The Angelized Rabbis and the Rabbinized Angels. The Reworked Motif of the Angelic Progeny in the Babylonian Talmud (bShabb 112b)

The myth of the fallen angels, as it is known from intertestamental literature, narrates story angels who break divine law, marry earthly women, and beget malevolent hybrid progeny. latter element this narrative can be found in Babylonian Talmud, where invested with new significance: these are distinguished rabbis heavenly messengers’ offspring. I start paper by outlining traces rabbis’ familiarity then move on to an analysis tradition about angelic origins sages bShabb 112b. offer that passage should read exemplifying practice associating permeates whole Talmud. base two methodological paradigms: cognitive linguistics, which allows for translation problem into conceptual metaphors (SAGES ARE ANGELS SAGES), Elyonim veTachtonim – a system quantitative qualitative traditions involving supernatural entities, permits locate all Talmudic passages utilizing interpret their place broader network. data show rabbinized biblical figures frequently juxtaposed main dimension comparison intellectual proficiency. When comes mapping specific rabbinic competencies onto most popular ability engage halakhic scrutiny teaching. In sum, presentation taken expression sense elitism entertained and, such, sheds additional light interpretation