From Eve to Esther: Rabbinic Reconstructs of Biblical Women (Gender & the Biblical Tradition)
A splendid and sumptuous examination of Women in the Bible... Bronner's dynamic Judaic/Feminist mind sifts and blends her findings into an innovative and significant set of unique perspectives ... To simply say that From Eve to Esther is a fascinating and extraordinary work would be inadequate. Each page has been thoroughly researched, documented, and sings out in a lucid and unobstructed voice that is neither strident nor apologetic. Bronner looks upon and speaks of the past, but she has both eyes on the future. --Jewish Spectator, Winter 1995-96Daughter of a Hasidic rabbi, Professor Bronner knows Torah, Talmud, and other sacred writings intimately, and she is well-versed in scholarly commentary on them. Her book tacitly reminds us that men by themselves cannot fully interpret scripture. ... From Eve to Esther is an illuminating and resonant book. It is also thoroughly delightful. --Update, Winter 1997-98Leila Bronner's analysis of Rabbinic views on biblical women is a fascinating addition to existing studies of women in Scripture. From Eve to Esther sets out to show the power both Bible and Midrash have had on women's roles and status for generations. ... She intends to present a balanced picture, recognizing the multivalence of biblical texts and the social preoccupations of the sages interpreting them. --Word and World, date unknownThough Bronner does far more than a surface reading of both the biblical and the rabbinic texts, the work is understandably written, suitable for both the general reader and the scholar alike.... This work represents a worthy undertaking and one which fills a void in biblical and rabbinic study. Hence, just in terms of its pioneer status, this work would be welcomed, and it is sure to be the beginning of further conversation about rabbinical views of these figures. Yet its value is greater than that, as Bronner has given us a perceptive look at this topic. --Horizons in Biblical Theology, December 1996[T]his is at first sight an enthralling book, difficult to put down ... Bronner offers a genuine contribution to the role of ideology in the representation of women. --Apocrypha and Post-Biblical Studies, date unknown