Judaism: sacred texts and revered writings Books

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Book SynopsisWith a range of styles including commentary, parables, proverbs and anecdotes, this title provides guidance on various aspects of everyday life from ownership to commerce to relationships. It includes a selection of passages that make accessible the centuries of Jewish thought.Table of ContentsThe TalmudList of IllustrationsPrefaceIntroductionHow to Read the TalmudStructure—The Framework of the TalmudThe Reception of the Mishna—Bavli and YerushalmiHow the Talmud StartedBabylonia of the Talmud—Social and Religious BackgroundThe Men Who Made Mishna and TalmudStyle of the TalmudTitles and NamesTheologyThe Talmud and ChristianityTransmission of the TextA Note On This TranslationBible Translation'Israel', 'Jew', 'Palestine'Page LayoutReferencesFurther ReadingTHE TALMUD: SELECTIONSFirst Order Zeraim (Seeds)IntroductionFirst Tractate Berakhot (Blessings)Second Tractate Pe'ah (Corner of the Field)Third Tractate Demai (Doubtfully Tithed Produce)Fourth Tractate Kil'ayim (Mixtures)Fifth Tractate Shevi'it (The Seventh Year)Sixth Tractate Terumot (Heave Offerings)Seventh Tractate Ma'aserot (Tithes)Eighth Tractate Ma'aser Sheni (Second Tithe)Ninth Tractate Halla (Dough Offering)Tenth Tractate 'Orla (Fruit of First Three Years)Eleventh Tractate Bikkurim (First-fruits)Second Order Mo'ed (Appointed Times)IntroductionFirst Tractate Shabbat (The Sabbath)Second Tractate Eruvin (Boundaries)Third Tractate Pesahim (The Passover)Fourth Tractate Sheqalim (The Annual Temple Tax)Fifth Tractate Yoma (The Day)Sixth Tractate Sukka (Tabernacles)Seventh Tractate Betza (Festival Laws)Eighth Tractate Rosh Hashana (The New Year)Ninth Tractate Ta'anit (Public Fasts)Tenth Tractate Megilla (Purim)Eleventh Tractate Mo'ed Qatan (Middle Days of Festivals)Twelfth Tractate Hagiga (The Festival Sacrifice)Third Order Nashim (Women)IntroductionFirst Tractate Yevamot (Sisters-in-law)Second Tractate Ketubot (Marriage Entitlements)Third Tractate Nedarim (Vows)Fourth Tractate Nazir (The Nazirite)Fifth Tractate Sota (The Wayward Wife)Sixth Tractate Gittin (Divorce)Seventh Tractate Qiddushin (Betrothal)Fourth Order Nesiqin (Damages)IntroductionFirst Tractate Bava Qama (The First Gate)Second Tractate Bava Metzi'a (The Middle Gate)Third Tractate Bava Batra (The Last Gate)Fourth Tractate Sanhedrin (The Court)Fifth Tractate Makkot (Flogging)Sixth Tractate Shavuot (Oaths)Seventh Tractate Eduyot (Testimonies—Legal Precedents)Eighth Tractate Avoda Zara (Idolatry)Ninth Tractate Avot (Wisdom of the Fathers)Tenth Tractate Horayot (Decisions)Fifth Order Qodashim (Holy Things)IntroductionFirst Tractate Zevahim (Sacrifices)Second Tractate Menahot (Grain Offerings)Third Tractate Hullin (Unconsecrated Meat)Fourth Tractate Bekhorot (First-born)Fifth Tractate Arakhin (Valuations)Sixth Tractate Temura (Substitutes)Seventh Tractate Keritot (Exclusions)Eighth Tractate Me'ila (Sacrilege)Ninth Tractate Qinnim (Bird Pairs)Tenth Tractate Tamid (Regular Temple Procedure)Eleventh Tractate Middot (Temple Measurements)Sixth Order Tohorot (Purities)IntroductionFirst Tractate Kelim (Artefacts)Second Tractate Ohalot (Tents)Third Tractate Nega'im (Plagues)Fourth Tractate Parah (The Red Heifer)Fifth Tractate Tohorot (Purities)Sixth Tractate Miqva'ot (Pools)Seventh Tractate Nidda (Menstruant)Eighth Tractate Makhshirin (Enablers of Impurity)Ninth Tractate Zavim (Discharges)Tenth Tractate T'vul Yom (Immersed That Day)Eleventh Tractate Yadayim (Hands)Twelfth Tractate 'Uqtzin (Stalks)TimelineGlossaryAppendixesI. The Jewish CalendarII. Tithes and Sabbatical YearsIII. Coins, Weights and MeasuresIV. Books of the BibleV. Tractates of the Mishna in Alphabetical OrderVI. Hebrew Names and TransliterationBibliographyPrimary TextsEnglish TranslationsSecondary WorksMapsSacred Writings IndexGeneral Index

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Book SynopsisA newly updated edition of the landmark translation by one of our greatest religious scholarsSince its publication in 1962, esteemed biblical expert Géza Vermes's translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls has established itself as the authoritative standard. The original manuscripts, discovered in the Judean Desert between 1947 and 1956, completely transformed our understanding of the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, and the origin of Christianity. Now in its seventh edition, The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English has been updated with a number of previously unpublished texts, as well as extensive new introductory material and notes. Some sixty years after the Scrolls' discovery, this revised and expanded volume crowns a lifetime of research by Vermes.For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookTrade ReviewNo translation of the Scrolls is either more readable or more authoritative than that of Vermes -- John J. Collins * The Times Higher Education Supplement *Fascinating, not least because of Geza Vermes' wonderful introduction and translation -- Justin Cartwright * Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year *

