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Book SynopsisThe famed Maharal of Prague, a 16th-century mystic, is known for the legend of the Golem, but his Torah scholarship has remained a closed book to English speakers for far too long. While several attempts have been made to translate or abridge the Maharal’s Torah, the complexity of his thought has defied standard translation methodologies. This edition of the Tiferet Yisrael (the Splendor of Israel) seeks to present the Maharal’s thought in all its majesty and to enable beginners and scholars alike to grasp the overall structure of the Maharal’s concepts through the addition of innovative summaries and graphical aids. In the work, the Maharal contemplates questions of Jewish life, such as How can there be ritually observant Jews who behave immorally? What is the reason for performing Mitzvot (commandments)? Is there any relevance or meaning to performing Mitzvot if one doesn’t understand God’s reasons for commanding them? What is the path to self-fulfillment? The translation is lucid and faithful, with in-line comments to guide the reader in exploring the Maharal’s depths.Trade Review"One of the major novel approaches that Rabbi Widmonte has taken is to create a method of synthesizing the Maharal's thought and summarizing them, utilizing summaries and graphics devices" Rabbi Avraham Tanzer"Maharal's thought to the English reading public is a great service that will provide the intelligent and interested reader a window into the thought of this great thinker." Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein"Sets out very clearly the flow of the Maharal's ideas, as well as how they connect to the Maharal's broader philosophy and ideas. The unique combination of text and diagrams . . . illuminates Tiferet Yisrael in a comprehensive and excellent manner." Rabbi Warren Goldstein"What is unique in your work is that you have succeeded in clarifying the words of the Maharal in a manner that benefits everyone." Rabbi Yehoshua Hartman"This is a clear and lucid Hebrew edition with English translation of the Maharal of Prague's Tiferet Yisrael (the Splendor of Israel) intended for the English reading public... In addition to providing a much-needed translation Widmonte's unique approach to presenting this text enables the English reader to better appreciate the Maharal's depth of thought and the important place his work occupies within the Rabbinic corpus. Also included is a glossary, a general index, name index, and an index of sources. Recommended." David B Levy, AJL Reviews

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWolfson's new book Heidegger and Kabbalah is arguably the magnum opus of his long and productive career. It stands as a landmark study in Judaism and philosophy. -- Shaul Magid * Los Angeles Review of Books *By embracing a helix of competing paradoxes, Wolfson expertly shines the luminous speculum of kabbalah upon the darkening speculum of Heideggerean thinking to venture beyond all boundaries, opening a clearing for all future philosophical expositions of Jewish mysticism that would have otherwise been forgotten. * Religious Studies Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Belonging Together of the Foreign1. Hermeneutic Circularity: Tradition as Genuine Repetition of Futural Past2. Inceptual Thinking and Nonsystematic Atonality 3. Heidegger's Seyn/Nichts and Kabbalistic Ein Sof4. imum, Lichtung, and Bestowing Refusal 5. Autogenesis, Nihilating Leap, and Otherness of the Not-Other6. Temporalizing and Granting Timespace7. Disclosive Language: Poiēsis and Apophatic Occlusion of Occlusion8. Ethnolinguistic Enrootedness and Invocation of Historical Destiny Bibliography Index

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThis collection of essays provide resources for the interpretation of the "Historical Books" of the Hebrew Bible that includes the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The contributors to this collection are guided by two primary questions: (1) What does this topic have to do with the Old Testament Historical Books? and (2) How does this topic help readers better interpret the Old Testament Historical Books? By first providing acritical survey of prior scholarship, each essay prepares the reader before presenting current and prospective approaches to understanding these texts.Trade ReviewThis is a valuable, instructive and wide-ranging volume which is a most welcome addition to the excellent Oxford Handbook series. * ERYL W. DAVIES, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *...an exciting new series. * Katharine Dell, Church Times *

