Understanding Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism

Library Journal

Schiffman (Edelman Professor of Hebrew & Judaic Studies, NYU; Reclaiming the Dead Sea Scrolls) presents a basic introduction to Jewish history from the Second Temple to the rabbinic period. He describes historical developments through discussion of the key concepts that define and create each historical period, portraying the ways in which various cultural and religious concepts hold up throughout history and bind Judaism together. The time periods covered go from the biblical to the Talmudic, including the Hellenistic, Hasmonean, and Mishnaic periods. Some of the subjects are wisdom literature, Pharisees and Sadducees, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the rise of the early church, Josephus, and Judaism under Byzantine Christianity. Each chapter includes biblical sources that expand and help describe the topic. Written as a textbook for high school, college, and adult students, the book presents concepts and explanations in small segments. Appropriate for larger libraries and where there is interest in serious books about Judaism.-Naomi Hafter, Baltimore Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.