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Book SynopsisBuilding on the success of the Jewish Annotated New Testament (JANT) and the Jewish Study Bible (JSB), Oxford University Press now proceeds to complete the trilogy with the Jewish Annotated Apocrypha (JAA). The books of the Apocrypha were virtually all composed by Jewish writers in the Second Temple period. Excluded from the Hebrew Bible, these works were preserved by Christians. Yet no complete, standalone edition of these works has been produced in English with an emphasis on Jewish tradition or with an educated Jewish audience in mind. The JAA meets this need.The JAA differs from prior editions of the Apocrypha in a number of ways. First, as befits a Jewish Annotated Apocrypha, the volume excludes certain texts that are widely agreed to be of Christian origin. Second, it expands the scope of the volume to include Jubilees, an essential text for understanding ancient Judaism, and a book that merits inclusion in the volume by virtue of the fact that it was long considered part of the Trade ReviewIt deserves to be part of the library of all scholars of Second Temple Judaism. It will also be particularly helpful in the classroom, presenting as it does a nonChristian interpretation of what most students know as Christian scripture. In that regard, it fulfills its mission admirably, as did the other volumes in this outstanding trilogy. * Sidnie White Crawford, Department of Classics and Religious Studies, University of NebraskaLincoln, Dead Sea Discoveries *It deserves to be part of the library of all scholars of Second Temple Judaism. It will also be particularly helpful in the classroom, presenting as it does a non-Christian interpretation of what most students know as Christian scripture. In that regard, it fulfills its mission admirably, as did the other volumes in this outstanding trilogy. * Sidnie White Crawford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, Dead Sea Discoveries 29 *Overall, this volume is an excellent reference book. It targets a Jewish audience, offering guidance for learning the Second Temple heritage which shaped later Judaism. But it would also be a valuable book for Christian students of the bible, not only because the so-called apocryphal texts are part of Scripture in Church tradition, but also because it is important to know the Judaic heritage that formed the foundation of Christianity. * Lydia Gore-Jones, Phronema *...excellent essays... * Rabbi Dr. Stu Halpern, The Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought *Klawans and Wills have furnished a unique reference tool for readers that is clearly presented and astutely informed by established scholars and experts in the field that is sure to benefit a wide range of readers. * Daniel M. Gurtner, Gateway Seminary, Religious Studies Review *Table of ContentsContributors Contents Maps, Charts, and Diagrams Alphabetical Listing of the Books of the Apocrypha List of Abbreviations The Editors' Preface To the Reader Introduction Law Jubilees Histories and Stories 1 Esdras Expanded Tobit Judith 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees 3 Maccabees Prophecies Letter of Jeremiah Baruch Additions to Daniel [3 Pieces] Prayer of Azariah/Song of the Three Susanna Bel and the Dragon 4 Ezra Poetry and Wisdom Psalm 151 Prayer of Manasseh Wisdom of Solomon Ben Sira 4 Maccabees ESSAYS Social Contexts The Babylonian and Persian Period: History and Culture The Hellenistic Period: History and Culture The Roman Period Ancient Jewish Sectarianism The Archaeology of Second Temple Judaism The Hasmonean State and Ancient Jewish Nationalism The Apocrypha, Canon, and Literary Contexts Canon The Septuagint Dead Sea Scrolls The Peshitta and the Syriac Biblical Context The Apocrypha in Rabbinic Literature Apocrypha in Medieval Hebrew Literature Wisdom in the Apocrypha Literary Approaches to the Apocrypha The Incredible Expanding Bible: From the Dead Sea Scrolls to Haile Selassie The Apocrypha and Jewish Life Torah, Law, and Commandments Prayer in the Apocrypha Hanukkah in the Apocrypha Jewish Heroes and the Apocrypha Gender Jewish Theology and the Apocrypha Evil and Sin Jewish Identity in the Apocrypha Truth and Lies in Apocryphal Tales TIMELINE CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF RULERS TRANSLATIONS OF ANCIENT TEXTS GLOSSARY INDEX

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Book SynopsisThis workbook accompanies Gary Edward Schnittjer''s Torah Story. Following the textbook''s structure, it offers chapter-by-chapter guided exercises designed to support the students learning experience and enhance their comprehension of the Pentateuch.Working knowledge of the Bible''s first five books is essential for every serious student of the Scriptures. Torah Story by Gary Edward Schnittjer emphasizes the content of the text itself, moving beyond debating dates and theories of authorship into understanding how these key books of the Bible help us understand the story of salvation.

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Book SynopsisThere is no question that the Torah is one of the most influential documents in Western civilization. It is the source of widely known characters like Joseph, Moses, and Noah, and timeless stories such as the Garden of Eden and the Exodus. Jointly authored by professors of Judaism and Christianity, The Torah: A Beginner's Guide takes a unique approach, exploring the interplay and dynamics of how these two religions share this common scripture. Drawing on both scholarly and popular sources, Kaminsky and Lohr examine the key debates, while simultaneously illustrating the importance of the Torah in western jurisprudence, ethics, and contemporary conceptions of the family, morality, and even politics.

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Book SynopsisExplores ancient Jewish beliefs in life after death as well as contemporary spiritual experiences. Exploring afterlife theories from the ancient world as well as contemporary afterlife encounters, Carla Wills-Brandon, Ph.D., reveals references to Jewish mysticism and afterlife encounters in ancient Hebrew texts, including the Torah, the Talmud, the Zohar, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the writings of the early Kabbalists. She shows how these works describe not only the realms of heaven but also near-death experiences (NDEs), after-death contact, reincarnation, and deathbed visions of crossed-over loved ones. Drawing on her background in psychology and her experience as a licensed therapist, she explains how acknowledging an afterlife as well as spiritual encounters can help you find peace after loss, discover inner spiritual light, and heal from destructive emotional patterns and ancestral trauma, including intergenerational wounds such as those from the Holocaust. Sharing profound accounts of modern-day premonitions, spirit visitations, dream encounters with the dying, NDEs, and other psychic manifestations, the author shows how similar our contemporary mystical experiences are to those of our ancestors. Looking at the strong emotional resonances created by unresolved trauma, she explains how many survivors of World War II developed PTSD, which has been passed down from one generation to the next. She shows how believing in life after death and speaking about spiritual experiences can help heal emotional trauma and release difficult memories stuck psychically in our personal and ancestral past. Revealing how spiritual seekers can benefit not only from a belief in the afterlife but also from expressing their visions of the unseen, the author shows how knowing that physical death is not final fosters a healthier preparation for one’s own death and the deaths of those we cherish as well as a more fulfilling life.Trade Review“Profound, well-researched, and elegantly written. In this riveting narrative, Wills-Brandon shares stories of holocaust survivors, which must be told, and through these compelling stories she dispels the misconception that Judaism does not embrace the concept of an afterlife. Rather, Seven Heavens demonstrates how Judaism has actually chronicled near-death experiences and after-death communication for thousands of years. It is destined to become an authoritative classic in the realm of near-death-experience literature.” * Mark Anthony, ”The Psychic Lawyer” and author of The Afterlife Frequency, Evidence of Et *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Foreword by Bruce Greyson, M.D. Preface: Why Seven Heavens? Introduction: Secrets We Keep ONEWhere to StartTWO The Afterlife in the Jewish Tradition THREE An Angel Named Damus FOURExperiencing Auschwitz with Nuinui FIVEWhere Was God? SIX The Effect of PTSD on Faith in the Jewish Community SEVEN Facing Our Ancestral Past to Heal Future Generations EIGHTWhat Is an NDE or Near-Death Experience? NINE Reincarnation in Judaism TEN Afterlife Experience as a Conduit to the Divine: Beyond Religious AbuseELEVEN We Are Not Alone . . . And It’s a Good Thing APPENDIX A Self-Awareness Inventory: Reviewing Your Own Life Book References Index

