
The Department of Middle Eastern Studies invites all to a lecture by David Rotman (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) “Tears for Fears: Folklore and Politics in the Cults of Rachel the Matriarch in Contemporary Israel“.
“Since at least the mid-19th century, a well-established and widely participated cult of Rachel the Matriarch has existed, primarily at the site identified as “Rachel’s Tomb” on the outskirts of Bethlehem. This lecture will focus on one key element of this cult: the act of weeping. The origins of the ritualized weeping at Rachel’s Tomb can be traced to medieval midrashic stories, which have evolved from textual interpretations to performative midrash with magical aspects. This phenomenon has become a distinctive feature of Jewish folklore in Israel/Palestine. In this lecture, we will explore the dynamics of this cult, particularly its political functions in various contexts, with an emphasis on developments in Israel over the past thirty years.”
When: Tuesday 15th October 2024 from 15:50
Where: Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Celetná 20, Prague 1, room 240