This book provides a new conceptual and methodological framework the social scientific study of Mishnah, as well as a series of case studies that apply social science perspectives to the analysis of Mishnah's evidence. The framework is one that takes full account of the historical and literary-historical issues that impinge upon the use of Mishnah for any scholarly purposes beyond philological study, including social scientific approaches to the materials. Based on the framework, each chap...

The Ḥayei Adam, an abridged code of Jewish law, was written by Rabbi Avraham Danzig (1748-1820) and was first published in 1810. This code spread quickly throughout Europe, and the demand for it required a second publishing which the author printed in 1818. Beyond a Code of Jewish Law attempts to understand the implicit message of its author and discuss various approaches of its writer to both Judaism and Jewish law. While the Ḥayei Adam without any doubt unveils...

The Boldness of a Halakhist analyzes the writings of Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Halevi Epstein (18291908), author of the Arukh Hashulkhan, a bold and unusual approach to Jewish law. Based primarily on the original text of Rabbi Epstein's legal codes and homilies, this work covers topics such as women, modernity, customs, and secular studies. It analyzes the rabbi's approach to Jewish law and Jewish life, designed to promote the spiritual welfare of Jews under the pressures of growing secularization...

The collection of essays in this first volume of a two-volume set devoted to the examination of sacred time and space in Judaism represents the exquisite work of renowned Judaic scholars. The excellent scholarship represented in this and the volume to follow are expressive of the commitment to intellectual inquiry and the transmission of knowledge. These essays ask and examine such essential questions as: What constitutes holiness, sacredness, sanctity? What do our foundational texts say a...

The Jewish intellectual tradition has a long and complex history that has resulted in significant and influential works of scholarship. In this book, the authors suggest that there is a series of common principles that can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad, even life-changing, implications for individual and societal achievement. These principles include respect for tradition while encouraging independent, often disruptive thinking; a precise system of log...

This book presents a group of distinguished scholars who examine key themes in Jewish religious life. Their essays revolve around the dimensions of rabbinic, intellectual, cultural, communal, educational, political, and social leadership, as well as a reflective look at one of the most tragic events in Jewish experience, towards the hope of repairing the world and not repeating such evil. The scholarship reproduced in this volume captures the essence of Touro University: remembering the pa...

"As a rabbi and a convert, I appreciate this book deeply for its sensitivity to the complex feelings of those who are exploring paths to becoming Jewish, and for the deep love of Judaism it conveys. I will give it to every interfaith couple, and recommend that they give it to their parents. It is wonderful! "--Rachel Cowan, co-author of Mixed BlessingsIn the same knowledgeable, reassuring, and respectful style that has made her one of the most admired writers of gui...

Few biographical works spark passions as intensely as do interpretations of the life of Jesus. In this highly accessible book Bart Ehrman reviews the latest textual and archeological research into Jesus's life and the history of first-century Palestine and draws a fascinating controversial portrait of the man and his teachings. Jesus Apocalyptic Prophet of the New Millennium seeks to show general readers what historians have long known about the Gospels and the man who stands behind them. ...

Normon Solomon's succinct book is an ideal introduction to Judaism as a religion and way of life. Demonstrating the diverse nature and ethnic origin of those with the Jewish faith, Solomon explores how the Jewish religion has developed in the 2,000 years since the days of the Bible. This Very Short Introduction starts by outlining the basics of practical Judaism - its festivals, prayers, customs, and various sects - and goes on to consider how Judaism has responded to, and dealt w...

"[A] fascinating recasting of the story of Jesus." —Elliot Wolfson, New York UniversityIn July 2008, a front-page story in the New York Times reported on the discovery of an ancient Hebrew tablet, dating from before the birth of Jesus, which predicted a Messiah who would rise from the dead after three days. Commenting on this startling discovery at the time, noted Talmud scholar Daniel Boyarin argued that "some Christians will find it shocking—a challenge ...

"The definitive volume, the all-encompassing text for the instruction of our people, as well as those who choose to join our faith community." —Rabbi David M. Posner, Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New YorkIn Living Judaism, Rabbi Wayne Dosick, Ph.D., author the acclaimed Golden Rules, Dancing with God, and When Life Hurts, offers an engaging and definitive overview of Jewish philosophy and theology, rituals and customs. Combining q...

From the Penteteuch and Nevi'im to the Ketuvim and the oral Torah, this straightforward reference walks you through God's instructions to His people and explains how these teachings are incorporated into Jewish life. The Everything Torah Book presents the tenets of the Jewish faith in an easy-to-understand reference. Fascinating insights into the history, stories, parables, and personalities that are featured in this sacred scripture will bring teachings to life. Regardless of you...