This provocative volume explores the origins of the Jewish doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. Jon D. Levenson argues that; contrary to a very widespread misconception; the ancient rabbis were keenly committed to the belief that at the end of time; God would restore the deserving dead to life. In fact; Levenson points out; the rabbis saw the Hebrew Bible itself as committed to that idea.The author meticulously traces the belief in resurrection backward from its undoubted attestations in rabbinic literature and in the Book of Daniel; showing where the belief stands in continuity with earlier Israelite culture and where it departs from that culture. Focusing on the biblical roots of resurrection; Levenson challenges the notion that it was a foreign import into Judaism; and in the process he develops a neglected continuity between Judaism and Christianity. His book will shake the thinking of scholars and lay readers alike; revising the way we understand the history of Jewish ideas about life; death; and the destiny of the Jewish people.
#2192223 in Books 2010-10-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.62 x .97 x 5.82l; .99 #File Name: 0300114257252 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The book was very good and interestingBy Marian AtkinsonI purchased this book having seen a documentary on CBC about the San Nicandro Jews. The book was very good and interesting. It provided me with some information that differed from that documentary. I think putting the two together provides a broader view of the 'story' but then; one has to keep in mind that the book sparked further research which was included in the documentary. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in Jewish history. The whole subject is indeed fascinating0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy CustomerIt's an interesting story; but a bit repititious and a rather dry read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An Inspiring Story about an unlikely group who swam against the tide during a horrid period in Jewish history.By Hilel B. SalomonThe author presents an incredible story and does so in a scholarly and convincing but readable manner. These were incredibly poor Italian peasants who demonstrated their commitment by learning to read and write at a time and in an area where literacy was uncommon. They could easily have dropped this drive to become Jews when Mussolini decided to go along with Hitler and the Papacy; and had turned on Italian Jews. They could have dropped their efforts when there was little support from the Italian Jews themselves; and the would be converts of San Nicandro had to constantly plea for books; ritual guidance and even circumcision for the men and boys. They probably didn't even know that there were some wealthy Jews in America; and didn't ask for financial support. They did receive some occasional help-mostly in the form of advice- and they were eventually aided by British and Palestinian Jews who were fighting for the Allies; but too many times; their letters went unanswered. They persisted and; even knowing that going to Israel would put them and their children in danger because of the Israeli Arab conflict; most of them did emigrate to the new Jewish State. The European War was over; but they chose to fight for their religion. The author doesn't try to cover up their often querulous nature; their petty rivalries and their blemishes. In fact; this convinced me that they had really already become Jews in all their virtues as well as flaws. Einstein is reported to have said that Jews have persisted because of their stubborn determination to remain Jewish despite all the hardships that this entailed. The San Nicandro Jews offer an excellent example of this. Another feature of these people is how often the women took it upon themselves to lead. This book offers an inspiring story of courage and determination. It is told well.