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Book SynopsisThe gospel story begins in Torah. What culminates at Golgotha starts with the rebellion in the garden. The Torah''s story can be framed as a question: How will the word of God overcome the human revolution?Torah Story offers a student-friendly introduction to the redemptive narrative housed in the first five books of the Bible. Every main chapter introduces a section of Torah with attention to its basic structure.This is followed by another look at how this portion of Torah connects to the rest of the Christian Bible.The dynamic design includes opportunities in every chapter to make the most of Torah study including: Helps for getting started (focus questions, key terms, outline) An interactive workshop with challenge questions and advanced questions Suggestions for research projects Next steps for further study A refreshingly new approach to the Torah--neither an introduction nor a commentary--Torah StTrade Review'Gary Schnittjer has distinguished himself as an especially perceptive reader of biblical narrative, which makes him an ideal guide for students of the Torah. In this textbook and companion Workbook, he draws from his deep well of insights on the biblical text and his years of classroom experience. My students genuinely thanked me for assigning the first edition. I'm delighted that Schnittjer has taken the time to refresh and shorten the book to communicate even more effectively to future students. I make it a practice not to assign any book that I wouldn't want to reread myself. Torah Story remains an excellent choice!' * Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor of Old Testament Biola University *'Gary Schnittjer skillfully expounds the Pentateuch from a Christian perspective, illuminating its argument, structure, unity, and trajectory. He excels at explaining intertextual connections and literary techniques. This second edition will enrich the next generation for years to come.' * Mark A. Hassler, professor of Old Testament Virginia Beach Theological Seminary *'Gary Schnittjer's careful and close read of the Torah effectively captures the big picture supplemented with attention to the priorities of each narrative segment. Gary's exceptional scholarship is complemented by an aesthetically pleasing format that is user-friendly. Content, formatting, and teaching aids combine to make the second edition of the Torah Story an easy choice for classroom and personal study.' * John F. Klem, dean, Center for Biblical Studies Seminary Antipolo City, Philippines *'Gary Schnittjer's Torah Story is a rich resource for studying the Pentateuch, not only in surveying its content and major themes or in providing helpful charts and illustrations, but by teaching readers how to read and enjoy the Torah for themselves. Torah Story is a superb guide to the abiding message, composition, and literary beauty of the Pentateuch, which I highly recommend for both classroom and personal study.' * L. Michael Morales, professor of biblical studies Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary *'I have assigned Torah Story in my Pentateuch course for many years because of Gary Schnittjer's engaging approach to Pentateuch studies. What I love most are his insightful Readings, attending to theological interpretation and narrative artistry, and his Another Look brimming with fresh observations about interconnections within and between biblical books. Augmenting these strengths, the second edition of Torah Story is enhanced throughout with updated research, tables, images, and interactive workshops that make an effective textbook even better for anyone seeking an apprenticeship on the Torah.' * Kenneth C. Way, professor of Old Testament and Semitics Talbot School of Theology, Biola University *'If only this book had been available twenty years ago when I was first asked to teach a survey of the Torah course in a discipleship program for young Israeli believers. Schnittjer's apprenticeship approach to the Torah will be a blessing for teacher and student alike. Every page is filled with gems of learning opportunities--not only in terms of its insights about the Torah but also in its insights about how to teach the Torah. It is my sincerest hope that Schnittjer's approach will be applied to every other book in the Bible in future publications as well!' * Seth D. Postell, academic dean Israel College of the Bible, Netanya Israel *'It is difficult to improve on an already superb work, but Gary Schnittjer has done just this in the second edition of Torah Story. The introductory chapter, which has been substantially revised and is now even more helpful to the student, explains how to read the Torah in light of how biblical narrative works. Then in the remaining chapters Schnittjer masterfully models his approach to narrative by offering an astute theological reading of the Torah. Throughout the reader finds many invaluable insights into the Torah's literary features and intertextual allusions, which is exactly what we would expect given Schnittjer's expertise in these areas. I cannot recommend Torah Story highly enough!' * Benjamin J. Noonan, associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew Columbia International University *'Kudos to Gary Schnittjer on the Second Edition of Torah Story! Schnittjer has taken one of the best textbooks on the Pentateuch and made it even better. I love the new, beautiful look and layout of the book, as well as the continued student friendly interaction. Likewise, in Chapter 1, I find his guidelines on how to read biblical narrative to be extremely helpful. Indeed, here and throughout the book Schnittjer has incorporated the latest in Old Testamament scholarship into his discussions. As a professor I appreciate the additional resources available through Zondervan's TextbookPlus program, as well as the helpful Workbook that is available. All in all, this is a great textbook and I highly recommend it!' * J. Daniel Hays, professor emeritus at Ouachita Baptist University and senior professor of Old Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary *'Schnittjer's Torah Story is a refreshingly unique textbook on the Pentateuch that moves beyond summarizing the content of these books to tracing their literary strategies, intertextual connections, and enduring significance as Christian Scripture. This volume--especially the second edition--offers a new generation of readers a sophisticated, accessible, and indispensable introduction to Scripture's foundational narratives.' * Michelle Knight, assistant professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *'The first edition of Torah Story has always been my go-to recommendation for textbooks on the Pentateuch. I did not agree with every detail, but it combined clarity and organization with deep research, careful exegesis, and useful application. Over the years I had the privilege of closely observing hundreds of students using this textbook and coming to a deeper understanding of God's Word. Now Gary Schnittjer has made a good textbook even better with updated research, expanded illustrations, and extensive resources for teachers. I look forward to seeing how this new edition will build on the substantial legacy of the first, cultivating sincere love for Christ in those who give themselves wholeheartedly to the study of the Torah.' * Jonathan L. Master, president Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary *'The key word to take away from this book is the word apprentice. The reader is treated to the work of someone who truly believes that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for Christians. Yes, even the Pentateuch. The first edition guided readers faithfully through the Torah, both to understand its message and its relevance for life and godliness. This new edition brings nearly two decades of additional experience and insight from Schnittjer's own apprenticeship in the Bible. It is improved in every way, offering additional insights and reflections while maintaining the character that made the first edition such a valuable guide. One encounters not merely a fresh coat of paint but a thoroughly restored model. The introductory chapters prepare the apprentices for their tour of the Pentateuch, and in the rest of the book, Schnittjer guides readers through each book of the Torah. Like the best kind of tour guide, he has clearly retained his love and wonder of the Pentateuch, and his intent is for the apprentice to be shaped by it.' * Ryan C. Hanley, department chair and assistant professor of biblical studies University of the Cumberlands *'The second edition of Torah Story offers an invitation to the reader to become an apprentice of the Pentateuch. As a skilled guide with decades of experience in the classroom, Schnittjer knows how to lead students down the path of discovery through the inductive study of Scripture and shows us how he does it. This volume is ideally suited for professors who want to turn their course into an interactive workshop. Students will enjoy its thought-provoking questions and suggestions for research projects. Highly recommended!' * Gordon Johnston, professor of Old Testament Dallas Theological Seminary *'This book is brilliant. As someone who loves the Torah and who cares about effective pedagogy, I am so impressed with Torah Story. Gary Schnittjer is clearly a master of the subject and treats it faithfully, thoughtfully, and thoroughly, as a Christian who reveres the Hebrew Bible. But he is also clearly a great teacher, who understands how people learn, and he has tailored the book to maximally help students do just that. Beyond that, he has made it superbly flexible for professors to use in whatever way suits them. If you are going to teach or learn about the Torah, this book is absolutely a must-have.' * Elizabeth W. D. Groves, lecturer in Biblical Hebrew Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia *'This second edition of Torah Story retains all the best features of the first edition and makes them better. I value this textbook for how it trains students to read biblical narrative in all of its rich design and intertextuality. The second edition enhances this key characteristic through updated and clarified discussion and bibliographic entries. The additional and higher quality pictures enrich the reading experience, and students will appreciate the slightly shorter text, editing that made the writing clearer without losing any necessary content. Students will find Torah Story to be a beneficial resource for study long after their course is over.' * Dr. Megan C. Roberts, assistant professor of Old Testament Prairie College *'This substantially reworked second edition of Torah Story brings students to the cutting edge of Schnittjer's research on how biblical writers converse with each other and draws readers effortlessly into the strange but compelling story that stretches from creation to the edge of the land. Students will experience that story in all its varied plot twists and turns and learn how to read the Old Testament with literary, historical, and theological sensitivity. Having engaged this Torah territory, they won't want to leave.' * Matthew Lynch, associate professor of Old Testament Regent College, Vancouver *'Torah is foundational for God's revelation and understanding it accurately provides a crucial basis for understanding and living out the implications of the rest of Christian Scripture. Gary Schnittjer has given the church and the academy a tool that encourages students of all ages and backgrounds to gain greater access and facility in God's Word. With a high view of Scripture, his work provides believers of all times help in grasping Torah. It is readable and relatable to the newer generation of students that need to be challenged and enticed to see the relevance and excitement of building a firm foundation for a life of study of God's Word and the relevance of the Torah for the whole of God's revelation. With that goal, Torah Story provides helpful tools to not only understand the broad strokes but also to dig in deeper with some helpful guidance and direction. It introduces the reader to issues, topics, controversies, and how to read the text for what it intends to teach--all concerns that students new to Torah studies and Scripture in general need to recognize and begin to understand. I look forward to using this even more helpful edition in the classroom as I continue to introduce my students to Torah.' * John Soden, professor, Bible and theology Lancaster Bible College, Capital Seminary and Graduate School *'With superb literary sensitivity and elegant prose, Gary Schnittjer guides readers through the Pentateuch. His keen insights into the Torah's macrostructure and intertextual connections offer a refreshing alternative to standard introductions and surveys. Torah Story is a masterful textbook--clear and engaging for both students and scholars. Its abundant sidebars, illustrations, and questions elevate the book's usefulness and application for learners at all stages.' * Jillian L. Ross, associate professor of biblical studies Liberty University *