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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 collection of leading scholars presents reflections on both wisdom as a general concept throughout history and cultures, as well as the contested nature of the category of Wisdom Literature. The first half of the collection explores wisdom more generally with essays on its relationship to skill, epistemology, virtue, theology, and order. Wisdom is examined in a number of different contexts, such as historically in the Hebrew Bible and its related cultures, in Egypt and Mesopotamia, as well as in Patristic and Rabbinic interpretation. Additionally, wisdom is examined in its continuing relevance in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian thought, as well as from feminist, environmental, and other contextual perspectives. The second half of the volume considers Wisdom Literature as a category. Scholars address its relation to the Solomonic Collection, its social setting, literary genres, chronological development, and theology. Wisdom Literature''s relation to other biblical literature (law, history, prophecy, apocalyptic, and the broad question of Wisdom influence) is then discussed before separate chapters on the texts commonly associated with the category. Contributors take a variety of approaches to the current debates surrounding the viability and value of Wisdom Literature as a category and its proper relationship to the concept of wisdom in the Hebrew Bible. Though the organization of the volume highlights the independence of wisdom as concept from Wisdom Literature as a category, seeking to counter the lack of attention given to this question in the traditional approach, the inclusion of both topics together in the same volume reflects their continued interconnection. As such, this handbook both represents the current state of Wisdom scholarship and sets the stage for future developments.Trade ReviewThis volume of the Oxford Handbook series serves as an excellent entry into current conversations and debates surrounding wisdom and the wisdom tradition in the Hebrew Bible. Contributors come from a variety of vantage points, ranging from those who defend the traditional designation of wisdom as a genre to those who view this as an artificial designation imposed on disparate texts by modern scholarship. But the chapters are of consistently high quality while also still being highly readable. Scholars will come away from these chapters with much to debate, and students will gain a solid understanding of both the history and the current state of wisdom scholarship. * Brandon R. Grafius, Review of Biblical Literature *The Handbook contains a cornucopia of delights to readers, with such rich contentions as 'Proverbs invites its readers and learners to frolic in the pursuit of wisdom'. * John Jarick, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *The Handbook contains a cornucopia of delights to readers, with such rich contentions as 'Proverbs invites its readers and learners to frolic in the pursuit of wisdom'. * John Jarick, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *Table of Contents1. Wisdom and Wisdom Literature: Past, Present, and Future Will Kynes (Samford University) PART I. THE CONCEPT OF WISDOM IN THE HEBREW BIBLE 2. Advice: Wisdom, Skill, and Success Jacqueline Vayntrub (Yale Divinity School) 3. Epistemology: Wisdom, Knowledge, and Revelation Annette Schellenberg (University of Vienna) 4. Virtue and Its Limits in the Wisdom Corpus: Character Formation, Disruption, and Transformation William P. Brown (Columbia Theological Seminary) 5. Theology: Creation, Wisdom, and Covenant Raymond C. Van Leeuwen (Eastern University) 6. Order: Wisdom, Retribution, and Skepticism Ludger Schwienhorst-Schönberger (University of Vienna) PART II. THE CONCEPT OF WISDOM IN RELATED CULTURES 7. Wisdom in Egypt Joachim Quack (Heidelberg University) 8. Mesopotamian Wisdom Literature Yoram Cohen (Tel Aviv University) and Nathan Wasserman (Hebrew University) 9. Wisdom in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Early Jewish Interpretation Arjen Bakker (University of Oxford) 10. Wisdom in Dialogue with Greek Civilization Michael C. Legaspi (Penn State University) 11. Wisdom in the New Testament Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn (Regent College) 12. Wisdom in Patristic Interpretation: Scriptural and Cosmic Unity in Athanasius' Exegesis of Proverbs 8:22 Susannah Ticciati (King's College London) 13. Wisdom in Rabbinic Interpretation Amram Tropper (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev) PART III. THE CONCEPT OF WISDOM IN THE MODERN WORLD 14. Wisdom in the Qur'an and the Islamic Tradition U. Isra Yazicioglu (St. Joseph's University) 15. Wisdom in Jewish Theology Jonathan Schofer (University of Texas-Austin) 16. Wisdom in Christian Theology Paul S. Fiddes (University of Oxford) 17. Personified Wisdom and Feminist Theologies Christine Roy Yoder (Columbia Theological Seminary) 18. Wisdom in Nature Norman Habel 19. The Pervasiveness of Wisdom in (Con)texts John Ahn (Howard University School of Divinity) PART IV. THE CATEGORY OF WISDOM LITERATURE 20. Solomon and the Solomonic Collection Katharine J. Dell (University of Cambridge) 21. The Social Setting of Wisdom Literature Mark Sneed (Lubbock Christian College) 22. Literary Genres of Old Testament Wisdom Markus Witte (Humboldt-University in Berlin) 23. The Chronological Development of Wisdom Literature Markus Saur (University of Kiel) 24. Theology of Wisdom Tremper Longman III (Westmont College) PART V. WISDOM LITERATURE AND OTHER LITERATURE 25. Wisdom Influence John L. McLaughlin (University of St. Michael's College) 26. Law and Wisdom Literature Jonathan P. Burnside (Bristol University) 27. History and Wisdom Literature Suzanna R. Millar (University of Edinburgh) 28. Prophecy and Wisdom Literature Mark J. Boda (McMaster Divinity College) 29. Apocalyptic and Wisdom Literature Bennie H. Reynolds III (Milsaps College) PART VI. TEXTS 30. Proverbs Samuel E. Balentine (Union Presbyterian Seminary) 31. Ecclesiastes Tova L. Forti (Ben Gurion University of the Negev) 32. Job Scott C. Jones (Covenant College) 33. Song of Songs Anselm C. Hagedorn (University of Osnabrück) 34. Wisdom Psalms W. H. Bellinger, Jr. (Baylor University) 35. Ben Sira Benjamin G. Wright (Lehigh University) 36. Wisdom of Solomon James Aitken (University of Cambridge) and Ekaterina Matusova (University of Tübingen) 37. The Pursuit of Wisdom at Qumran: Assessing the Classification

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative study of the reception of the Septuagint in Alexandria and in the Christian tradition, based on Gilles Dorival's Grinfield Lectures.Trade ReviewHis book is a helpful investigation into the LXX's reception in Jewish and Christian circles. He introduces his readers to many helpful and interesting concepts. Overall, those interested in the subject will gain from this useful introduction to the Septuagint's reception. * Anthony Ferguson, Upland, California *Table of ContentsAbbreviations specific to the Greek Old Testament (according to Rahlfs' order) List of Figures Part I: Before Christianity: The Septuagint and the Biblical Canon 1: The formation of the Jewish Canon 2: The Septuagint and the Issue of the Canon Part II: The New Testament and the Scribes (Copyists) of the Septuagint 3: Is the Septuagint the Old Testament of the New Testament? 4: Was the text of the Septuagint Christianized? Part III: The Church Fathers 5: Is the Septuagint the Old Testament of the Church Fathers? 6: The Vocabulary of the Septuagint and the Church Fathers Part IV: The Biblical Catenae 7: An Overview of the Catenae 8: The Catenae and the Septuagint Conclusion Bibliography Index of Biblical quotations Index of Ancient Authors Index of Modern Authors

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Book SynopsisThis is a collection of ancient Near Eastern texts relevant to the study of the Old Testament. The texts have been selected from the vast body of written materials in many different languages and in a variety of media from the ancient Near East (including Egypt) from the third millennium bce to the turn of the era.Trade Review"Without a doubt, I would use this volume. In studying the Hebrew Bible, students need to develop an appreciation not only for ideas expressed in the larger ancient Near Eastern context; they must also be able to recognize the diverse literary forms found both in the ancient Near East and the Bible Itself."--W. Dennis Tucker, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University "The strengths of this book lie in its organization of sources by genre; the use of up-to-date translations; the provision of contextual information through the general introduction, chapter introductions, and footnotes; the biblical cross-references; and the author's depth and breadth of knowledge of the relevant sources and their significance for interpreting the Hebrew Bible."--Greg Schmidt Goering, University of Virginia "This book is excellent and a very welcome addition to Coogan's Old Testament textbook."--Steven Leonard Jacobs, University of Alabama, TuscaloosaTable of Contents1. MYTHS; 2. EPICS; 3. HISTORIOGRAPHIC TEXTS; 4. LEGAL AND COMMERICAL TEXTS; COLLECTIONS AND CODES; TREATIES; CONTRACTS; COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS; 5. LETTERS; ROYAL CORRESPONDENCE; CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN OFFICIALS; PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE; 6. HYMNS, PRAYERS, LAMENTS, AND RITUALS; HYMNS AND PRAYERS; 94. HYMN TO THE ATEN; RITUALS; OTHER RITUAL TEXTS; 7. BURIAL TEXTS; FUNERARY TEXTS; 8. COMMEMORATIVE AND DEDICATORY TEXTS; 9. LOVE POEMS; 10. PROPHETIC TEXTS; 177-79. TO ESARHADDON; 11. WISDOM LITERATURE

