In the Amidah, the “blessing of the heretics” is well known as a curse, and often understood to have been specifically developed to exclude the early Christ-following Jews from the synagogues that did not approve of this affiliation. It is obviously of importance, then, not only on its own terms within Judaism, but also for tracing the history of relations with Christians, and thus, for Christian-Jewish relations today, even if that understanding of its origins and general usage is not without challenge, as ably demonstrated in this unparalleled resource.
Professor Langer is an expert on Jewish liturgical history who can bring much to the study of this topic besides its polemical dimensions. In the first part of this work, she explores the history of the formulations of this phrase, and in the second part she evaluates the evidence. The critical editions of the various versions of the prayer follow in appendixes, as well as a glossary, bibliography, and extensive indexes. The reader is challenged to think about various Jewish contexts for this and other liturgical practices as they were adopted and adapted over the centuries. Langer’s style is academic yet accessible, the detail comprehensive; this is the reference work for topic. Bibliography, indexes.
Nonfiction
Cursing the Christians?: A History of the Birkat HaMinim
- Review
By
– June 21, 2012
Mark D. Nanos, Ph.D., University of Kansas, is the author of Mysteryof Romans, winner of the 1996 National Jewish Book Award, Charles H. RevsonAward in Jewish-Christian Relations.
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