"Grunhaus s inspired book (which does not fail to consider previous work on the subject) manages to offer a vivid, comprehensive, and precise elucidation of what makes Radak s commentary unique, in particular with regard to the relation between
peshat and
derash in his writings...Many of her
insights on these matters are original and, above all, challenging. Grunhaus s study is remarkable in its richness of detail, and it seems nothing has eluded her attention; her sources cover extensive ground, and her writing is eloquent and reliable. Scholars and lay readers alike will derive
understanding and enjoyment from her book."--
Speculum"In her book
The Challenge of Received Tradition, Naomi Grunhaus examines David
Kimhi's particular approach to using midrash in his com- mentaries and compares it to that of other eleventh- and twelfth-century Jewish exegetes, Rashi in particular... Grunhaus's work is impressive for its thorough engagement with its textual sources and close reading of Kimhi's commentary and is
an excellent introduction to Kimhi's work and concerns." --
H-Net Reviews"[O]ffers informed, balanced, compelling assessments of central features of Radak s exegetical achievement." --
Hebrew Studies"A learned and lucid work. Grunhaus brings to light Radak's interpretive methodology, highlighting the distinctive interplay between
peshat and
derash and its importance for his exegetical program. The book is a model study of the complexities of medieval Jewish Bible interpretation. It also speaks
to today's exegetes who seek to integrate midrash into their academic commentaries."--Adele Berlin, co-editor of
The Jewish Study Bible"With meticulous research and reasoned arguments, Naomi Grunhaus sheds much new light on the Bible commentaries of the medieval rabbi David Kimhi (Radak). Her book should be required reading for anyone interested in Jewish Bible commentaries or in the interplay of interpretive innovation and
reverence for tradition."--Martin Lockshin, Professor of Humanities and Hebrew and Chair, Department of Humanities, York University
"Naomi Grunhaus has produced a first-rate study of Radak's inconsistent treatment of rabbinic law and lore, rendering his dilemmas into elegant and precise English. The late Frank Talmage would undoubtedly have found her a worthy scholar of Radak's commentaries in continuing the discussions he
began."--Herbert Basser, Professor of Jewish Studies, Queen's University
"Grunhaus uses hundreds of examples to paint a clear and detailed picture of Radak's understanding of the Biblical text... Recommended for academic collections in Bible or Medieval Jewish culture." --
Association of Jewish Libraries
