2012), pp. 107–123 [HEB].
  8. A. Atzmon, “The Ot Emet’s Scholia to the Midrash on the Five Scrolls,” Sidra 27-28 (2013), pp. 211-222 [HEB].
  9.  A. Atzmon, “’The Wise Woman from Saida’ – The Silent Dialogue Between Aggadah and Halakhah Regarding Women and Marriage,” AJS Review 35:1 (2011), pp. 23–34.
  10. A. Atzmon, “’The Same Fate Is in Store for the Righteous and the Wicked’: Form and Content in Midreshei Aggadah,” Journal for the Study of Judaism 43/1 (2012), pp. 58–77.
  11. A. Atzmon, “’In the Third Month’: Shavuot and the Redaction of Pesikta de-Rav Kahana 12,” Journal of Ancient Judaism 6/1 (2015), pp. 143–156.
  12. A. Atzmon, “From Census to Atonement: Parshat Shekalim in Pesikta de Rav Kahana and Pesikta Rabbati,” Jewish Studies Quarterly 22/4 (2015), pp. 352–376.
  13. A. Atzmon, “Literature and Liturgy in Times of Transition: The Piska ‘And It Happened at Midnight’ from Pesikta de-Rav Kahana,” AJS Review 40:2 (2016), pp. 241–259.
  14. A. Atzmon, “The Twofold Character of Isiah’s Prophecy in Midrash Pesikta De-Rav Kahana,” in: The Wisdom of the Sages: Biblical Commentary in Rabbinic Literature, A. Shinan & I. J. Yuval (eds.,) Jerusalem: Carmel, 2019, pp. 251–267.[HEB]
  15. A. Atzmon, “Prophet of Gloom or Comfort: The Conflicting Portrayals of Jeremiah’s Prophecy in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana,” Revue des études juives 176, 3-4 (2017), pp. 269–293.
  16. A. Atzmon, “Editing and Meaning in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana, Pesikta Rabbati and Midrash Tanhuma on ‘Vayehi Beyom Chalot Moshe’ (Num. 7:1)”, Jerusalem Studies in Hebrew Literature 29 (2017), pp. 3–38 [HEB].
  17. A. Atzmon, “The Piskah of ‘Eikhah’ in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana: Between Lament and Rebuke,” JSIJ - Jewish studies, an internet journal 16 (2019), pp. 1–11. https://jewish-faculty.biu.ac.il/files/jewish-faculty/shared/JSIJ16/atzmon.pdf [HEB].
  18. A. Atzmon, “Did Pharaoh Repent? On the Development and Transformation of an Aggadic Motif,” European Journal of Jewish Studies 13 (2019), pp. 3–27.
  19. A. Atzmon, “The Original Order of Pesikta de-Rav Kahana,” Journal of Jewish Studies 70/1 (2019), pp. 1–23.
  20. A. Atzmon, “Midrashic Traditions, Literary Editing and Polemics in Midrash Tehillim 22: Between Judaism and Christianity,” Journal for the Study of Judaism 51 (2020), pp. 97–124.
  21. A. Atzmon, “Pesikta in the Tanhuma: The Case of Piskat Shekalim,” In: Tanhuma - The State of the Research, A. Atzmon and R. Nikolsky (eds.), Leiden: Brill, Accepted for Publication (24 pp.).
  22. A. Atzmon, “Moses’ Prayer – Nimshal as Scriptural Mosaic,” in: The Power of Parables: Jewish and Christian Perspectives series, M. Poorthuis and E. Ottenheijm (eds.), Lieden: Brill, Accepted for Publication (16 pp.).
  23. A. Atzmon, “The Prayers of Moses:  A Study of Midrash Tehillim on Psalm 90,” Sidra, (16 pp.) [HEB].

Last Updated Date : 18/10/2022