Overtones of Isaac and Jesus in Modern Hebrew Narrative

In the context of a basic relationship between the Akedah (binding of Isaac), together with the tradition it generated at different periods, and the account of Jesus’ crucifixion in the Gospels, it is interesting to note certain exemplars of Modern Hebrew prose fiction which, in some way and on some level, reflect both sacrificial narratives. While the primary accent in such works clearly revolves around the binding of Isaac and its interpretation, one also finds in the same texts either explicit mention of, or allusion to elements of the crucifixion accounts. The literary compositions discussed in the present article, by Kabak, Oz, Hazaz, and Appelfeld, span a number of decades and display very different thrusts and emphases. What they share is a literary utilization of the innate power of both sacrificial traditions in ways that have enriched Modern Hebrew writing. In these compositions and in the contexts, in which the authors evoked both traditions, they acquire new life and meaning.