From the Maccabees to the Mishnah

by Shaye J. D. Cohen
From the Maccabees to the Mishnah cover
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  • ID: 7621
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780664227432
  • Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Shaye Cohen's updated edition of 'From the Maccabees to the Mishnah' provides a comprehensive analysis of Judaism's development during the Roman Empire, focusing on the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, the role of Jewish religion in the community, and the formation of normative Judaism and other Jewish sects. The book also delves into the creation of the biblical canon and the roots of rabbinic Judaism, offering clear explanations and deep insights into this pivotal period. This edition remains an essential introduction to the era that shaped Judaism and provided the backdrop for early Christianity, making it a valuable resource for understanding the historical and religious context of the time./n/nThe Library of Early Christianity series, of which this book is a part, explores the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts in which the New Testament developed. Cohen's synthesis of religion, literature, and history makes this book a standout resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a thorough and accessible examination of Judaism's formative years.

Reviews
Academia.edu · 2025-12-16
provocative 4.25

Christian readers will find this book filled with provocative and relevant insights, particularly into how rabbinism became Judaism's dominant expression. The book's updated and revised content ensures its continued relevance and clarity.

The reviewer on Academia.edu notes that this book is particularly valuable for Christian readers, offering provocative and relevant insights into the development of rabbinism as the dominant expression of Judaism. The updated and revised content ensures that the book remains a clear and relevant introduction to the era that shaped Judaism. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to provide context for early Christianity, making it a valuable resource for both academic and general readers.

Quick quotes

    Christian readers will find this book replete with provocative and relevant insights.

    The book remains the clearest introduction to the era that shaped Judaism and provided the context for early Christianity.

    The updated and revised content ensures its continued relevance and clarity.

Hardcover · Stephang · 2017-10-22
fascinating 3.75

This book offers an interesting survey of second temple Judaism with many fascinating speculations. However, the reviewer notes that the author's frequent use of 'I' can be distracting.

Stephang on Hardcover finds the book to be an interesting survey of second temple Judaism, filled with many fascinating speculations. They appreciate the depth of analysis and the insights provided. However, they note that the author's frequent use of 'I' can be distracting and somewhat detracts from the overall reading experience. Despite this, the book is considered a valuable resource for understanding the historical and religious context of the era.

Quick quotes

    Interesting survey of second temple Judaism with many fascinating speculations.

    Cohen does tend to use 'I' too much.

    It provides a valuable resource for understanding the historical and religious context of the era.

Veritas Domain · 2015-01-21
comprehensive 4.00

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the Talmud and other Jewish religious writings, making it a valuable resource for understanding the era that shaped Judaism. The detailed analysis and insights make it accessible for both academic and general readers.

Veritas Domain highlights how this book serves as an excellent introduction to the Talmud and other significant Jewish religious texts. The reviewer appreciates the detailed analysis and insights provided, which make the book accessible and valuable for both academic and general readers. The book's focus on the era that shaped Judaism is particularly noteworthy, offering a clear and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jewish history and religious studies.

Quick quotes

    This book gives a good introduction to the Talmud and other Jewish religious writing such as commentaries and paraphrase.

    The end of the book provides a detailed analysis of the Mishnah and its significance.

    The book is a valuable resource for understanding the era that shaped Judaism.

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