Caspi, Mishael

Dr. Mishael M. Caspi is a retired Professor of Religion at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. He received his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

Eve in Three Traditions and Literatures - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

2004 0-7734-6490-5
This book revives the tradition of Eve in three traditions and literatures. The discussion of Islamic material is particularly valuable, since it examines the exchanges of ideas between early Islam and Judaism. It displays an amazing ability to uncover irony and sarcasm in ancient writings that have a profound implication for understanding ancient religion, and also examines contemporary references to Eve.

How Jonah is Interpreted in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: Essays on the Authenticity and Influence of the Biblical Prophet

2011 0-7734-3931-6
This collection of essays is the first to examine the role of Jonah within the broader context of Nevi’im as interpreted by scholars of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The book provides multiple interpretations from a variety angles on the parable of Jonah. Such analyses include examining the tale from the perspectives of sin, drama, animal rights, education, and visual representations. At the same time, the book engages other biblical and prophetic texts. Despite the sheer depth and breadth of the subject, the book remains accessible to academics and non-academics alike.

Interpretation of Korah's Rebellion in Three Religious Traditions - Jewish, Christian, Muslim. A Study in Comparative Reception History

2012 0-7734-2923-9
The book addresses the ways the myth of Korah is depicted in three faith traditions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Dialogue between religions always existed. Unfortunately, many times this dialogue was hateful if not bloody. All those who claimed God had spoken to them allowed themselves to kill in his name too. This book categorizes the history of how God revealed himself to people in these religions. The story of Korah’s rebellion against Moses is documented in the Torah. It is narrated in Numbers 16:1-40. Korah’s rebellion resisted Moses’s leadership, and concluded in his people being swallowed by the earth along with many of their households. The children were salvaged and did not die. However, this story serves as a metaphor for resisting the will of God.

The authors central argument is that the story of Korah has been invoked in various religious traditions that appeal to the Bible to highlight the authority of dominant institutions that face criticism. The volume’s comparative attention is given to how the story is depicted in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as the paradigmatic rebellion.

Parables and Fables as Distinctive Jewish Literary Genres

2012 0-7734-2598-5
A book that concerns itself with the historical development of the fable or parable as a way of communicating knowledge and truth, in both Judaism and Christianity.

Problems in Translating Texts About Jesus: Proceedings From the International Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting, 2008

2011 0-7734-3753-3

The Figure of Samson in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Traditions: The Myth and the Man

2014 0-7734-4278-2
This remarkable literary journey of the enigmatic ‘Samson’ titillates the reader’s curiosity. Blessed with a handsome and spectacular physique, and a naughty thirst for la dolce vita, Samson has served as a paradigm for many a well-meaning person who failed to teach himself self-restraint. Caspi and Greene chronicle the fascinating literary-historical development of the Samson figure and his significance through Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, and during ancient, medieval, and modern times.

THE LEGEND OF ELIJAH IN JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM, AND LITERATURE A Study in Comparative Religion

2009 0-7734-4726-1
This work examines interpretations of Elijah in as an immortal being teaching the Law to the chosen ones.