Exploring the Bible's profound influence on American poetry, this study examines its role as a source of imagery and a reflection of the nation's civic, political, and social history. It addresses critical themes such as ethnicity, race, and gender, revealing how the Bible has both unified and divided communities throughout American culture. The analysis spans from the Puritans to contemporary poets like Amanda Gorman, highlighting significant historical events such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, abolition, and women's rights, while featuring both popular and major literary figures.
Judaic cultures exhibit an exceptional commitment to language, encompassing texts, books, scrolls, and various forms of learning and interpretation that are integral to their spiritual and experiential practices. Unlike philosophical and theological traditions that often regard language as secondary, Judaic traditions place language at the forefront. Traditional metaphysics has historically prioritized the immaterial and unchanging, viewing truth as something language can only imperfectly convey. However, this perspective has faced critique since Nietzsche, a theme explored by the author. Shira Wolosky contends that Judaic traditions align with contemporary metaphysical critiques rather than oppose them. By analyzing the works of Derrida, Levinas, Scholem, and others, the author investigates Judaic interpretation in the context of biblical exegesis and sign-theory, which reshapes the understanding of language in relation to Judaic textuality. The study also contrasts negative theology within Judaic tradition with those that reject language. It outlines a discourse ethics informed by Judaic language theory. This work is aimed at students and scholars in Judaic thought, religious studies, and theology, as well as those interested in interpretation theory and modern Jewish philosophy, highlighting how Jewish discussions on language engage with pressing contemporary issues of value and norms.
