The Talmudic Construction of Personhood
Undergraduate Project
Project Information
Dr. Sara Ronis, associate professor of Theology at St. Mary’s University and HBI Research Associate is completing a manuscript, Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Construction of Personhood (forthcoming, University of California Press). The project moves beyond the binary question: is the fetus a person? Instead, the book explores case studies from rabbinic inheritance law, the laws of sacred food, ritual purity laws, criminal law, laws of buying and selling, and the Noahide laws, to ask: What kinds of person is the fetus in the rabbinic imagination?
Dr. Ronis is looking for an intern who can help with editing and proofreading, so the book can reach the widest possible audience. Additional tasks include finding sources and, together with Dr. Ronis, creating a preliminary index. The intern will gain experience in reading academic manuscripts, and will learn about some current trends in rabbinics, legal theory, bioethics, critical animal studies, slavery studies, and comparative religion.
Profile of Appropriate Candidate
- Background in Jewish studies and/or religious studies
- Familiarity with rabbinic literature would be helpful
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Courage to ask questions and offer direct feedback.