ebooks From the Maccabees to the Mishnah; Second Edition by Shaye J. D. Cohen in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Perfect: objective; historical; readableBy Joan C WrennThis was the perfect book for me; to answer the question ‘What was happening in Judaism in the times of the early Christian church?' Cohen presents a review of the extant references that are evidence to the events and processes that impacted and developed Judaism in the time between the end of the Old Testament (Maccabees) and the formation of the Mishnah and Talmudim by the rabbinic community.His discussion is very readable and understandable. Particularly valuable to me was his discussion of the impacts that the loss of the Second Temple in 70 CE had upon the developments that led to rabbinic Judaism: formation and demise of various sects; responses to a 'templeless world'. Cohen’s approach is objective and historical; taking into account the various factors that effected the process; giving each its relative weight.I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in these topics; with an awareness but not necessarily great knowledge of Judaism. Now that I have finished the second edition; I see that there is a very recent third edition.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Good easy reading late second temple history.By portlyfoxWell written easy reading history of the late second temple period into the beginnings of rabbinic judaism. This would be a good reference for bible study classes so the the biblical text can be understood in the context of the times.26 of 26 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Cultural History of the Period. Buy It and Read It!By B. Marold`From the Maccabees to the Mishnah; Second Edition' by Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard; Shaye J. D. Cohen; is a type of book I always dread and revere at the same time; after having reviewed lesser books on the same subject; and after having given these lesser books relatively high scores.Professor Cohen's book is a fine example of a scholarly (read scrupulously accurate and judicious in its opinions) book which is also relatively easy for a lay person; that is; one unfamiliar with the details of Second Temple Judaism; to read; understand; and appreciate.For those like me who are reading this to obtain some better understanding of the background behind the advent of Christianity; let me assure you that this book is a excellent source; even though it makes no extensive reference to Christianity. The primary point of connection is the light Professor Cohen throws on the doctrines so commonly held which distinguish Paul the Hellenized urban Jew from Jesus; the Aramaic speaking rural Jew of Galilee. Even though Professor Cohen makes no mention of the prominent historian of early Christianity; E. P. Sanders; the two scholars seem to come to the very same conclusion about Judaism and Hellenic culture. While Jews in Roman Syria (Antioch); Asia Minor (Tarsus); and Egypt (Alexandria) were Greek speaking and influenced by Hellenistic culture; so were the Jews of Jerusalem; but perhaps to a lesser degree.It is of utmost importance to someone wondering if they want to buy this book (and I strongly suggest you do; if you are interested in the subject at all) to know that the approach of the book is largely cultural; social; and `philosophical' rather than chronological and political. Much is said of Ptolemys; Seleucids; and Romans; but mostly regarding their role in Greek and Latin culture.While Cohen does not spend much time with Christianity; he does clear up some biased labeling of Jewish eras; which dismiss post-Jesus Jewish religion as something superseded by Christianity.If I were to complain about anything in this book; it would be the absence of a Bibliography and the constant reference to how issues would be handled in more detail in a later chapter. One of the most valuable attributes of any scholarly book is to provide an entrance to the great conversation regarding its subject. Cohen footnotes well; but gives us no good springboard to other works related to this subject.Very minor quibbles aside; this is a brilliant book; as much for its lucid writing as for its judicious scholarship.