[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

orion appropriateness invited

I think that Jim West missed M. Jaffee's original point. Jaffee asked about
a phrase in some Qumran texts, "dorshei halaqot," and what that phrase may
or may not tell us, historically, about some Qumran text writers views of
Pharisees. It was, IMHO, an entirely appropriate question.
	Even better than subscribers views about what may or may not be
appropriate would be more quality contributions of the appropriate kind.
These are by no means absent--e.g., the careful and informative post, even
if on a topic of long-shot relevance, by R. Kraft, V. Mair, with the web
site of J. Treat. But, by a rough guess, half of the serious Qumran
scholars in the world (as well as many interested and intelligent folks who
mostly work in other realms) are subscribed to orion.  Rather than lament
some absentees, can we deliver more appropriate stuff? If so, we will all
learn more. Isn't that why most of us subscribed? I have learned a lot,
including from some people I have disagreed with on other matters.  There
is abundant learning and news already connected by the appropriate wires
and whatnot. But it is not being fully engaged,  either in the quality of
the writing or the quality of the reading, IMHO.
	For example,  if you think two symbols in 1QS are Chinese for
"God," then explain why they appear (presumably at the right-hand margin,
at the end of col. 7 and at 9.3) in locations which are not texts about god.
	If you think that all the Qumran mss came from Jerusalem in the
sixties, (and they knocked on the door and borrowed a couple hundred
cylindrical jars, or otherwise obtained them, e.g., as L. Cansdale
suggests, by an order to the pottery shop, etc.), please answer L. Grabbe's
DSD 4 review of N. Golb's book.
	If you think some Qumran mss are Pharisee, make a case.
	If you know of a unnoted historical source which may fit into the
picture, try it out.
	If you think a Qumran text has been read wrong--there may well be
examples not yet mentioned-- please tell us how.
sincerely,
Stephen Goranson    goranson@duke.edu