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Book SynopsisThe best-selling author of The Essential Kabbalah now offers readers the best introduction to the Zohar. The splendor and enigmatic appeal of the Zohar, the major text of the Jewish mystical tradition, has never intrigued readers of all faiths more than it does today. But how can we truly understand it? Daniel C. Matt brings together in one place the most important teachings from the Zohar, the cornerstone of Kabbalah—described as a mixture of theology, mystical psychology, anthropology, myth, and poetry—alongside facing-page stories, notes, and historical background that illuminate and explain the text. Ideal for the first-time reader with no prior knowledge of Jewish mysticism. Guides readers step-by-step through the texts that make up the Zohar—midrash, mystical fantasy, commentary, and Hebrew scripture—and explains the inner meanings of this sacred text, recognized by kabbalists as the most important work of mystical teaching, in a way that is both spiritually enlightening and intellectually fascinating.Table of ContentsForeword ix Preface xix Introduction to the Zohar xxi About the Translation and Annotation xxxi Notes to the Introduction to the Zohar xxxiii 1. The Essence of Torah 3 2. How to Look at Torah 5 3. The Creation of God 11 4. The Hidden Light 15 5. Adam's Sin 19 6. Male and Female 21 7. Openings 25 8. The Binding of Abraham and Isaac 31 9. Joseph's Dream 37 10. Jacob's Garment of Days 45 11. All of Israel Saw the Letters 55 12. The Old Man and the Ravishing Maiden 59 13. The Gift of Dwelling 73 14. The Secret of Sabbath 83 15. The Aroma of Infinity 87 16. God, Israel, and Shekhinah 91 17. The Wedding Celebration 111 Notes 126 Glossary 130 Suggested Readings 133 Index of Zohar Passages 135 About SkyLight Paths 136

