From the Maccabees to the Mishnah, Third Edition

Shaye J.D. Cohen has once again updated his popular introduction to early Judaism (1st = 1987; 2nd = 2005). This 3rd edition contains some cosmetic changes ("I have rewritten sentences and paragraphs here and there..."), and some additional information ("I have added some references in footnotes."), but the most important change is an additional chapter. Cohen's eighth chapter addresses the so-called "parting of the ways" between Christianity and Judaism ("Preface to the Third Edition", xi) Originally the book was to be written as a sort of background to early Christianity, but Cohen has written an introduction to early Judaism that is aware of incipient Christianity, but not consumed by it.There are eight chapters: Chapter 1, "Ancient Judaism: Chronology and Definitions"; Chapter 2, "Jews and Gentiles"; Chapter 3, "The Jewish 'Religion': Practices and Beliefs"; Chapter 4, "The Community and Its Institutions"; Chapter 5, "Sectarian and Normative"; Chapter 6, "Canonization and Its Implications"; Chapter 7, "The Emergence of Rabbinic Judaism"; and Chapter 8, "Ways That Parted: Jews, Christians, Jewish Christians (ca. 100-150)". Most of these chapter titles are self-explanatory as regards their content. The first chapter is dedicated to the history of the Jews. The second is dedicated to questions related to Jewish identity and what separates Jews from the nations. The third chapter focuses upon the liturgical and halachic aspects of early Judaism, especially the Temple in Jerusalem and the rituals that occurred there, but also ethics, questions about "legalism", and the place of women in society. Cohen argues that Judaism is more about action/behavior than doctrine/dogma, but he does discuss a few doctrines: "Kingship of God"; "Reward and Punishment"; and "Redemption".The fourth chapter addresses the Temple, the Sanhedrin, life in the Diaspora, the synagogue, and sects, guilds, and schools. The fifth chapter begins where the fourth ends by working to define a "sect" and the roles of sects in early Judaism, most specifically the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, "Fourth Philosophy", Sicarii, Zealots, Christians, Samaritans, and the Therapeutic.The sixth chapter wrestles with the process of canonizing scripture and the implications of doing so (this chapter was quite enlightening as regards Cohen's observations regarding many cultures canonizing literature from their perceived "golden age"). The seventh chapter outlines the rise of rabbinic Judaism and the development of literature like the Mishnah. The eighth chapter, a new one, is where Cohen discusses the parting of ways, arguing, in gist, that the true parting was between Jewish Christians and other Jews since there was never a time of "togetherness" between Gentile Christians and Jews.In this 3rd edition the Preface contains Cohen's rebuke of the PC (USA) for its divestment in American companies who do business with Israel. WJKP is independent of the PC (USA), though associated with it, but it is the independence that permitted Cohen to continue working with WJKP in good conscience. This makes the addition of the eighth chapter on the "parting of the ways" quite interesting being that the chapter is written in the shadow of a present conflict between one branch of Protestantism and many Jews who are loyal to Israel. You can read Cohen's thoughts on the PC (USA) in an article he wrote for the Marginalia Review of Books titled "The Presbyterians and I".

The book clearly delineates periodization and main religious currents of Second Temple Judaism, and the main contention points vis-a-vis the surrounding Hellenistic culture and Roman power. I give it very high marks for clarity, which is missing in Josephus or Old/New Testament. The book concentrates on religious issues as opposed to economics, architecture, archeological finds or anything like that. I think the book is somewhat expensive for what it is though.

A very helpful history of the period that set the stage for Christianity as well as rabbinic Judaism. Essential reading for any student of the New Testament. Yes, I know it's about Jewish history during that time. That's the point. The Christians were Jews. And the Jews back then had a lot of Greek and Persian in them, too. Gives a refreshing new perspective to us Bible-toting christians.

A lot more scholarly than I expected, but very thorough. Writing style is very pleasant. Easy to read and fills in a lot of information on both the Jewish and Christian side.

This is a great overview of the milieu of the Jews from about 200 BC through 200 AD. Cohen is clear and sticks to the facts as far as they are known/knowable. It's written for a wide audience and I think that anyone interested in the Bible, Palestinian history, Jewish history, etc, would enjoy this broad introduction. It's like a freshman college course and you will enjoy it!

I got this for an Early Judaism class this semester. Really interesting, comprehensive and easy to understand. It is told historically, rather than theologically. Great book.

Very in-depth account of Second Temple Judaism. Would have liked to hear more about the Qumran scrolls, though.

Very well written and fascinating to read. It contained much new material that I was not aware of.Highly recommend this book if you are intereste in Biblical history.

This book was one of my textbooks for my seminary class on Jewish backgrounds to early Christianity. I quite enjoyed it and learned much on the subject from Cohen.

Alles super! Danke sehr!

Es un libro académico muy claro y de fácil lectura.

Very interesting read