Mara H. Benjamin Livres

Mara H. Benjamin contends that the physical and psychological work of caring for children presents theologically fruitful but largely unexplored terrain for feminists. Attending to the constant, concrete, and urgent needs of children, she argues, necessitates engaging with profound questions concerning the responsible use of power in unequal relationships, the transformative influence of love, human fragility and vulnerability, and the embeddedness of self in relationships and obligations. Viewing child-rearing as an embodied practice, Benjamin's theological reflection invites a profound reengagement with Jewish sources from the Talmud to modern Jewish philosophy. Her contemporary feminist stance forges a convergence between Jewish theological anthropology and the demands of parental caregiving.

Mara Benjamin explores how Rosenzweig's reinterpretation of scripture reveals the intricate relationships between contemporary readers and ancient sacred texts. Through this analysis, she highlights the dynamic nature of engagement with scripture, emphasizing the relevance and impact of these texts in modern contexts.