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Book SynopsisThis volume brings together studies by experts in the rabbinic literature of late antiquity and by specialists in the history of the Jews in that period in order to reveal the value of rabbinic material as historical evidence and the problems and issues which arise in its exploitation.A substantial introductory section discusses the current state of knowledge about Palestine in this period and debates about the difficulties involved in editing and dating rabbinic texts. Specific core texts and text categories are then introduced to the reader in a series of ten discrete studies. The volume concludes with six thematic analyses which illustrate the use and limitations of rabbinic evidence for cultural, religious, political, economic and social history.This volume will be essential reading for all scholars concerned with the history of the later Roman Empire.Table of ContentsPART I: THE ISSUES ; PART II: THE RABBINIC TEXTS ; PART III: HISTORY

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Book SynopsisFrom major seminal works like the Mishnah or the Palestinian and Babylonian Talmuds, to Biblical commentaries, translations of Biblical books into Aramaic or relatively little-known mystical, liturgical or apocalyptic writings, here is a complete guide to the rich tradition of Jewish literature in the second to seventh centuries of the Common Era.Each work is described in a succinct and clearly structured entry which covers its contents, dating, language and accessibility (or otherwise) in print or online.The aim throughout is to cover all of this literature and to answer the following questions. What Jewish literature, written either in Hebrew or Aramaic, has survived? What different genres of such literature are there? What printed texts, or translations into any modern language, or commentaries (either in Hebrew or a European language) are there? And, for those who want to enquire further, what are the manuscripts on which modern editions are based? This handbook will be of value toTrade Reviewthe book can be recommended to first-year students and ancient historians as a first step towards learning Hebrew, studying the texts themselves, and engaging in a more serious study of ancient Jewish history and literature. * Catherine Hezser, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies *A small masterpiece of breadth, concision and clarity; it is one of those select books which every library should have, and which a great many individual readers will want to buy for themselves. * William Horbury, Journal of Jewish Studies *Table of Contents1. Historical Introduction ; 2. Talmudic Texts ; 3. Midrashic Texts ; 4. Mystical (Hekhalot) and Magical Literature ; 5. Targumim ; 6. Liturgical Texts ; 7. Historiography ; 8. Apocalyptic ; 9. Contemporary Documents in Hebrew or Aramaic

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Jewish Book Council Nahum M. Sarna Memorial Award in ScholarshipThis book explores the reception history of the most important Jewish Bible commentary ever composed, the Commentary on the Torah of Rashi (Shlomo Yitzhaki; 1040-1105). Though the Commentary has benefited from enormous scholarly attention, analysis of diverse reactions to it has been surprisingly scant. Viewing its path to preeminence through a diverse array of religious, intellectual, literary, and sociocultural lenses, Eric Lawee focuses on processes of the Commentary''s canonization and on a hitherto unexamined--and wholly unexpected--feature of its reception: critical, and at times astonishingly harsh, resistance to it. Lawee shows how and why, despite such resistance, Rashi''s interpretation of the Torah became an exegetical classic, a staple in the curriculum, a source of shared religious vocabulary for Jews across time and place, and a foundational text that shaped the Jewish nation''s collective identity.The book takes as its larger integrating perspective processes of canonicity as they shape how traditions flourish, disintegrate, or evolve. Rashi''s scriptural magnum opus, the foremost work of Franco-German (Ashkenazic) biblical scholarship, faced stiff competition for canonical supremacy in the form of rationalist reconfigurations of Judaism as they developed in Mediterranean seats of learning. It nevertheless emerged triumphant in an intense battle for Judaism''s future that unfolded in late medieval and early modern times. Investigation of the reception of the Commentary throws light on issues in Jewish scholarship and spirituality that continue to stir reflection, and even passionate debate, in the Jewish world today.Trade ReviewHis work is [written] from a palpably interdisciplinary angle. From this point of view, it uncovers an entire cultural world that until now had only been known in bit and pieces. Hence, this book is of great importance for the understanding of an interpretive and theological dynamic and tracing the coming into existence of cultural modalities of knowledge transmission in late medieval times. * Dov Schwartz, Shnaton: An Annual for Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies *This lucid and comprehensive book should be found in every library of Judaica. It should be studied in courses in the history of Jewish exegesis of Scripture, and it should be on the desk of every teacher, scholar, and student who cherishes the third most important book in the Jewish sacred canon. * Mayer I. Gruber, The Review of Rabbinic Judaism *Lawee's masterful book is really two works in one. The second is the more academically novel, but the first is both stunningly impressive and of greater interest to RBL readers. * Aaron Koller, Society of Biblical Literature *... in every way remarkable, expressed in rich language, at times subtle in thought and informed by theories of hermeneutics beyond the basic requirements of the history of Jewish commentaries, yet always clearly expressed. * Jean-Pierre Rothschild, Revue des études juives *The study is ambitious in its scope, thoroughly researched and authoritative, judicious in its evaluations and extremely well written... The story of the Commentary's modern reception remains to be told, Lawee has certainly done an excellent job in tracing its vicissitudes during the centuries of the late Middle Ages. This is a remarkable story and Lawee has told it well. It is a demanding read, but an enlightening and rewarding one. * Barry Dov Walfish, Journal of Jewish Studies *It is very unusual for a scholar to identify a subject of manifestly great importance that has barely been addressed, but Eric Lawee has succeeded in doing so...We owe Lawee a debt of gratitude for his sweeping, learned, and original contribution to our understanding of how this classic text achieved its well-deserved renown. * David Berger, Yeshiva University, Tradition *An important work to be able to appreciate the impact of Rashi's biblical exegesis on posterity and to understand a good deal of medieval and modern Jewish exegesis. * Carlos del Valle Rodriguez, Iberia Judaica *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Notes on Translations and Editions Introduction: Rashi's Commentary on the Torah: Canonical and Classic Part 1. Toward Canonicity Chapter 1. Conundrums of the Commentary: Contours of a Classic Chapter 2. Rashi's Commentary: Receptions, 1105-1527 Chapter 3. Interpreting the Interpreter: Supercommentarial Receptions in Ashkenaz and Sefarad Part 2. Resisting Readers Chapter 4. "Ridiculousness and Risibility": Rationalist Criticism in an Eastern Mediterranean Key Chapter 5. Rationalism Versus the Rashi/Rabbinic Axis: Pseudo-Rabad's Book of Strictures Chapter 6. Aaron Aboulrabi and "The Straight One": Between "Girls' Fantasies" and "Sweet Midrash" Part 3 Commentary Triumphant Chapter 7. Competing Canons: Rashi's Commentary in a Late Medieval Battle for Judaism's Soul Afterword: Rashi's Commentary on the Torah in Modern Times Notes Bibliography Index

