An Introduction to Early Judaism
One of today's most respected scholars of biblical history and the Dead Sea Scrolls, James C. VanderKam here offers a superb new introduction to early Judaism.Based on the best, most recent archaeological research, this illustrated volume explores the history of Judaism during the Second Temple period (516 B.C.E. - 70 C.E.), describing the body of Jewish literature written during these centuries and the most important groups, institutions, and practices of the time. Particularly interesting...
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A fascinating survey of Jewish history—from Persia to Masada.James C. VanderKam, one of today s most respected scholars of biblical history and the Dead Sea Scrolls, here offers a superb new introduction to early Judaism. Based on the best, most recent archaeological research, this illustrated volume explores the history of Judaism during the Second Temple period (516 B.C.E.–70 C.E.), describing the body of Jewish literature written during these centuries and the most important groups, institutions, and practices of the time. Particularly interesting are VanderKam s depiction of events associated with Masada and the Kokhba revolt, and his commentary on texts unearthed in places like Elephantine, Egypt, and Qumran. Scholarly yet written in the same accessible style as VanderKam s widely praised Dead Sea Scrolls Today, this volume is the finest introduction to early Judaism available. Written by a leading expert in the field Based on the latest archaeological research Includes photos, maps, and valuable bibliographies Scholarly yet accessible to students and general readers" Frank Moore Cross James VanderKam has written a superb introduction to early Judaism, including its history, literature, and religious institutions—a handbook that will be useful to every student or scholar who is interested in this period. VanderKam's sketch of the history and literature of the period is written simply and precisely, unencumbered by footnotes. His book, however, reveals a full, critical knowledge of the field. His epitomes of the literature of the period are particularly well done—brief, generally conservative in discussing debated issues, leaving out little of importance. New lore from the Dead Sea Scrolls and data from recent excavations are also well treated. I recommend this volume without qualification.
Prefacexi1.The Time of the Second Temple1The Persian Period (538-332 BCE)1Beginnings2Events in Yehud (Judah)3The Work of Ezra and Nehemiah3Jaddua and Alexander the Great6Events in Egypt7Events in Babylon and Persia9The Hellenistic Age (332-63 BCE)11Ptolemaic Control of Egypt and Judea (ca. 305-198 BCE)12Ptolemy I and Judea12Ptolemy II and the Greek Translation of the Torah13The Tobiad Romance14Seleucid Control/Influence in Judea (198-63 BCE)16Antiochus III (223-187 BCE)16Antiochus IV, High Priests, and Hellenism18The Hasmonean State (ca. 140-63 BCE)24Simon (142-134 BCE)25John Hyrcanus (134-104 BCE)27Aristobulus I (104-103 BCE) and Kingship28Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 BCE)29Salome Alexandra (76-67 BCE)30Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II (67-63 BCE)31The Roman Period (63 BCE and Beyond)32The Early Years (63-37 BCE)32Herod (37-4 BCE) and Archelaus (4 BCE-6 CE)36Direct Roman Rule (6-66 CE)39The First Jewish Revolt against Rome (66-73 CE)41The Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-135 CE)48Appendix on Egyptian Judaism492.Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period53Second Temple Texts in the Hebrew Bible53The Classification of Second Temple Literature54Apocrypha54The Catholic Deuterocanonical Books55Works in Greek Bibles but Not in the Hebrew Bible55Pseudepigrapha56Jewish Writings of the Second Temple Period59Narrative Works59Histories59(1)1 Esdras59(2)1 Maccabees62(3)2 Maccabees65Tales69(1)Tobit69(2)Judith72(3)Susanna75(4)3 Maccabees78(5)Letter of Aristeas81(6)The Greek Esther85Rewritten Scripture881 Enoch88(1)The Astronomical Book of Enoch (1 Enoch 72-82)89(2)The Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36)91Aramaic Levi94The Book of Jubilees97The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs100Apocalypses102The Apocalypse of Weeks (1 Enoch 93:3-10; 91:11-17)103The Book of Dreams (1 Enoch 83-90)105Sibylline Oracles107The Similitudes or Parables of Enoch (1 Enoch 37-71)110The Testament of Moses113Wisdom Literature115The Wisdom of Ben Sira115The Epistle of Enoch (1 Enoch 91-107 [108])119Baruch (or 1 Baruch)121The Wisdom of Solomon124Poetic Works128The Psalms of Solomon128The Prayer of Manasseh132The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men133Mockery of Idols135The Letter of Jeremiah135Bel and the Dragon136Philo and Josephus138Philo of Alexandria138Josephus142Great Archeological Discoveries147The Elephantine Papyri147The Dead Sea Scrolls150(1)The Manuscripts and Fragments151(2)Archeological Evidence158(3)The Qumran Community and Its History160Masada166(1)The Story166(2)Archeological Evidence1703.Synthesis: Leaders, Groups, and Institutions175Rulers and Leaders176The Priests176High Priest176Leading Priests181Ordinary Priests182Civil Rulers183Sanhedrin/Council184Groups186Early Second Temple Period186Late Hellenistic and Roman Times187Pharisees187Sadducees189Essenes191Others192Worship193The Temple194The Temple Structure194The Sacrificial System203Festivals204(1)Passover204(2)The Festival of Unleavened Bread204(3)Second Passover205(4)The Festival of Weeks205(5)The First of the Seventh Month206(6)The Day of Atonement206(7)The Festival of Tabernacles (or Booths)207(8)Hanukkah207(9)Purim208Other Forms of Worship208(1)Music208(2)Prayer210The Synagogue211Scriptures213Groups of Authoritative Writings213Versions215Interpretation216Bibliography219Index225
\ Alan J. Avery-Peck"A scholar at the forefront of today's flourishing interest in the study of ancient Judaism, James VanderKam clearly explains Second Temple history and religion, including the period's main groups and institutions and the entire range of literature they produced, from the Apocrypha to the Dead Sea Scrolls. The period VanderKam covers is vital to understanding all subsequent Jewish and Christian history, and his introduction to it is complete, accessible, and overall top-notch."\ \ \ \ \ Amy-Jill Levine"Combining meticulous historical reconstruction with detailed commentary on literary productions and archaeological remains, James VanderKam here offers a comprehensive introduction to early Judaism that places texts within their proper contexts. His accessible, engaging style and helpful organization make this volume ideal for classroom use."\ \ \ Frank Moore CrossJames VanderKam has written a superb introduction to early Judaism, including its history, literature, and religious institutions—a handbook that will be useful to every student or scholar who is interested in this period. VanderKam's sketch of the history and literature of the period is written simply and precisely, unencumbered by footnotes. His book, however, reveals a full, critical knowledge of the field. His epitomes of the literature of the period are particularly well done—brief, generally conservative in discussing debated issues, leaving out little of importance. New lore from the Dead Sea Scrolls and data from recent excavations are also well treated. I recommend this volume without qualification.\ \
