Chapter Five moves closer towards addressing Christianity through discussion of the sectarian and normative Judaism. Following, he disseminates the Jewish communal institutions. Chapter Three presents the Jewish religious praxis and belief. Chapter Two engages with the relationship between Jews and gentiles through the major rebellions and wars, Hellenistic cultural influence upon Jews, and social spheres of interaction. Chapter One discusses important terms for historians studying this period and provides succinct summary of the exile to the formation of the Talmud Bavli. He goes so far as to say that if he were to rewrite the book, “there would be no end” (xi). Oddly enough, he offers the most poignant critiques in his third edition preface, writing that sometimes he “speaks about “jews”… where would now be more careful and write “Judeans” ” (xi). Shaye Cohen’s third edition of his work about Jewish life from the Maccabees to the Mishnah is most valuable as an overview. Additionally, because the first edition was published in 1987, I will primarily focus on the newest additions, rather than repeat any old critiques. *I would like to express my gratitude to Westminster John Knox Press for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014, 318 pp., $35.00 (paperback). From the Maccabees to the Mishnah, 3rd Edition.
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