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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 SynopsisThe concepts of purity and pollution are fundamental to the worldview reflected in the Hebrew Bible, yet the ways biblical texts apply these concepts to sexual relationships remain largely overlooked. Sexual Pollution in the Hebrew Bible argues that, when applied to sexual relations, pollution language usually reflects a conception of women as sexual property susceptible to being ruined for particular men through contamination by others. In contrast, however, the Holiness legislation of the Pentateuch applies such language to men who engage in transgressive sexual relations, conveying the idea that male bodily purity is a prerequisite for individual and communal holiness. This understanding of sexual pollution, found in Leviticus 18, has a profound impact on later texts. In the book of Ezekiel, it contributes to a broader conception of pollution resulting from Israel''s sins, which bring about the Babylonian exile. In the book of Ezra, it figures in a view of the Israelite community asTrade ReviewNuanced, comprehensively researched, wide-ranging and clearly written, this book clarifies and synthesizes many interrelated issues concerning sex, gender, and ritual impuritywhat the author calls ritual pollution. Employing a cross-cultural psychological approach while well-grounded in the study of the ancient Near East, this study is important not only for biblical scholars, but for anyone interested in feminism, masculinity, gender, and the broad culture of the biblical world. * Marc Zvi Brettler, author of How to Read the Jewis Bible *Within the context of a general discussion of purity and pollution categories in the Hebrew Bible, Feinstein focuses on types of sexual pollution. Her rigorous and full analysis provides considerable clarity about the many obscurities in the system and in the texts she analyzes in detail. A major contribution. * Michael D. Coogan, editor, The New Oxford Annotated Bible *Eve Feinstein rightly claims that the concepts of impurity and pollution, while central to biblical thought, have received inadequate treatment in critical biblical scholarship. Her work represents a noteworthy advance, clarifying and refining the understanding of the topic with special attention to the problematic relationship between purity/impurity and sexuality. In her meticulous examination of relevant texts, she rejects simplistic moralizing and psychologizing solutions in favor of a sophisticated analysis that is attuned to the Bibles gender politics and respectful of both chronological development and the ideological diversity of the sources. * Alan Cooper, Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies and Provost, Jewish Theological Seminary *Table of ContentsList of Abbreviations ; 1. Introduction ; 2. Purity and Pollution Ideas in the Hebrew Bible ; 3. Sexual Pollution of Women ; 4. Leviticus 18 and Sexual Pollution of Men ; 5. The Legacy of Leviticus 18 in the Hebrew Bible ; 6. Conclusion ; Appendices

