معرفی
Mordechai Z. Cohen is Professor of Bible and Associate Dean of the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University, where he also directs the Chinese-Jewish Conversation initiative. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Bible from Yeshiva University, an M.A. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University, and Rabbinic Ordination from YU's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.
His research specializes in medieval Jewish biblical interpretation, with emphases on:
- Rashi's exegetical innovations in response to Christian hermeneutics
- Maimonides' integration of Andalusian and Muslim intellectual traditions
- Comparative analysis of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scriptural interpretation
- Reconceptualization of peshat (plain-sense) methodology across medieval cultures
Cohen's publications consistently engage with Jewish-Christian theological discourse, particularly through reinterpreting Psalms and Song of Songs as counter-narratives to dominant Christological readings. His work demonstrates how medieval Jewish exegetes actively reshaped biblical interpretation amid interreligious tensions.
Awards & Recognition:
- Lady Davis Fellowship (2011)
As Director of the Chinese-Jewish Conversation, he facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue exploring intersections between Jewish textual traditions and Chinese philosophical systems.
