The Origins of Judaism: An Archaeological-Historical Reappraisal (The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library | AYBRL)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Groundbreaking research that utilizes archaeological discoveries and ancient texts to revolutionize our understanding of the beginnings of Judaism
Throughout much of history, the Jewish way of life has been characterized by strict adherence to the practices and prohibitions legislated by the Torah: dietary laws, ritual purity, circumcision, Sabbath regulations, holidays, and more. But precisely when did this unique way of life first emerge, and why specifically at that time?
In this revolutionary new study, Yonatan Adler methodically engages ancient texts and archaeological discoveries to reveal the earliest evidence of Torah observance among ordinary Judeans. He examines the species of animal bones in ancient rubbish heaps, the prevalence of purification pools and chalk vessels in Judean settlements, the dating of figural representations in decorative and functional arts, evidence of such practices as tefillin and mezuzot, and much more to reconstruct when ancient Judean society first adopted the Torah as authoritative law.
Focusing on the lived experience of the earliest Torah observers, this investigative study transforms much of what we thought we knew about the genesis and early development of Judaism.
- Engages ancient texts and archaeological discoveries to reveal the earliest evidence of Torah observance among ordinary Judeans
- Focuses on the lives of the earliest Torah observers
- Preface
- List of Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 Dietary Laws
- 2 Ritual Purity
- 3 Figural Art
- 4 Tefillin and Mezuzot
- 5 Miscellaneous Practices
- 6 The Synagogue
- 7 The Origins of Judaism Reappraised
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Acknowledgments
- Index of Ancient Sources
- Index of Names and Subjects
The list of practices Adler investigates is determined by the nature of the surviving evidence and by Adler’s expertise in archaeology as well as in history. . . . Thorough and learned.
—Martin Goodman, University of Oxford, in Times Literary Supplement
An impressive volume that advances a novel and creative reconstruction of the origins of Judaism. The argument is clearly presented and strongly stated, and sure to be controversial.
—Jason Maston, Religious Studies Review
- Title: The Origins of Judaism: An Archaeological-Historical Reappraisal
- Author: Yonatan Adler
- Series: The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library
- Publisher: Yale University Press
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Pages: 384
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Resource ID: LLS:RGNSJDSMRFLBRRY
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-07-25T17:55:16Z