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWolfson's new book Heidegger and Kabbalah is arguably the magnum opus of his long and productive career. It stands as a landmark study in Judaism and philosophy. -- Shaul Magid * Los Angeles Review of Books *By embracing a helix of competing paradoxes, Wolfson expertly shines the luminous speculum of kabbalah upon the darkening speculum of Heideggerean thinking to venture beyond all boundaries, opening a clearing for all future philosophical expositions of Jewish mysticism that would have otherwise been forgotten. * Religious Studies Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Belonging Together of the Foreign1. Hermeneutic Circularity: Tradition as Genuine Repetition of Futural Past2. Inceptual Thinking and Nonsystematic Atonality 3. Heidegger's Seyn/Nichts and Kabbalistic Ein Sof4. imum, Lichtung, and Bestowing Refusal 5. Autogenesis, Nihilating Leap, and Otherness of the Not-Other6. Temporalizing and Granting Timespace7. Disclosive Language: Poiēsis and Apophatic Occlusion of Occlusion8. Ethnolinguistic Enrootedness and Invocation of Historical Destiny Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisExplores the exegetical tradition of Isaac Luria and his followers within the historical context in 16th-century Safed, a community that brought practitioners of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam into close contact with one another. This title suggests that Luria and his followers were far from cloistered.Trade ReviewShaul Magid has written a bold and intriguing book that should be stimulating to scholars of Jewish literature and intellectual thought. Utilizing five Scriptural narratives—one from each book of the Chumash—Magid shows how Lurianic Kabbalists imposed their own particular mystical interpretation on Scripture. Reconstructing the Lurianic Kabbalists' exegesis, he argues that their reading of Scripture linked contemporary sociological issues with metaphysical themes. Their most compelling societal issue was a preoccupation with the question of the conversos who wished to re-enter Judaism and the Jewish community. Their metaphysical preoccupation was the presence of Evil in a world that Torah proclaimed, "And God saw all that He had Made, and behold it was very good." Both these themes concerned a concept of "the Other." Each of the Scriptural narratives that Magid presents is a case study of the Other. In Genesis, Magid presents the Lurianic interpretation of Adam's sin as a way to introduce their view of Evil; in Exodus, he examines the Lurianic exegesis of the erev rav, the minority of non-Jews who accompanied the Jews out of Egypt, and who were responsible, according to some rabbinic interpretations, for the sin of the golden calf. In Leviticus, he discusses the prohibition against male homosexuality. In Numbers, Balaam is presented as the Other in contrast to Moses. And in Deuteronomy, the Torah as authoritative text is the Other when juxtaposed with the authority that is vested in the person Moses. In each case study, the Other turns out to be not a true other but a complement—part of a duality that is necessary for certain historical and metaphysical processes to complete their mission. Magid notes that making the Other (always ontologically impure) part of one's self is a paradoxical move for a religion that proclaims its special election as a "people apart," and who live lives of distinctiveness and separation. Magid explains that Lurianic thinkers can incorporate the impure into the pure because they hold a worldview that "all things contain their opposite; consequently, all otherness is only a temporary instantiation of the self." Chapters One and Two provide readers enough background information to understand the assumptions of Lurianic Kabbala. Magid introduces the notion of the sephirot, entities that, depending on what kabbalistic system one studies, are alternatively regarded as building blocks of the universe or aspects of God (often characterized as the entities that constitute the personality of God). In the Lurianic system, there is a reciprocal relationship—an ebb and flow—between the actions of people and the sephirot: the smallest movement in one realm effects the entire configuration of the other realm. Thus, the sephirot and creation are ontologically and cosmologically seamless. Adding to this seamlessness is the notion of soul inheritance (gilgul), which is a kind of recycling of souls into other souls. In the case study on Adam's sin, the system works in the following way: the sephirot that constitute primal Adam sin with the primal serpent, resulting in a spiritual or metaphysical blot on the soul. This blot is transmitted to the earthly Adam who passes it along to Cain and Abel. As Magid explains: "More than being born after the sin, here Cain and Abel are born in or as a result of the sin. They do not merely inherit the sin but essentially are the sin. This affects their diminished soul construction and foreshadows their sinful behavior and the behavior of their soul progeny: the generation of the flood, of Babel, and of Sodom. Those born from Adam's 130 years of spilled seed culminates in Jacob and his family's descent to Egypt (Jacob being prefigured in Adam) resulting in the generation of Egypt . . . and the birth of Moses (prefigured as Seth)." For the Kabbalists, each stage of history is regarded as an opportunity to "repair" the sin of previous generations. This latent potential is called tikkun. In fact, the potential is always only partially fulfilled. Full success is only possible in messianic time. This pattern provides the kabbalists with an answer to the problem of Evil: we are diminished by evil (a notion, by the way, already found in the Talmud, e.g., Chagiga 12a) but we strive towards total redemption. The metaphysical "Other" (evil) turns out to be a necessary and unavoidable component of the structure of the universe. Ultimately, there is no real notion of otherness because Evil is an intrinsic part of creation and an essential part of the creation of Man with roots in the divine itself. Magid also connects the story of Adam's sin to the societal issue of the status of conversos. According to his thesis, the kabbalist's version of creation and sin allows the converso, "burdened with the weight of sin from birth," to understand that his situation is "rooted in the highest realms of the cosmic world." Reconversion is simply another narrative of cosmic tikkun. Magid never claims that sixteenth-century Lurianic Kabbalists were adjudicating questions of whether coversos were Jews: "[W]hat I am doing is linking the historical fact with a particular literary trope as it appears in Lurianic exegesis and am suggesting how one may have informed the other." The book also illustrates how this "taming" of the Other works in Lurianic Kabbala's understanding of the role of the erev rav, the reality of male homosexuals, Balaam, and the transformation in Deuteronomy of text as the sole authority for a people who no longer have direct access to the person Moses. In a fascinating comparison of the Christian notion of incarnation (the divine became human in order that the human might become divine), Magid suggests that studying Torah triggers the divine in man: "The divine text (as divine names) and the zelem elohim [the image of God] in the human (also comprised of divine names according to these kabbalists) become activated through the engagement of text and person in the performance of study." The identification of text and person is a Jewish version of incarnation. From Metaphysics to Midrash is rich in intriguing discussions about the boundaries between Jews and non-Jews, good and evil, God and man from the perspective of Lurianic Kabbalah's interpretation of Scripture. -- Michael Nutkiewicz * SHOFAR *Shaul Magid has written a bold . . . book. . . . From Metaphysics to Midrash is rich in intriguing discussions about the boundaries between Jews and non-Jews, good and evil, God and man from the perspective of Lurianic Kabbalah's interpretation of Scripture.Vol. 28, No. 1 Fall 2009 -- Michael Nutkiewicz * Religious Studies Program,University of New Mexico *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Kabbala, New Historicism, and the Question of BoundariesThe Lurianic Myth: A Playbill1. Genesis "And Adam's Sin Was (Very) Great": Original Sin in Lurianic Exegesis2. Exodus The "Other" Israel: The Erev Rav (Mixed Multitude) as Conversos3. Leviticus The Sin of Becoming a Woman: Male Homosexuality and the Castration Complex4. Numbers Balaam, Moses, and the Prophecy of the "Other": A Lurianic Vision for the Erasure of Difference5. Deuteronomy The Human and/as God: Divine Incarnation and the "Image of God"ConclusionNotesBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisSolomon ibn Gabirol (1021-1058) was a Jewish philosopher and moralist. Hailed by scholars as one of the most important classics of Hebrew literature, his poem, ""Keter Malkhut"" (The Kingly Crown), employs the metaphor of a king in his palace to describe the relationship between humanity and God.Trade Review“This edition of The Kingly Crown, featuring Bernard Lewis’ translation and Andrew Gluck’s intoduction and commentary, is a superb piece of work. It would be difficult to find a more literate translator than Lewis, and Gluck’s contributions are both knowledgeable and eminently readable.” —David B. Burrell, C.S.C., University of Notre Dame“The Kingly Crown, one of the gems of Sephardic liturgy for the High Holidays, is the jewel in the crown of Solomon ibn Gabirol’s religious poetry. Bernard Lewis’ elegant and lively translation reflects the poetic beauty and grandeur of the Hebrew original as does no other translation I know. Andrew Gluck combines Bernard Lewis’ peerless translation with a meticulous scholarly edition of the Hebrew text, adding his own introduction and commentary. He offers a comprehensive survey of the medieval philosophical and mystical environment that constituted the backdrop of Ibn Gabirol’s philosophy and religious poetry. This volume is a substantial contribution to the understanding and appreciation of The Kingly Crown.” —Henry Toledano, Hofstra University"This is a significant new source for the modern reader who is interested in medieval Hebrew poetry as well as in early modern Jewish thought." —The Sixteenth Century Journal“The Kingly Crown is one of the most important classics of Hebrew literature and the translation by Bernard Lewis has gained great acclaim since its original publication. Andrew Gluck’s new materials add a great deal of richness to the book. His introduction and notes provide fresh, original insights into the text and illuminate the work of Solomon ibn Gabirol.” —Menahem Schmelzer, Jewish Theological Seminary“The University of Notre Dame’s 2003 bilingual reissue of Bernard Lewis’s 1961 lyrical translation of this masterwork is a cause for celebration. The concise introduction by Professor Lewis of Princeton, one of the world’s foremost scholars of Islam, and the commentary of Andrew Gluck, a former member for the department of philosophy of Hofstra University, combine to make this edition priceless. They give readers a textured understanding of precisely how Ibn Gabirol employs the metaphor of a king in his palace to describe the relationship between humanity and God.” —The Jewish Press“An updated bibliography about the poet and poem enrich the value of this volume, which should be on the bookshelf of all those interested in medieval belles letters, philosophy, and Jewish-Islamic relations.” —Religious Studies Review