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Book SynopsisHebrew University Professor Emeritus and Israel Prize recipient Eliezer Schweid (1929-2022) is widely regarded as one of the greatest historians of Jewish thought of our era. In Siddur Hatefillah, he probes the Jewish prayer book as a reflection of Judaism's unity and continuity as a unique spiritual entity; and as the most popular, most uttered, and internalized text of the Jewish people. Schweid explores texts which process religious philosophical teaching into the language of prayer, and/or express philosophical ideas in prayer’s special language – which the worshipper reflects upon in order to direct prayer, and through which flows hoped-for feedback. With the addition of historical, philological, and literary contexts, the study provides the reader with first-time access to the comprehensive meaning of Jewish prayer—filling a vacuum in both the experience and scholarship of Jewish worship.Table of ContentsTranslator’s AcknowledgementsTranslator’s Introduction: Eliezer Schweid as Worshipper in the State of IsraelAuthor’s Preface: My Path to the Jewish Prayer Book (Siddur Hatefillah)Introduction: The Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book): Its Sources, Goal, and Theological Basis Worship of God and the Process of the Sacred Congregation’s Formation and Expression Prayer as a Form of Primal Expression of the Human Soul Torah and Prayer: The Problem of Love and Sin in the Relations between God and the Human Being The “Name and Kingship” Blessing as the Fundamental Rubric of Standing before God in Prayer Establishing the Covenant of Faith between the Individual Human Being and His God Principles of Faith Keriyat Shema—Covenant of Love between God and His People The Poetics of the Shema and the Shemoneh Esrei The Shemoneh Esrei Prayer: The Kedushah (Sanctification) and Ḥaninat Hada’at (God as Giver of Knowledge) The Shemoneh Esrei Prayer—Requests by the Individual in the Assembly: Teshuvah (Repentance) and Forgiveness The Shemoneh Esrei Prayer: Redemption, Healing, and Livelihood The Shemoneh Esrei (Eighteen Benedictions) That Are Really Nineteen: Redemption from Deepening Exile The Shemoneh Esrei—Responding in Anticipation of Complete Redemption Types of Biblical Poetry as a Source of Prayer Between the Poetry of Prophecy and Prayer The Poetry of the Psalms: Personal-Soulful and Societal-Political Messages Hymnal Song for the Sabbath Day. The “Sign” between God and His Treasured Nation and the Isolation from Christianity Breaking the Boundary of Mystery between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Earth: Praying with Devekut (Adherence) and with Kavanah (Intention) Epilogue: The Universality and Perpetuity of Moving from Slavery to Freedom and from Exile to RedemptionGlossaryIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIn a riveting work, Michah Gottlieb tells the story of the Jewish Reformation-namely, the endeavor to reconstruct a new form of Judaism grounded in German middle-class modernity. Gottlieb both unsettles and reconstitutes the boundaries between Protestantism and Judaism, and redefines, in original ways, such terms as Orthodoxy and Reform. This excellent work raises fascinating questions about how we read religious texts; what is specific about such readings and what is universal about them; and how translation, education, and novel understandings of culture and cultural production generate new exegetical practices. * Perspectives in History *In The Jewish Reformation, Michah Gottlieb skillfully restores the Bible to center stage in the process of German Jewry's emancipation, its endeavor to gain equal rights and acceptance in German society and culture. He significantly highlights the role of Bible translation in the ambitious effort to identify with the surrounding culture and fashion an appropriate version of 'bourgeois' piety while concomitantly maintaining Judaism's foundational distinctiveness. * David Sorkin, author of Jewish Emancipation: A History Across Five Centuries *Why were German Jews so preoccupied with Bible translation? From 1783 to 1961 there were fifteen Jewish translations of the Pentateuch into German. Among the translators were Moses Mendelssohn, Leopold Zunz, Samson Raphael Hirsch, Martin Buber, and Franz Rosenzweig. Michah Gottlieb, a leading interpreter of German-Jewish thought, explores this question and gives surprising answers. His important book tells the heroic story of German-Jewish piety, erudition, controversy, and bourgeois integrity. * Warren Zev Harvey, Professor Emeritus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem *In The Jewish Reformation: Bible Translation and Middle-Class German Judaism as Spiritual Enterprise, Michah Gottlieb has brilliantly employed the biblical translations of Mendelssohn, Zunz, and S.R. Hirsch as gauges to measure the cultural transition of German Judaism and German Jews to the bourgeois world of modern Germany. Gottlieb provides a remarkably detailed and insightful exposition of these works and provides a delightfully rich historical and intellectual contextualization of his subjects. The Jewish Reformation constitutes an invaluable contribution to our understanding of modern Judaism! * David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction: The Jewish Reformation Part I: Haskalah: Moses Mendelssohn's Conservative Reformation Chapter One: The Bible as Cultural Translation Chapter Two: Biblical Education and the Power of Conversation Part II: Wissenschaft and Reform: Leopold Zunz between Scholarship and Synagogue Chapter Three: Translation vs. Midrash Chapter Four: Bible Translation and the Centrality of the Synagogue Part III: Neo-Orthodoxy: The Samson Raphael Hirsch Enigma Chapter Five: A Man of No Party: The Neunzehn Briefe as Bible Translation Chapter Six: The Road to Orthodoxy: Hirsch in Battle Chapter Seven: The Innovative Orthodoxy of Hirsch's Der Pentateuch Chapter Eight: The Fracturing of German Judaism: Ludwig Philippson's Israelitische Bibel and Hirsch's Sectarian Orthodoxy Conclusion: The Jewish Counter Reformation Appendix: Mendelssohn on the Decalogue Bibliography

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Book SynopsisErnest Lucas is Vice Principal Emeritus of Bristol Baptist College and an Associate Research Fellow of Spurgeon's College, London, UK.Trade ReviewWith clarity and insight, Ernest Lucas guides readers through the key issues involved in the interpretation of Daniel. Lucas’ deep awareness of the sources shines through, as does his judicious assessment of the main debates. A real strength of this study guide is that he not only tells readers about the book of Daniel, he provides a path for them to read and engage with it themselves, making this a vital resource for those who study and teach Daniel. * David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol, UK and University of the Free State, South Africa *I doubt if there is a book in the Old Testament that is more confusing than Daniel, and when scholars seek to explain the book, they can easily make the situation worse. Dr Lucas is the exception. He cannot alter the fact that studying Daniel is a challenge. He does introduce Daniel as straightforwardly, intelligibly, and reliably as anyone could.’ * John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA *With clarity and insight, Ernest Lucas guides readers through the key issues involved in the interpretation of Daniel. Lucas’ deep awareness of the sources shines through, as does his judicious assessment of the main debates. A real strength of this study guide is that he not only tells readers about the book of Daniel, he provides a path for them to read and engage with it themselves, making this a vital resource for those who study and teach Daniel. * David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol, UK and University of the Free State, South Africa *I doubt if there is a book in the Old Testament that is more confusing than Daniel, and when scholars seek to explain the book, they can easily make the situation worse. Dr Lucas is the exception. He cannot alter the fact that studying Daniel is a challenge. He does introduce Daniel as straightforwardly, intelligibly, and reliably as anyone could.’ * John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA *Table of Contents1. Daniel: The Book 2. Prophecy and Apocalyptic 3. The Sage 4. Resistance Literature 5. Who, When and Where? 6. The Additions Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisExplores the practice and conception of multilingualism and translation in ancient Judaism, and the deep and dialectical relationship between them. It present ancient texts, in Hebrew and Aramaic, but also Greek, that profoundly plumb the inner dynamics and pedagogical-social implications of this fundamental and generative pairing.Table of Contents1. Introduction: multilingualism in the neighborhood; 2. Before Babel; 3. Seventy languages (and translations) for seventy nations; 4. Ezra the scribe and the origins of Targum; 5. Out of the fire and into the wall; 6. 'Reading leads to translation' whether public or private; 7. Be careful what you wish for; 8. Afterword.

