ABSTRACT
T H E D A T E O F T H E M E K I L T A D E - R A B B I I S H M A E L
BEN ZION WACHOLDER Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. Cincinnati
SC H O L A R L Y papers can derive f rom any one of a va r i e ty of s t i m u l i or a combina t ion of them. T h e present paper derives f rom a series of problems which have compelled me to search the mater ia l as wel l
as myself. T h i s paper represents a most un t r ad i t i ona l approach t o a
book inord ina te ly precious to me. I found myself resisting the logic
of m y observations, s imp ly because the conclusion to w h i c h I was
d rawn represents an about-face f rom m y t r a d i t i o n a l approach to the
literature. Nevertheless, the issues are compelling enough to be pre
sented in the arena of notice where m y peers can consider m y present
handl ing of the a r ray of problems.
