In his comprehensive history of the synagogue from the Hellenistic period through Late Antiquity; Lee Levine traces the origins and development of this dynamic and revolutionary institution. This revised paperback edition reflects the latest information in the field and includes a wealth of recently published material ranging from excavation reports and monographs to articles appearing in edited volumes and scholarly journals.Reviews of the first edition:“Will undoubtedly remain for a long time the leading work of reference in the field.â€â€•Stefan C. Reif; Times Literary Supplement“Monumental.â€â€•Martin S. Jaffee; Religious Studies Review“A necessary read for any serious student of Judaism or Christianity in Late Antiquity.â€â€•Christopher Beall; Journal of Jewish Studies“A splendid and imposing achievement that crowns the career of an outstanding scholar.â€â€•Morton I. Techer; Jerusalem Post“[In] this handsome volume . . . [Levine] has provided us with the single best survey of all relevant historical; archaeological; architectural; and institutional issues related to one of the oldest surviving institutions of the world.â€â€•Eckhard J. Schnabel; Trinity Journal
#1392527 in Books 2003-04-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.64 x 1.63 x 6.46l; 2.26 #File Name: 0300094280656 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful analysis of "who is a Jew" and moreBy israelmavenThis book is a collaboration of two dozen very smart scholars -- mainly philosophers; lawyers and political scientists -- who mined the Jewish tradition for writings on the question of membership. It is a wonderful resource for exploring the nature of the perennial "who is a Jew" question as well as questions about conversion; gender inequality and heresy. The most politically relevant section is the final one; which looks at Jews' relationship with gentiles and closes with a fascinating review of sources considering the status of non-Jews in the State of Israel.The book's selections are well-chosen and well-edited; though some seem cut a bit too short (inevitable; I suppose; in such a wide-ranging compendium). The interpretive essays on each reading are gems of insight that will keep you thinking and talking. The Jewish Political Tradition would be a wonderful book for discussion in an adult Jewish education class.