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Deuteronomy is arguably the most important book in the Pentateuch, if not in the entire Hebrew Bible. With his trademark clarity and rigor, Stackert compellingly explains what Deuteronomy is, what it does, and how it works, both on its own and in its broader literary context. Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch is unquestionably the best book out there on this central biblical text, and should be standard reading for scholars and students alike.”—Joel Baden, Yale Divinity School“Jeffrey Stackert is known for his thoughtful and theoretically informed contributions to Pentateuchal scholarship. In this new work, he tackles the range of complex issues surrounding the compositional history of Deuteronomy with characteristic acumen and clarity.”—Molly Zahn, author of Genres of Rewriting in Second Temple Judaism“Stackert’s new volume on the book of Deuteronomy is a priceless contribution to the field. His analysis is incisive and accessible in equal measure. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in Deuteronomy, from its inception to its early reception.”—Shimon Gesundheit, Hebrew University of Jerusalem“A compelling and original exploration of Deuteronomy, its composition, its use of earlier sources, its use in later sources, its ancient Near Eastern influences, and its date.”—Marc Zvi Brettler, Duke University“In this exciting addition to the Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library, Stackert offers something genuinely new: he brilliantly weaves together biblical scholarship, cuneiform literature, and contemporary literary theory. This clearly written and engaging volume examines how the concept of scripture shaped ancient readers’ understanding of Deuteronomy.”—Bernard M. Levinson, University of Minnesota

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Book SynopsisA new translation and commentary on the book of Amos, forgoing speculation about his life to provide an innovative analysis of the book itself

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Book SynopsisAn ambitious introduction to the Apocrypha that encourages readers to reimagine what “canon” really meansTrade Review2022 PROSE Award Finalist, Theology and Religious Studies category“A work of first-rate scholarship that makes ancient Jewish apocrypha, ranging beyond the traditional Greek and Latin collections, accessible to the non-specialist audience. I cannot see teaching my Bible courses without it.”—Benjamin G. Wright, Lehigh University“In this comprehensive introduction, Wills shows that neither ‘canon’ nor ‘apocrypha’ is a simple, consistent idea. This should now be the standard introduction to the Apocrypha.”—John J. Collins, Yale University“Introductions to the Apocrypha used to be dull, dutiful little books. Not any more! In this engaging study Wills demonstrates the sophistication and significance of these compositions. In addition, he dismantles the prevailing Eurocentric construction of ‘apocrypha’ and embraces a long overdue global perspective.”—Carol A. Newsom, Emory University“A thorough, comprehensive, and insightful examination of texts, regarded as non-canonical for the Hebrew Bible, that were quite influential in later Jewish and Christian sources. Organizing these texts according to genre is a special feature of this study.”—Gale A. Yee

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A bold new English translation”—Adam Kirsch, Wall Street Journal“Provocative . . . intriguing . . . Taken as a work of literature in its own right, Greenstein’s translation is engaging and unusual, at times even strangely sublime.”—Nathan Goldman, Bookforum "A vibrant and flowing translation, which is a pleasure to read, presented together with some illuminating annotation.”—David M. Stec, Journal for the Study of the Old TestamentFinalist for the Jordan Schnitzer Book Award, Bible and Rabbinics category, sponsored by The Association for Jewish StudiesWinner of the 2020 EMET Prize in the Humanities, in the area of Biblical research, sponsored by the A.M.N. Foundation for the Advancement of Science, Art, and Culture in Israel CHOICE Outstanding Academic Titles, 2020"Greenstein's Job offers the rarest combination of talents: a philologist's determination to hunt down the meaning of every word and a poetic delight in language and making the text sing."—James Kugel“A masterful translation, new, bold, and often startling, by one of the great masters of this masterpiece of world literature. Greenstein's Job offers authoritative guidance to a book whose profundities and conundrums continue to challenge.”—Peter Machinist, Harvard University“Grounded in deep literary sensitivity and decades of meticulous philological scholarship, Greenstein’s translation of Job brings us closer to the sublime text and uncompromising spirit of this great and challenging biblical book than anyone has previously done.”—Everett Fox, Clark University“A singular achievement by one of the foremost Biblical linguists, who deftly renders the rhetorical and verbal genius of 'Job'. The translation speaks to the contemporary ear while retaining the original's sinewy structure.”—Michael Fishbane, University of Chicago“An immense pleasure for the reader, this novel translation recreates the flavor of the ancient Hebrew poetical text in its original setting. It is perhaps the first Job translation to free itself from traditional interpretations and it reflects the author’s decades of thorough research.”—Emanuel Tov, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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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 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 Synopsis This fresh and contemporary introduction to the Jewish faith, its philosophies and worldviews, explores debates which have preoccupied Jewish thinkers over the centuries and examines their continuing influence in contemporary Judaism.Written by Oliver Leaman, a leading figure in the field, the book surveys the central controversies in Judaism, including the protracted arguments within the religion itself. Topics range from the relations between Judaism and other religions, such as Islam and Christianity, to contemporary issues such as sex, gender and modernity. Central themes such as authority and obedience, the relations between Jewish and Greek thought, and the position and status of the State of Israel are also considered. The debates are further illustrated by reference to the Bible, as a profoundly realistic text in describing the long interaction between the Jews, their ancestors and God, as well as discussions about major thinkers, and passages from the ancient texts:Trade Review'Presents a fascinating overview of Jewish thought and sensibility... For a late modern audience whose affirmations and doubts are often both equally suspended and situated in such a way as to ironically play off each other, this book serves as a superb introduction to Judaism.' - Aryeh Botwinick, Temple University, USA'Leaman's fresh, dynamic and beautifully researched book is a more philosophical endeavour, written for the more informed and academic reader.' -Jewish Chronicle'...fresh, dynamic and beautifully researched...'- Edward Kessler, Jewish ChronicleTable of Contents1. Bible - Obedience vs. Revolt 2. Mishnah & Talmud: A View of Halakhah 3. Jews vs. Greeks 4. Jews vs. Christians 5. Karaites vs. Rabbanites 6. Jews vs. Muslims 7. Philosophers vs. Kabbalists 8. Philosophers vs. Halakhists 9. Maskilim vs. Traditionalists 10. Mitnagdim vs. Hasidim 11. Reform vs. Orthodoxy 12. Particularism vs. Universalism: Zionism vs. Anti-Zionism, Hebrew vs. Yiddish, Assimilation vs. Distinctiveness, Feminism vs. Equal but Different 13. The Future of Jewish Thought in a World without Jews. Guide to Biographical Resources

