A DALIT LIBERATIVE READING OF TORAH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE BOOK OF EXODUS

Abstract

The term “Dalit” finds its etymological roots in the Hebrew word “dall” or “dal,” which manifests in various forms within the Old Testament scriptures. Primarily employed as an adjective, it predominantly conveys the notion of “poor” when associated with individuals. Moreover, it often serves as an objective descriptor denoting the condition of specific groups of people. This term conveys connotations of physical frailty, social marginalization, and insignificance within one’s societal context. The Exodus narrative, wherein the Israelites’ liberation from oppressive conditions under the autocratic Pharaoh is a potent symbol for contemporary marginalized and disadvantaged communities. This article elucidates the imperative of Liberative Hermeneutics in reinterpreting the Torah through a Dalit lens, with particular emphasis on the Book of Exodus.