Event

Professor Gwynn Kessler of Swarthmore College will be giving a lecture on the topic of Queer Theory and the Rabbinic Literature. Her research focuses on rabbinic interpretation of Scripture, or midrash, and more specifically on rabbinic theology and rabbinic constructions of gender and identity.

This discussion brings together contemporary queer theory and late antique rabbinic traditions (ca. 3rd-7th centuries CE). I consider some of the constructions of gender and the body in rabbinic sources with a focus on gender variant bodies such as the androginos and tumtum.  I will present rabbinic texts that portray biblical characters such as adam ha’rishon, Sarah, Abraham, Joseph, Dinah, Mordechai, and God, as non-normatively gendered figures. What does the existence of such traditions within the canonical writings of Judaism teach not only about rabbinic constructions of gender but also contemporary constructions of gender?

Open to the general public. Hummus will be served.

Oraganized by Jewish Studies Program Bassini Intern, Bryan Hoang.