Varieties of belief in medieval Ashkenaz: The case of anthropomorphism.

Abstract

From the larger perspective of medieval Jewish intellectual history, the range of views in Ashkenaz that we have traced with regard to anthropomorphism helps to diminish the “backward” image that has sometimes been assigned to the talmudic scholars of this region (as compared, for example, to Maimonides). Without benefit of a sustained philosophical tradition, the Tosafists (not to mention the German pietists) were able nonetheless to respond to the important theological questions that stood before them, against the backdrop of the full corpus of talmudic and rabbinic literature. The positions that they developed are interesting and even innovative, and they speak to a more varied and sophisticated rabbinic culture in medieval Ashkenaz than has been imagined until now. (from Conclusion)