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Book SynopsisIntroducing Judaism is the ideal starting point for students beginning their studies of this fascinating religion. Eliezer Segal takes a historical approach, focusing on religious aspects of Judaism, and introducing themes as they emerge from authentic Jewish documents. Students will gain an understanding of how Judaism is lived by its adherents and the historical and geographical diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices. The book has a clear and accessible structure. Part One presents the historical context of Judaism, from the Biblical era, through the Medieval period and on to modern Judaism. Part Two surveys the distinctive values and beliefs of Judaism, including attitudes to God, Covenant, Israel, exile and homeland, the Torah, and its commandments, while Part Three presents Jewish Practices and Institutions, engaging with topics such as daily life, worship, temple and synagogue, law, ethics and education, the afterlife, and resurrection. Throughout the book, Eliezer Segal stresses the diversity of interpretations that have been generated by historical circumstances, differing theological and ideological outlooks, and the spiritual creativity of the religious community. Attention is paid to various models of piety, mysticism, scholasticism and folk religion, including the impact of Judaism on the daily life of believers and the experiences of Jewish women.Illustrated throughout, Introducing Judaism includes text boxes, a glossary, and a list of further reading to aid studentsâ understanding and revision, providing a thorough overview of one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religions still practiced today.The accompanying website for this book can be found at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415440097. Trade Review'Eliezer Segal has done an extremely impressive job of providing a broad introduction to Judaism within the scope of a single volume. Segal knows his subject matter thoroughly and writes with authority. What is more, Segal writes engagingly and in an accessible fashion. This book will surely be welcomed warmly by readers from a variety of backgrounds, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who wish to learn about the many facets of the Jewish religion as seen through the eyes of an expert and sympathetic ‘insider’. Segal has done a great service to his readers and to contemporary Judaism.' - Robert Brody, Hebrew University of Jerusalem'Eliezer Segal’s book is an excellent introduction to the history of Judaism as religion and as religious practice from its Biblical origins through the Middle Ages to the contemporary scene of today. In its comprehensiveness and lucidity, there is no other textbook quite like it on the market. It is perfect for both beginners with no previous knowledge of Judaism and a valuable resource for students with more background.' - David Stern, University of Pennsylvania, USA'Eliezer Segal has done an extremely impressive job of providing a broad introduction to Judaism within the scope of a single volume. Segal knows his subject matter thoroughly and writes with authority. What is more, Segal writes engagingly and in an accessible fashion. This book will surely be welcomed warmly by readers from a variety of backgrounds, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who wish to learn about the many facets of the Jewish religion as seen through the eyes of an expert and sympathetic ‘insider’. Segal has done a great service to his readers and to contemporary Judaism.' -Robert Brody, Hebrew University of JerusalemTable of ContentsPart 1: The Historical Framework 1. The Biblical Legacy 2. The Second Temple Era 3. Judaism of the Talmud and Midrash 4. Medieval Judaism 5. Medieval Jewish Philosophy 6. Kabbalah 7. The Modern Era Part 2: Jewish Beliefs and Values 8. Devotion to One God 9. God and the World 10. Israel's Sacred History 11. Life After Death 12. The Mystic Path 13. Wisdom and Scholarship 14. Justice and Morality Part 3: Jewish Observances and Institutions 15. Jewish Education 16. Places of Worship: Temple and Synagogue 17. Judaism and Daily Life 18. The Sacred Calendar 19. Life Cycle Observances

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Book SynopsisA study of the legal material found in the "Dead Sea Scrolls" and its significance in the greater history of Jewish religious law (halakhah). It covers the relationship between rabbinic law, as written more than one hundred years after the destruction of the Second Temple, and Jewish practice during the Second Temple.Trade Review"Illuminating." Journal Of Jewish Studies "A very welcome and valuable contribution from an accomplished scholar who is superbly competent in both bodies of legal literature." Journal For The Study Of Judaism

