Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides a unique and new perspective on the formative years of rabbinic Judaism and will be essential reading for all students of the Talmud.
Trade ReviewThis well organized, well written, fascinating, broad ranging, carefully argued book reconstructs the cultural milieu of the rabbinic academy that produced the Babylonian Talmud (Bavli). Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter 2004 A picture of the inner life of rabbinic academies in late-antique Babylonia (now Iraq)... This book is important for all libraries with collections in Judaic or ancient religion. Choice 2004 [Rubenstein's] style of writing is remarkably clear and deserves special recognition... His familiarity with the aggadot he analyzes, his precise translations, and his clear analysis make the book a pleasure to read. His historical conjectures and reconstructions make it a must. -- Joshua Kulp Journal of Biblical Literature 2004 Rubenstein remains a dynamic, productive scholar, whose future works should be looked forward to with anticipation and interest. -- Sacha Stern Journal of Jewish Studies 2004
Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments
Abbreviations and Conventions
Tractates
Introduction
1. The Rabbinic Academy
2. Dialectics
3. Violence
4. Shame
5. Lineage and Rabbinic Leadership
6. Wives
7. Elitism: The Sages and the Amei ha'arets
8. Conclusion: The Legacy of the Stammaim
Notes
Selected Bibliography
General Index
Source Index
