Pilar Bertuzzi Rivett

Research Topic

My research focuses on the development of Jewish mysticism in continental Europe between the ninth and thirteenth centuries and on the influence it might have had on its Christian counterparts. I aim to contextualise the dynamics of this development within the intellectual trends of both Carolingian and Twelfth Century “renaissances.” I focus on how the interaction between philosophy, Biblical exegesis and rational argument affected the development of mystical contemplation in this timeframe and assess whether it is possible to draw any parallels between Jewish and Christian mystical teachings. In particular, I am interested in the influence of Hekhalot literature on the formulation of prayers among the French Tosafists and German Pietists and whether any parallels can be detected in Christian devotions and sacramentals.

Supervisor: Professor Matthew Kempshall & Benjamin Williams