Admiel Kosman: A Comprehensive Bibliography of Poetry and Scholarship
Admiel Kosman is a multifaceted author and scholar whose body of work bridges the gap between creative expression and academic rigor. His contributions span several decades, alternating between evocative poetry and deep analytical explorations of gender, spirituality, and tradition within the Jewish context.
Key Facts
- Diverse Output: Published extensively in both poetic collections and academic journals.
- Thematic Focus: Specializes in masculinity, gender dynamics, and the Aggadic tradition (the non-legalistic, narrative portions of the Talmud and Midrash).
- International Reach: Works have been published in Hebrew and English, with translations appearing through Zephyr Press.
- Academic Scope: Research covers Halakhic (Jewish law) approaches to sexuality and the intersection of art and sanctity.
Poetic Works
Kosman's poetry often reflects a journey of spiritual inquiry and emotional vulnerability. His collections range from early explorations of action and raiment to later, more explicit dialogues with the divine.
Early and Mid-Career Collections
Beginning in 1980, Kosman established his voice with And Then the Act of Poetry [Ve-Aharei Mora`ot Ma`ase Ha-Shir]. This was followed by The Prince's Raiment [Bigdei Nasich] in 1988 and Soft Rags [Smartutim Rakim] in 1991. By the mid-90s, he published What I Can [Ma Ani Yachol] (1995) and We Reached God [Higanu Le-Elohim] (1998).
Later Works and English Translations
In the 21st century, his poetry took a more focused turn toward love and prayer. In 2003, he released Forty Love Poems and Two Additional Love Poems to God [Arbaim Shirei Ahava Ve-Shnei Shirei Ahava Nosafim Le-Elohim]. This was followed by Proscribed Prayers (Siddur Alternativi), a collection of seventy-one new poems published by Hakibutz Hameuchad in 2007, and You’re Awesome! (Ktaim Itcha) in 2011.
For English-speaking audiences, his work was curated in Approaching You in English: Selected Poems of Admiel Kosman, translated by Lisa Katz and Shlomit Naim-Naor and published by Zephyr Press in 2011.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Academic Books and Articles
Beyond poetry, Kosman is a recognized scholar of Jewish studies, focusing heavily on the social and spiritual constructs of gender and masculinity.
Studies on Gender and Masculinity
Kosman has explored the male experience through various lenses. In Men’s Tractate: Rav and the Butcher and other Stories (2002), he examines manhood and authentic life through Aggadic and Hassidic stories. He expanded this research in Men’s World: Reading Masculinity in Jewish Stories in a Spiritual Context (2009) and the scholarly volume Gender and Dialogue in the Rabbinic Prism (2012), published by de Gruyter.
Research on Sexuality and Tradition
His academic articles often challenge traditional interpretations. In a 2004 piece for HUCA titled "Two Women Who Were Sporting with Each Other," co-authored with Anat Sharbat, he reexamines Halakhic approaches to lesbianism as a broader touchstone for homosexuality. He also explored the narrative evolution of biblical figures in "The Story of a Giant Story," focusing on Og King of Bashan in the Jewish Aggadic tradition (HUCA, 2002).
Interdisciplinary Reflections
Kosman's intellectual curiosity extends to the arts. In a 2009 piece for Ha-Aretz titled "Treading toward sanctity," he meditates on Van Gogh's series of worn shoe paintings, questioning whether the artist's intent was aesthetic, political, or religious.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Published Works
| Category | Title | Year | Key Theme/Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poetry | And Then the Act of Poetry | 1980 | Early poetic exploration |
| Poetry | Forty Love Poems... to God | 2003 | Divine love and spirituality |
| Poetry | Approaching You in English | 2011 | Selected English translations |
| Academic | Men’s Tractate | 2002 | Manhood in Aggadic/Hassidic stories |
| Academic | Gender and Dialogue in the Rabbinic Prism | 2012 | Rabbinic views on gender |
| Article | Two Women Who Were Sporting with Each Other | 2004 | Halakhic views on homosexuality |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Admiel Kosman's academic work?
His academic work primarily focuses on the intersection of gender, masculinity, and spirituality within Jewish traditions, specifically utilizing the Rabbinic prism and Aggadic stories.
Has Admiel Kosman published any work in English?
Yes, he has a collection of selected poems titled Approaching You in English (2011) and has published academic works through international publishers like de Gruyter.
What is the "Aggadic tradition" mentioned in his research?
The Aggadic tradition refers to the non-legalistic, narrative, and homiletic portions of Jewish literature, such as the Talmud and Midrash, which provide moral lessons and historical narratives.
Does Kosman write about topics outside of Jewish studies?
While most of his work is rooted in Jewish tradition, he has engaged with art history, specifically analyzing the religious and political implications of Vincent van Gogh's paintings.
Which publishers have released his poetry?
His poetry has been published by Hakibutz Hameuchad in Tel Aviv and Zephyr Press for his English selections.