The Dead Sea Scrolls: Understanding Their Spiritual Message [Paperback]

Steven A. Fisdel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

The Dead Sea Scrolls reflect the belief and experience of generations of Jews, spanning a period of almost three centuries, from the Maccabean Revolt to the destruction of Jerusalem. Steven A. Fisdel seeks to open a window onto this critical period of time, so pivotal in the development of Judaism and in the emergence of Christianity. By presenting the historical backdrop and letting the scroll literature speak for itself, this work gives the reader a better understanding of the state and content of Jewish belief during the height of the Greco-Roman Era; an age of broad diversity in religious thought and of great spiritual richness.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Rather than filling his work with arguments to support one or another view of who wrote the Dead Sea scrolls and the precise nature of the Qumran complex, Fisdel, rabbi of the Congregation Beth Israel in Chico, California, paints a portrait of a deeply spiritual community concerned with corporate and individual holiness. He takes a middle-of-the-road position regarding the identity of the authors of the Qumran writings, particularly the material unique to them (identified as "Sectarian" literature). He draws attention to the strong emphasis on spirituality and holiness in the Sectarian writings, even when the focus of a document is the Law or the Temple. Fisdel's admiration for the Qumran community results in his putting a very human face on these people; his work will elicit a greater appreciation for their place in Jewish (and even Christian) history.?Craig W. Beard, Univ. of Alabama Lib., Birmingham
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc. (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765760231
• ISBN-13: 978-0765760234
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,946,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Back to Basics, May 23, 2000

By 

Joseph (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Understanding Their Spiritual Message (Paperback)

Very interesting book. Actually aligns with the Jewish view of Judaism and terminology that was written about by Philo and later by the Jewish sages of that period. Author expresses the need for more research from Torah and Talmudic scholars on the Scrolls with a background in the Noah laws for non-Jews. Would like to have seen more material. Author does shed light on many of the difficulties that non-Jewish scholars have had with understanding these Scrolls. Author shows how really Jewish the Scrolls are and how there could not be any link from Judaism to Christianity. The Commentary on Nahum found in the Scrolls states that the "smooth ones" or "smooth talkers" were idolators and pagans. "Vine's Expository Dictionary" used extensively by Christian scholars, defines "Christology" as "smooth talkers". Understanding this premise, it was easy for me to see how the church used writings by Jews to help with their cause with Rome to disprove their status with them as a new pagan religion.

This book does shed light that there were many authors and many different Scrolls buried, like they are today, when worn, had errors or were unfixable. Caves would be an ideal place to bury them so the pagans could not get to them. What did surprise me was to learn that some of the laws mentioned in the Scrolls were also mentioned by Philo. Another detail was that the Hebrew Scriptures found in the caves, and much of the commentary, is the same as the Scriptures used today by the Jews. However, the Hebrew Scriptures from the caves is over 2400 years old and is remarkable to see it in such good shape.

I recommend this book for anyone that is serious about learning the true meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls and would like to understand their spiritual connection to the people not only of that time period, but in our present lifetime.

4.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Insights from the Dead Sea Scrolls, February 9, 2009

By 

J.L. Populist (WI,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Understanding Their Spiritual Message (Paperback)

This book is a commentary on the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The first chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the book by detailing Jewish history and various divisions in Judaism. One topic the author uses as an example is the various views on Sabbath observance.

On the source of the Scrolls Mr. Fisdel observes-"In examining the scroll literature, it is not difficult to surmise that the sect members were originally a Sadducee breakaway group." He goes on to write that the group was probably founded by priests and joined by Levites and other Israelites that were unhappy with and wanted to distance themselves from Jerusalem and the temple.

On page 49 he offers some insight into the people at Qumram - "The members of the covenant felt that they were the true House of Judah. As such, they were thereby bound to follow strictly the Interpretation of the Law of Moses, revealed and taught by the Teacher of Righteousness."

Of all the Scrolls that Mr. Fisdel addressed, I found the Temple Scroll the most intriguing.

Some more quotes that provide insight for me; on the forbidding of eating bloody meat-"The blood is life. Only God, as the giver of life has the right to receive it."
On the power of the Name of God; "The Name of God is synonymous with the divine Presence and the Power of God." The discussion of the Name in relation to oaths and vows reinforces that fact that God has a specific name.

Some more interesting topics in the THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS-UNDERSTANDING THEIR SPIRITUAL MESSAGE were;

Ezra and the Great Assembly. The author had some fascinating material on Ezra the scribe.

The source for theories about the tribe of Dan and their possible role in end times. Dan may have a role in opposition to God.

The Sons of Light and the blessing of the Name being invoked.

The Kittim.

I appreciated the perspective that Steve Fisdel provided as a rabbi. I learned a lot about the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance from reading this book.