From Text to Tradition, A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Lawrence H. Schiffman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a concise, beautifully organized historical overview of Second Temple Judaism which demonstrates how the religion of the Talmudic rabbis developed from the religion of biblical Israel. Schiffman (Judaic studies, NYU) takes a conservative approach in his main thesis by arguing that Rabbinic Judaism was not a radical break with the religion of ancient Israel, but rather a logical development of that faith. A concomitant view is that while this period brought forth several different approaches to the Jewish religion, they all basically reflected one, as opposed to several, Judaisms. This study is an excellent history of a complex period which may be appreciated by general readers as well as scholars interested in this area of Judaica.
- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 299 pages
• Publisher: Ktav Pub Inc (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881253723
• ISBN-13: 978-0881253726
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > History of Religion

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Study of the Development of Rabbinic Judiasm, June 21, 2002

By 

D. N. Goldman (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Text to Tradition, A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism (Paperback)

For those who have wondered how the Jewish religion transformed the practice of animal sacrifice depicted in the Bible to the one we know today, this book is for you. Professor Schiffman writes a careful, thoughtful history of Jewish religious thought from the time of return from Babylon (about 560 B.C.E.) to the closing of the Talmud (about 200 C.E.). Focusing on the Greek and Roman periods, the reader is treated to the historical facts that account normative rabbinic Judaism. This is not a flashy read, but it is always engaging. Highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars We Use This Text in Rabbinics Class, January 28, 2008

By 

Meir Ben David "You will bring light unto the... (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Text to Tradition, A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism (Paperback)

Although no single book exists that covers everything one would want to know about the second temple period in the development of Judaism and also immediately following the destruction of the temple, this is a really good book related to that subject. My Rabbinics teacher really likes it as one of the textbooks for the class (for its historical treatment of that era). We use it in conjunction to studying the Talmud. This allows you to understand some of the trends, traditions and historic events that led to the development of Rabbinic Judaism that we all love today.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great course study, March 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: From Text to Tradition: A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism (Paperback)

This text can only be completely understood when used in conjunction with Schiffmans other book, Texts and Traditions : A Source Reader for the Study of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism. He is a scholar on the dead sea scrolls so that portion is particularily well covered, and maintains objectivity throughout, distancing himself from the history and religion, yet thoroughly covering both and their relaiton to one another.