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The Jews of Egypt: From Ramses II to Emperor Hadrian

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Modrzejewski has written what is likely to be "the" guide to the Jews in Egypt in the Second Temple period. While this may seem to some an obscure undertaking, it is actually essential learning for anyone seeking to understand the matrix of Judaism and Christianity at the turn of the common era. Alexandria was a key locale as events unfolded, but it wasn't the only historically relevant Egyptian place where Jews lived in the Diaspora. Modrzejewski explores Leontopolis, Elephantine and other places where Jews dealt with life in Hellenistic Egypt.

Modrzejewski presents a series of fascinating episodes, some in perhaps more detail than some readers need, such as marriage contracts and other documents that support his theses. But this is simply good scholarship: taking the evidence that is available and making the most of it, without overreaching his conclusions. A "must read" for anyone seeking to understand how and why Christianity abandoned its Jewish roots.