Jacob Neusner Livres

The anthology explores the interpretations of the ancient Israelite scriptures by classical rabbis from the first seven centuries CE, focusing on their unique readings of the Five Books of Moses. Each Midrash compilation systematically analyzes a specific book, revealing the deeper messages derived by the Rabbinical sages rather than merely paraphrasing the text. The work includes significant Rabbinic exegeses such as Genesis Rabbah, Mekhilta, and Sifré, providing insight into the formative age of Judaism and the evolution of scriptural understanding.

The eminent Judaica scholar Jacob Neusner provides here the first form-analytical translation of the Mishnah. This path-breaking edition provides as close to a literal translation as possible, following the syntax of Mishnaic Hebrew in its highly formalized and syntactically patterned language. Demonstrating that the Mishnah is a work of careful…

Focusing on the theological and exegetical components, this volume examines the category-formations that define Aggadic literature within Rabbinic Judaism. Neusner's analysis reveals how these authoritative texts create a cohesive narrative, exploring the intricate relationship between theology and narrative in the Aggadah.

The essays explore the sociology of Judaism during the late Second Jewish Commonwealth, highlighting two forms of religious fellowship: the 'haber,' focused on observance of laws, and the 'talmid hakham,' centered on Torah study. The author contrasts these with the Qumran community, emphasizing differing societal attitudes. The concluding chapter analyzes contemporary Jewish fellowship and proposes ways to revitalize social religious life by drawing on insights from ancient practices.

Jacob Neusner is a prolific scholar in religion and theology, recognized as the most published humanities scholar globally with over 900 books and numerous articles. His academic journey includes an AB from Harvard, a PhD from Columbia University, and rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Neusner has received nine honorary degrees, showcasing his significant contributions to both scholarly and popular discourse in his field. His roles include Research Professor at Bard College and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Theology.

Exploring the intersection of Rabbinic Judaism and Prophetic literature, this analysis delves into how Rabbinic tradition assimilated the Halakhic elements of key prophetic texts, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets. The author highlights the characteristics of Rabbinic Judaism revealed through its interpretation of these ancient writings, aiming to identify a coherent system within the episodic exegesis of prophetic verses. This study offers insights into the formative canon of Rabbinic thought and its legal heritage.

The book delves into the development of Neusner's scholarly work on formative Judaism during the first six centuries C.E. It outlines the key stages of his intellectual journey, showcasing his contributions to various fields such as history, literature, social thought, and theology. Neusner's insights illuminate the complexities of Judaism's evolution and its historical context, offering a comprehensive understanding of his impact on the study of religion and culture.