This anthology brings to English-language readers the riches of the Judaeo-Persian literary tradition produced by the Jewish community of Iran between the eighth and nineteenth centuries. Judaeo-Persian texts, written in classical Persian but using the Hebrew alphabet, reflect profound Muslim influences as well as the extent of original thought and expression among Jewish-Persian writers. The translations include fragments of early documents, verse renditions of biblical books, prayers, religious poetry, secular poetry, commentaries, and historical chronicles. Judaeo-Persian texts, written in classical Persian but using the Hebrew alphabet, reflect profound Muslim influences as well as the extent of original thought and expression among Jewish-Persian writers.
Vera Basch Moreen
Dr. Moreen is a scholar of the history and culture of pre-modern Jewry. Born in Romania, she earned her B. A. from Princeton University (Near Eastern Studies) and Ph. D. from Harvard University (Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations). She has the broad linguistic and cultural background to research the ancient and complex history of Iranian Jewry. She taught courses in Islamic Studies at numerous colleges and universities, including Swarthmore College and Franklin & Marshall College, and is the author and editor of several books and numerous scholarly articles.