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Book SynopsisIn the sixteenth century, the famous kabbalist Isaac Luria transmitted a secret trove of highly complex mystical practices to a select groups of students. These meditations were designed to capitalize on sleep and death states in order to effectively split one's soul into multiple parts, and which, when properly performed, permitted the adept to free oneself from the cycle of rebirth. Through an in-depth analysis of these contemplative practices within the broader context of Lurianic literature, Zvi Ish-Shalom guides us on a penetrating scholarly journey into a realm of mystical teachings and practices never before available in English, illuminating a radically monistic vision of reality at the heart of Kabbalistic metaphysics and practice.Table of Contents Introduction Part One: Sleep and Rebirth 1. The Metaphysics of Sleep 2. Anatomical Development of Nuqvah and Zeir 3. Sleep and Dismemberment 4. Sleep and Dreams 5. Soul Rupture and Cosmic Union 6. Kavvanot for Bedtime Shema 7. The Female Waters 8. Swapping Soul-Parts 9. Concluding Remarks Part Two: Death and Resurrection 10. The Metaphysics of Death 11. Death and Rebirth 12. Anatomical Embodiment 13. The Radical Unity of Body and Soul 14. Human Sacrifice and Integral Monism 15. Resurrection and the Nullification of Hierarchy 16. Lurianic Kabbalah and Eastern Mysticism Conclusion Appendix: The Complete Kavannah Required for Expedite Rebirth Selected Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe Damascus document is one of the most important texts from the Qumran caves. Part One of this Companion offers a lucid and up-to-date introduction to all the manuscripts, including the eight recently published from Qumran Cave 4. It also provides a review of the key areas of scholarly research on this important Qumran text. Part Two is devoted to the recently published text 4QMiscellaneous Rules (4Q265; olim Serekh Damascus). This text has already become the subject of intense interest among students of the Dead Sea Scrolls because of its unique relationship to both the Community Rule and the Damascus Document.Trade Review"This is a thorough survey of one of the more important texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls." --William M. Schniedewind, Religious Studies Review, January 2003