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Book SynopsisSituates the Babylonian Talmud, or Bavli, in its cultural context by reading several rich rabbinic stories against the background of Greek, Syriac, Arabic, Persian, and Mesopotamian literature of late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, much of it Christian in origin.Trade Review"The rabbinic gems unearthed by the author's questions/answers/reflections mark the beginning of a venture into the place of rabbinic folk narrative in the culture of the ancient Mediterranean world." -- Z. Garber CHOICE "Kalmin has provided scholars of late antique Judaism with a valuable resource for thinking about Jewish culture and ideas." -- Dvora E. Weisberg H-Net "This is a fascinating book... Migrating Tales is a most welcome edition." -- Ben Rothke The Times of Israel "All credit to Richard Kalmin for judiciously and encouragingly pointing in scholarly directions that have previously been little explored." -- Stefan C. Reif Journal of Theological Studies "Kalmin expertly uses the examples in his book to claim that the borders of late ancient empires were porous, and that ideas and traditions moved freely between them. This is undoubtedly correct and an important corrective to the inward gaze of rabbis - Roman and Sasanian - celebrated in scholarship in recent decades." Marginalia, Los Angeles Review of Books "Few... rigorous, scholarly publications are also written in a brilliant, clear, and fluent manner, making them interesting and enjoyable reading for any educated reader. Professor Richard Kalmin's Migrating Tales: The Talmud's Narratives and Their Historical Context certainly belongs to this category, and I hope it receives the wide audience it deserves." Mediterranean Studies "Rightly contests a dichotomous division of the rabbinic world into 'West' and 'East,' 'Greco-Roman' and 'Persian,"' and presents instead a much more complex and dynamic picture of migration, transition, and interaction between regions, languages, and cultures... The book deserves praise for the remarkable erudition that underlies it, for its scrupulousness, and for the textual and philological sensitivity that guides every page of it." -- Mira Balberg Journal of Religion "[Kalmin's] approach is quite convincing, and will hopefully encourage others to pursue similar areas of research. Recommended for academic libraries, with interests in rabbinics or ancient Jewish history." Association of Jewish Libraries This book is highly recommended for its thorough research, elegant translations, and readable style. It is a significant addition to talmudic scholarship. Review of Biblical Literature "Kalmin has provided scholars of late antique Judaism with a valuable resource for thinking about Jewish culture and ideas." Humanities and Social Science "A rich resource for students of rabbinic literature who seek to understand how legends were borrowed and retold among rabbis and non-Jews in the Roman east. This book will also serve as a methodological guide for scholars interested in studying cultural sharing among a wide range of traditions." Studies in Christian-Jewish RelationsTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Manuscripts and Early Editions Introduction 1. "Manasseh Sawed Isaiah with a Saw of Wood": An Ancient Legend in Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Persian Sources 2. R. Shimon bar Yohai Meets St. Bartholomew: Peripatetic Traditions in Late Antique Judaism and Christianity East of Syria 3. The Miracle of the Septuagint in Ancient Rabbinic and Christian Literature 4. The Demons in Solomon's Temple 5. Zechariah and the Bubbling Blood: An Ancient Tradition in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Literature 6. Pharisees 7. Astrology 8. The Alexander Romance Summary and Conclusions Bibliography General Index Index of Primary Sources

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The rabbinic gems unearthed by the author's questions/answers/reflections mark the beginning of a venture into the place of rabbinic folk narrative in the culture of the ancient Mediterranean world." * CHOICE *"Kalmin has provided scholars of late antique Judaism with a valuable resource for thinking about Jewish culture and ideas." * H-Net Reviews *"A fascinating book. . . . Migrating Tales is a most welcome edition." * Times of Israel *"All credit to Richard Kalmin for judiciously and encouragingly pointing in scholarly directions that have previously been little explored." * Journal of Theological Studies *"Kalmin expertly uses the examples in his book to claim that the borders of late ancient empires were porous, and that ideas and traditions moved freely between them. This is undoubtedly correct and an important corrective to the inward gaze of rabbis—Roman and Sasanian—celebrated in scholarship in recent decades." * Marginalia *"Few . . . rigorous, scholarly publications are also written in a brilliant, clear, and fluent manner, making them interesting and enjoyable reading for any educated reader. Professor Richard Kalmin’s Migrating Tales: The Talmud’s Narratives and Their Historical Context certainly belongs to this category." * Mediterranean Studies *"Rightly contests a dichotomous division of the rabbinic world into 'West' and 'East,' 'Greco-Roman' and 'Persian,”' and presents instead a much more complex and dynamic picture of migration, transition, and interaction between regions, languages, and cultures. . . . The book deserves praise for the remarkable erudition that underlies it, for its scrupulousness, and for the textual and philological sensitivity that guides every page of it." * Journal of Religion *"Kalmin's approach is quite convincing, and will hopefully encourage others to pursue similar areas of research. Recommended for academic libraries, with interests in rabbinics or ancient Jewish history." * Association of Jewish Libraries *"This book is highly recommended for its thorough research, elegant translations, and readable style. It is a significant addition to talmudic scholarship." * Review of Biblical Literature *"Kalmin has provided scholars of late antique Judaism with a valuable resource for thinking about Jewish culture and ideas." * Humanities and Social Science *"A rich resource for students of rabbinic literature who seek to understand how legends were borrowed and retold among rabbis and non-Jews in the Roman east. This book will also serve as a methodological guide for scholars interested in studying cultural sharing among a wide range of traditions." * Studies in Christian-Jewish Relations *"Honigman presents a sophisticated, encompassing, and ultimately persuasive reconstruction of the political, economic, cultural and literary forces at work that resulted in the production of these two puzzling books." * Heythrop Journal *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Manuscripts and Early Editions Introduction 1. “Manasseh Sawed Isaiah with a Saw of Wood”: An Ancient Legend in Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Persian Sources 2. R. Shimon bar Yohai Meets St. Bartholomew: Peripatetic Traditions in Late Antique Judaism and Christianity East of Syria 3. The Miracle of the Septuagint in Ancient Rabbinic and Christian Literature 4. The Demons in Solomon’s Temple 5. Zechariah and the Bubbling Blood: An Ancient Tradition in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Literature 6. Pharisees 7. Astrology 8. The Alexander Romance Summary and Conclusions Bibliography General Index Index of Primary Sources

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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 SynopsisThe Mishnah is the foundational document of rabbinic Judaism—rabbinic law is based on the Talmud which, in turn, is based on the Mishnah. Yet its sources, genre, and purpose are obscure. What Is the Mishnah? collects papers by leading scholars from the United States, Europe, and Israel and gives a clear sense of the direction of Mishnah studies.

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