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This research explores how the Rabbanite Targum and Yefet ben Eli's commentary interpret the Song of Songs in the context of Jewish minorities in the diaspora.

June 18, 2026Open Access

Two Jewish Minorities in the Diaspora:The Targum and Yefet ben Eli on Song of Songs

Key Points

This research explores how the Rabbanite Targum and Yefet ben Eli's commentary interpret the Song of Songs in the context of Jewish minorities in the diaspora.
Analyzed the paraphrastic translation of Song of Songs by the Rabbanite Targum.
Examined the commentary by Karaite Yefet ben Eli on the same Biblical text.
Compared the theological perspectives of both groups regarding their exilic experiences.
The Rabbanite Targum presents a passive perspective on exile, lacking calls for self-empowerment.
In contrast, Yefet ben Eli seeks to empower the Karaite community towards active participation in society.
Both texts show similarities in interpreting Hebrew text but differ significantly in their responses to exile.

Abstract

A paraphrastic translation of Song of Songs (the Rabbanite Targum) and a commentary on that Biblical book by the Karaite Yefet ben Eli both betray the author’s view on the diaspora, especially on their group’s position as minority in a sometimes hostile environment. While there are many similarities in the way these books explain and apply the Hebrew text to their readers, one difference stands out and affects the way the two minorities, Rabbanite and Karaite Jews, react to their exilic circumstances: The Rabbanites do not have any theological arguments or sociological inclination to lift the exile themselves and actively strive for a majority society somewhere, and that the Karaite Yefet ben Eli offers both.

Two Jewish Minorities in the Diaspora:The Targum and Yefet ben Eli on Song of Songs

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