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Book SynopsisOne of the most basic questions for any legal system is that of methodology: how one interprets, analyzes, weighs, and applies a mass of often competing legal rules, precedents, practices, customs, and traditions to reach final determinations and practical guidance about the correct legal-prescribed course of action in any given situation. Questions of legal methodology raise not only practical concerns, but theoretical and philosophical ones as well. We expect law to be more than the arbitrary result of a given decision maker’s personal preferences, and so we demand that legal methodologies be principled as well as practical. These issues are especially acute in religious legal systems, where the stakes are raised by concerns for respecting not just human, but divine law. Despite this, the major scholars and codifiers of halakhah, or Jewish law, have only rarely explicated their own methods for reaching principled legal decisions. This book explains the major jurisprudential factors driving the halakhic jurisprudence of Rabbi Yehiel Mikhel Epstein, twentieth-century author of the Arukh Hashulchan—the most comprehensive, seminal, and original modern restatement of Jewish law since Maimonides. Reasoning inductively from a broad review of hundreds of rulings from the Orach Chaim section of the Arukh Hashulchan, the book teases out and explicates ten core halakhic principles that animate Rabbi Epstein’s halakhic decision-making. Along the way, it compares the Arukh Hashulchan methodology to that of the Mishna Berura. This book will help any reader understand important methodological issues in both Jewish and general jurisprudence.Trade Review“Broyde and Pill’s book is an immensely informative and illuminating read. By taking a traditional jurist seriously as a legal writer and thinker, they have done a real service, especially to the academic communities of Jewish studies and jurisprudence. If it can help bring these, and other similarly inclined constituencies, into conversation, their work has done more than enough.”— Joshua Schwartz, University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Reading Religion“Since the Bible, there are three codes that can lay claim to covering the gamut of Jewish law, including laws whose relevance is dependent on the existence of a Temple in Jerusalem: The third-century redaction of the oral tradition Mishna, Maimonides’s twelfth-century magnum opus Mishne torah, and the comprehensive code penned by Rabbi Yehiel Mikhel Halevi Epstein (1829–1908). … Of the three codes, Epstein’s writings have attracted the least attention… In light of the paucity of research on Epstein’s code, Michael J. Broyde and Shlomo C. Pill have made a significant contribution with their volume Setting the Table. Setting the Table complements other recent efforts to recount Epstein’s biography, explore his literary oeuvre, and plumb his legal writings.”— Levi Cooper, Journal of Law and Religion“In this fascinating work, Broyde and Pill … bring to life the intellectual choices made by the Arukh Hashulkhan, situating their work within the long history of attempts to codify Jewish law. … This is an invaluable contribution to our understanding of rabbinic jurisprudence.”—Suzanne Last Stone, Professor of Law, Cardozo Law School, University Professor of Jewish Law and Contemporary Civilization, Yeshiva University“Rabbis Broyde and Pill not only analyze the principles used by the author, but they systematically demonstrate how they were applied to specific laws. This work is … valuable both to the outsider and the Talmudic scholar.”—Rabbi Yosef Blau, Senior Mashgiach Ruchani and Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary“Too often, discussions of halakhic methodology proceed from a few high-profile examples. In this exciting new book, Rabbis Broyde and Pill offer an account of how one of the most important poskim of our era functioned both when the social and religious stakes were high and when they were not. This book not only presents a data-based analysis of the Arukh Hashulchan’s decision making, but a set of tools that can be applied to other works to enhance our understanding of the formation of p’sak more broadly.”—Chaim Saiman, Professor of Law, Villanova University School of Law & author of Halakha: The Rabbnic Idea of Law (2018)Table of ContentsTable of ContentsIntroductionPart One: Setting the Table: The Codification of Jewish Law1. Codifying Jewish Law2. Rabbi Yechiel Mikhel Epstein’s Arukh HaShulhan3. Competing Models: The Arukh HaShulhan and Mishnah BerurahPart Two: The Methodological Principles of the Arukh HaShulhanIntroduction4. The Rule of the Talmud5. Rabbinic Consensus6. Resolving Doubtful Cases7. Non-Normative Opinions8. Superogatory Religious Conduct9. Law and Mysticism10. Law and Custom11. Temporal Rationalization of Halakhic Rules12. Law and PragmatismConclusionPart Three: Illustrative Examples from the Arukh HaShulhanThe Arukh HaShulhan’s Methodological Principles for Reaching Halakhic ConclusionsBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisContinuing the author’s commitment to neo-traditional constructive Jewish theology, this book is a sequel to Gellman’s trilogy of constructive Jewish theology with Academic Studies Press. The book treats three topics which revise and clarify the author’s views in light of critics and further thought. The book includes a new concept of the Jews as God’s Chosen People for our times; a reply to an argument for the reliability of Torah history; and an approach, not a solution, to the problem of evil for troubled believers and want to be believers. Trade ReviewIn this book we have a masterful Jewish theology for the twenty-first century written by one of the foremost Jewish theologians in the world. Gellman’s knowledge of Judaism is vast from Bible to Talmud, Medieval philosophy to Hasidism. This is combined with an excellent philosophical mind, trained in the best of the analytic philosophical tradition, and a rich spiritual and moral sensibility. The book reworks the traditional theological triad of the people Israel, Torah, and God in accordance with the latest scholarship and attention to the most compelling contemporary issues. The book is a theological feast and a necessary read for all traditionally minded Jews who desire a philosophically rigorous, ethical, and spiritually rewarding Judaism.”— Steven Kepnes, Professor of Religion and Jewish Studies, Colgate University“The People, The Torah, The God is a welcome and important extension of Yehuda Gellman’s recent trilogy in constructive Jewish theology, each volume of which is a monumental contribution to the field. Seeking to refine his own positions and in response to critics, Gellman clarifies and strengthens his arguments on Israel’s election, the challenges of historical and moral criticism of the Torah, and the problem of evil. While The People, The Torah, The God can serve as an overview of Gellman’s theology, it is also more than that. The book is a much-needed reminder that Jewish theology is best understood as a communal enterprise that seeks to disclose God’s will and presence. Gellman argues that divine providence is bringing us to a better understanding of God and Torah. He invites his reader to participate in that process as he responds to his interlocutors with humility and insight with the goal of preserving the holiness of Torah and our relationship to God.”— Cass Fisher, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of South Florida“Prof. Yehuda Gellman's brilliant and thought-provoking book builds on themes from his previous works, fearlessly grappling with pressing issues in Jewish thought. With mature philosophical skill, he delves into key concepts such as Jews as God's chosen people, the divine origin of the Torah, and God's perfect goodness. Gellman presents and addresses familiar arguments that challenge these ideas, offering a comprehensive overview of the attacks against them. He takes a bird's eye view, summarizing these challenges and providing a sharp philosophical analysis on how a person of faith can engage with these complex ideas while being sensitive to research, cultural, and political criticism. This essay is a fascinating example of how a believing, reflective, critical, and profound individual approaches the Jewish tradition in the contemporary era.Gellman's book is a mature, in-depth, and tremendously significant contribution to the challenges faced by Jewish education today. His insights are timely and relevant, offering valuable perspectives for scholars, theologians, and those interested in the intersection of faith, philosophy, and tradition. It is a must-read for anyone seeking intellectual rigor and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Jewish thought in our time.”— Avinoam Rosenak, senior lecturer at the Department of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University of JerusalemTable of ContentsIntroductionPart 1: The People1. A Designated People I: A Figurational View2. A Designated People II: Figuration and Racism3. A Designated People III: Michael WyschogrodPart 2: The Torah4. A Critique of Torah History5. On a Failed Argument for Torah History6. Moderate Divine ProvidencePart 3: The God 7. The Autobiographical Problem Of Evil8. A Perfectly Good God9. A Conceivable, Partial, Soul-Making Theodicy for the Autobiographical Problem of EvilBibliography

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Book SynopsisNew edition of Shahak's controversial critique of Israel.Trade Review'Subjects the whole history of Orthodoxy to a hilarious and scrupulous critique' -- Christopher Hitchens, The Nation'The voice of reason is alive and well, and in Israel, of all places. Shahak is the latest - if not the last - of the great prophets' -- Gore Vidal'The future of the Palestinian people would have looked much brighter if there had been more Israelis like Shahak ... An outstanding personality' -- The Jerusalem TimesTable of ContentsForeword to the first edition by Gore Vidal Foreword to the 1997 edition by Edward Said Foreword to the 2002 edition by Norton Mezvinsky Foreword to the new edition by Ilan Pappe 1. The Consequences of Ethnic Cleansing 2. The Jewish Religion and its attitude to non-Jews part 1 3. The Jewish Religion and its attitude to non-Jews part 2 4. Conclusions Notes Index

