Towards an Interdisciplinary Study of Jewish Oral Traditions

In this article we propose to discuss and illustrate the need for pursuing the study of the oral aspect of Jewish traditions on a well-defined interdisciplinary basis. We shall discuss the concepts of oral tradition and of interdisciplinary methodology in the context of Jewish studies; the theoretical framework in which such an interdisciplinary methodology can be contained; and the tools to be used in the collecting and analysis of data. Throughout, we shall keep in mind the advantages and implications for the different domains of Jewish studies arising from the implementation of a multidimensional point of view in research. In attempting to construct a coherent theoretical and methodological whole, we shall base ourselves on a series of research enterprises relating to different aspects of Jewish traditions, as they have been undertaken by teams of specialists in different disciplines. 

The first part of this paper will discuss the state of research with regard to concepts of oral tradition and interdisciplinary methodology. The second will try to show, on the basis of research in progress, the benefits of an interdisciplinary study of Jewish oral traditions. The third part suggests a methodological framework and tools for the use of linguists, historians, musicologists, anthropologists, and others.