Dear Elhanan and colleagues, The LC subject heading "Rabbinical literature" will require reconsideration as we develop genre/form terms for Judaic concepts to be included in the Genre/Form Terms for Law Materials and in the list under development for religion. The heading is listed in the table of proposed Jewish law genre/form terms that has been posted for comment on the AJL Cataloging Committee Wiki. Aaron Taub will be sending out a reminder about accessing the Wiki and submitting feedback.
In addition to proposing scope notes to clarify usage, we need to be considering other existing and proposed headings that relate hierarchically to "Rabbinical literature." Such headings are also listed in the table. One thing to keep in mind is that genre/form terms (to date) have not included any chronological subdivisions. Concerns have been noted about losing the existing chronological subdivisions under the heading "Responsa," a term which has already been accepted into the Genre/Form Terms for Law Materials. I encourage everyone on the list to review the proposed Jewish law terms, including "Rabbinical literature" and related headings, and to share his/her comments. Thanks, Lenore Lenore Bell Israel & Judaica Section, Asian & Middle Eastern Division Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave., SE Washington, DC 20540-4222 (202) 707-7313 l...@loc.gov From: owner-heb-n...@lists.acs.ohio-state.edu [mailto:owner-heb-n...@lists.acs.ohio-state.edu] On Behalf Of Elhanan Adler Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 1:04 AM To: 'heb-naco@lists.acs.ohio-state.edu' Subject: scope of heading 'Rabbinical literature' Shalom all LCSH term "Rabbinical literature" does not have a scope note. It is the broad term of Aggada, Baraita, Midrash and Talmud and a long list of "xxx in rabbinical literature" which would lead one to think it is equivalent to 'sifrut hazal' - approximately from Tannaitic times until the Geonic or Medieval period. But LC OPAC has headings such as: Rabbinical literature - Brazil and Rabbinical literature - United States so presumably the term is being used for modern rabbinic literature as well. If Rabbinical literature equals 'sifrut toranit' and not just 'sifrut hazal' is it really the correct heading for introductions to 'sifrut hazal' (Talmudic & Midrashic periods). Perhaps a heading like 'Rabbinical literature - To 1000' would be justified. In any event, may I suggest addition of a scope note by LC? Elhanan Elhanan Adler Email: elhan...@savion.huji.ac.il, elha...@libnet.ac.il Mobile tel.: 972-54-6829657 Tel. (home) 972-2-6515977 Fax (home): 972-2-6517129
