Overview

In this short, accessible and readable book, Professor Soggin gives an account of all the features of Israelite and Jewish religion in the biblical period. After a radical assessment of the nature of the sources and the problems of using them historically, he discusses the origin of monotheism and Israel's belief in its one God Yahweh. Then follow accounts of the three most important features in Israelite religion: the Jerusalem temple and its worship, the covenant, and sacrifices. The main festivals are discussed and there are chapters on the sabbath and the new moon, the sabbatical year and the year of jubilee, and the calendar. The book ends with an account of changes brought about after the exile and the development of Middle Judaism, and the collapse of the old Israelite system of worship after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.Though firmly based on biblical and Near Eastern texts and artefacts, the book wears its learning lightly; there are no footnotes, but a bibliography of books for further reading. Its clarity and straightforward approach make it an ideal introduction to the subject for students.

Full Product Details

Author:   J. Alberto Soggin ,  John Bowden
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   T.& T.Clark Ltd
Dimensions:   Width: 13.80cm , Height: 1.20cm , Length: 21.60cm
Weight:   0.294kg
ISBN:  

9780567088116

ISBN 10:   0567088111
Pages:   224
Publication Date:   01 January 2002
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Language:   English

Table of Contents

The traditional versions of the origins of Israel and monotheism; the context - Syria and Canaan at the end of the second millenium BCE; the Deuteronomistic history; the state of the question; polytheism in Ancient Israel?; the sanctuaries - the Jerusalem Temple; monotheism; other relevant elements - the covenant; other relevant elements: the cult and sacrifices; festivals and holy days: the Feast of Weeks; festivals and holy days - the Great Autumn Festival; festivals and holy days - Purim and Hanukkah; festivals and holy days - the sabbath and new moon; festivals and holy days - the sabbatical year and the year of jubilee; festivals and holy days - the calendar; middle Judaism between the first millenium BCE and the first millenium CE; Judaism after the catastrophe.

Reviews

The nature of the sources and the problem of reconstruction are dealt with at the outset of this easily digested guide to a complicated subject. Church Times, 3 May 2002

The nature of the sources and the problem of reconstruction are dealt with at the outset of this easily digested guide to a complicated subject.

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions