Hadassah-Brandeis Institute

Daughters in Danger, from the Hebrew Bible to Modern Midrash

Undergraduate Project / Graduate Student Project

Project Information

Rabbi Rachel Adelman, Hebrew College Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible and HBI Research Associate, has completed a manuscript, "Dangers in Danger from the Hebrew Bible to Modern Midrash" (forthcoming Sheffield), and will be looking for help with proof-reading and indices. The book engages with feminist interpretations of the Hebrew Bible, classical and modern midrash. Passages include the rape of Dinah, the sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter, and the tragic fate of Tamar, King David's daughter, and Daughter Zion (Bat Tzion). The book critiques the androcentric bias in these biblical stories which seek to silence the women; and examines how gaps in the accounts are filled in by both classic and modern midrash, giving the women voice.

Rabbi Adelman is seeking an intern to read the manuscript, assist with proof-reading, editing, and indices, as well as obtaining permissions to publish contemporary work (50 - 75%). In addition,  Rabbi Adelman is working on some new directions (articles, conference papers) on feminist reading of lament in response to trauma; and affect theory on shame as applied to Biblical Studies (25-50%).

Profile of Appropriate Candidate

  • Demonstrated interest and experienced in reading Jewish text

  • Familiarity with Tanakh
  • Knowledge of Hebrew extremely helpful

  • Strong online and library research skills

  • Strong writing and editing skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines and complete assignments independently, and the confidence to offer direct feedback if a task is too onerous