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Book SynopsisPico della Mirandola, one of the most remarkable thinkers of the Renaissance, has become known as a founder of humanism and a supporter of secular rationality. Brian Copenhaver upends this understanding of Pico, unearthing the magic and mysticism in the most famous work attributed to him, Oration on the Dignity of Man.Trade ReviewMassive, lively, and learned…He explains how and why historians decided to put this Renaissance philosopher and his ideas not only in a box, but in the wrong one…Copenhaver analyzes the arguments of Pico’s critics with precision and panache…[He] has cut through generations of misguided commentary and shown us how to read this complex, baffling text. -- Anthony Grafton * New York Review of Books *No one before Copenhaver has written such a careful and thorough review of the scholarship on Pico’s Oration…He is one of the best Pico scholars of our generation, and Magic and the Dignity of Man offers the fruits of his long labors. It puts to rest old myths and offers new interpretations. It is essential reading for anyone working on Pico’s Oration and will be of great interest to readers of the history of philosophy (and its historiography), especially late medieval and Renaissance philosophy. -- Denis J.-J. Robichaud * Journal of the History of Philosophy *An impressive work of scholarship…Copenhaver does a masterful job of making Pico’s arcana accessible to his readers. -- Lora Sigler * European Legacy *This book goes beyond a usual monograph in so many ways. It is not just a heartfelt history of the influence of Italian Renaissance humanist Gianfrancesco Pico on modern times, but a monument to Copenhaver’s scholarly contributions and enduring research on the life and work of this fundamental early modern philosopher…Indeed a remarkable love story, a delightful portrait of a protean, shapeshifting humanist, lost (and found) in translation. -- Marco Piana * Journal of Modern History *Copenhaver painstakingly reconstructs the story, or rather stories, of how Pico and his Oration were read and misread over the centuries. This is very much a project of love. -- Eva Del Soldato * Speculum *Brian Copenhaver’s Magic and the Dignity of Man is erudite, original, and eloquent. In it he carries out two major tasks, one of demolition and one of construction, with great skill and flair. The book reinterprets one of the most prominent thinkers of the Italian Renaissance in ways that will be widely discussed. No future interpretation of Pico’s life or work, no future reading of Renaissance philosophy, will be able to avoid engaging with it. -- Anthony Grafton, Princeton UniversityThis is nothing less than the definitive study of a text long considered central to the understanding the Renaissance and its place in Western culture. Even though the effect of Copenhaver’s reading is to demote the text from that status, this book will certainly be a must-read for anyone, especially historians of philosophy and intellectual historians, interested in the larger significance of the Renaissance. -- James Hankins, Harvard University

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Book SynopsisDemonstrating how the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible represents the first, and one of the most elaborate, projects of 'peoplehood,' Wright tells the dramatic story of the Bible's origins in relation to 1) a longstanding political division between North and South (Israel and Judah) and 2) the traumatic experience of defeat.Trade Review'The Bible began, Jacob Wright argues, for reasons that have everything to do with why the termsnation and religion remain so fearfully combustible to this day. A large and important topic engaged in a fresh and welcome way.' Jack Miles, author of the Pulitzer-Prize winning God: A Biography'Profoundly insightful. Wright demonstrates how ancient Israel and Judah developed the resources to construct a resilient nationhood not in spite of but, paradoxically, because of the experience of military defeat, economic devastation, and diaspora. No other kingdom of the ancient Near East was able to do so. Today, as so many communities, peoples and nations face similar critical threats to their existence, Wright's book provides a fascinating and incisively argued case study of how one people drew upon its cultural resources not simply to survive but to generate a vibrantly creative intellectual and spiritual tradition.' Carol A. Newsom, Candler Professor Emerita of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, Emory University'This book takes questions about the Bible's origins to another level of historical inquiry…. Superbly written and a fascinating approach that expands the normal range of biblical studies in a remarkable way!' Konrad Schmid, co-author of The Making of the Bible: From the First Fragments to Sacred Scripture'By one of the brightest minds in the field, this is a book on the Bible that all will want to read: an exquisitely written and innovative tribute to the nameless scribes who responded to destruction and defeat by building a powerful new form of community that no army could conquer. Venturing beyond the Bible's religious teachings to its political and social dimensions, Wright's tour de force demonstrates why this body of literature still matters for us today.' Rabbi Tamara Cohn Eskenazi, Professor and President of the Society of Biblical Literature, 2024'What a compelling read, and I found myself enthralled! This beautifully written work offers fresh insights on the origins of the People of the Book. It not only draws on the most recent historical research, but also incorporates contemporary approaches such as trauma hermeneutics, gender, and postcolonial criticism in a way that makes it feel that these approaches are central to the project and not merely an afterthought. The presence of female characters especially struck me as we move from the nation's earliest origins, with a Family Story becoming a People's History and the National Narrative supplementing a Palace History. Indeed, this book speaks of writing to survive as the voices of the people of protest are preserved for us amidst the pages of the biblical witness.' L. Juliana Claassens, author of Writing and Reading to Survive'A revelation, even to those who have read the Bible for a lifetime! We witness how in the aftermath of catastrophic defeat and devastation, the biblical authors fashioned a new form of political community--one in which a shared body of texts provided common ground for deeply divided communities and the marginalized in their communities. At the heart of the Hebrew Bible is, as Wright shows, not a creed but a question: What does it mean to be a people? In our time of deepening divisions, both this question and the ways in which these ancient writers addressed it deserve renewed, and serious, attention.' Robert M. Franklin, President Emeritus, Morehouse College'Wright's analysis is often brilliant and persuasive, leading us to see ideological fractures in texts that we thought we knew. And though much of the textual history will be familiar to scholars who have gone deep into the weeds, or the bulrushes, Wright does a terrific job of bringing it forward for his readers.' Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker'[a] landmark study … Thought-provoking and scrupulously researched, this is a tour de force.' Unsigned, Publisher's WeeklyTable of ContentsI. The Rise and Fall: 1. Abraham and Sarah: From One to the Many; 2. Miriam: Empire and Exodus; 3. Deborah: A New Dawn; 4. David: Between North and South; 5. Ahab and Jezebel: Putting Israel on the Map; 6. Jehu and Elisha: Israel's Downfall and Judah's Jubilation; 7. Hezekiah and Isaiah: Putting Judah on the Map; 8. Josiah and Huldah: Judah's Downfall and Deportation; II. Admitting Defeat: 9. Daughter Zion: Finding One's Voice; 10. The Creator: Comforting the Afflicted; 11. Haggai the Prophet: Laying the Foundation; 12. Nehemiah the Builder: Restoring Judean Pride; 13. Ezra the Educator: Becoming a People of the Book; 14. Hoshayahu the Soldier: Peoplehood as a Pedagogical Project; III. A New Narrative: 15. Jeremiah and Baruch: A Monument to Defeat; 16. Isaac and Rebekah: The Family Story; 17. Moses and Joshua: The People's History; 18. Hannah and Samuel: The Palace History; 19. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba: The National Narrative; 20. Jonah: The Prophets as Survival Literature; 21. Yhwh's People: Codes, Covenant, and Kinship; IV. A People of Protest: 22. Matriarch: Women and the Biblical Agenda; 23. The Hero: Redefining Gender Roles; 24. The Other: Tales of War, Outsiders, and Allegiance; 25. The Soldier: Sacrificial Death and Eternal Life; 26. Prophet and Priest: Open Access and Separation of Powers; 27. The Sage: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes; 28. The Poet: The Song of Songs and Psalms; 29. The Queen: Peoplehood without Piety.

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