In this exciting addition to Bloomsbury's Short Histories series, Steven Leonard Jacobs critically yet concisely examines the history of Judaism and the Jewish people, drawing from maps, photographs and archives to illuminate the history of one of the world's oldest religions.
Beginning by establishing a definition of Judaism, Jacobs explores the historiography of the Jewish people, in addition to the role of memory in charting history. Including a comprehensive breakdown of the history of Judaism, the author splits discussion into defined eras, taking readers from the beginnings of Judaism, to the split between Judah in the South and Israel in the North, the united Monarchy, and the Age of the Prophets.
Exploring the social structures and institutions of ancient Israel, Jacobs incorporates key themes such as civic life, economics, and art – before analysing the interactions of Judaism with Romanism and Hellenism. Moving through the Middle Ages and Pre-Modernity, and acknowledging the role of key figures such as Yosef Karo and Moses Mendelssohn, this book brings the narrative up to the present day, and uncovers the foundations of Judaism in modernity.
Jacobs' authoritative yet engaging prose shines through each of the thirteen chapters, which seamlessly intertwine to produce a thorough yet concise examination of the history of Judaism and Jewish peoples.
Arvustused
Do not be fooled by the title. This short history is every bit as deep and wide as we have come to expect from Professor Jacobs. It is beautifully written and includes hundreds of citations to secondary sources that will be of tremendous value to students and scholars alike. * Michael Dickerman, Adjunct Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Stockton University, USA * A Short History of Judaism and the Jewish People by Steven Jacobs is written with the general reader in mind. That is the text is clear and offers a full history never assuming that the reader already knows the details. It is even so comprehensive in this compacted text so that any student will be able to follow the history from the ancient world to the complex reality of modern Judaism. As Prof. Jacobs does this, he also draws on contemporary images (such as a reference to Indiana Jones). All of this makes for an excellent text well suited for the beginning student in any college classroom. * James Moore, Senior Research Professor, Valparaiso University, USA *
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Steven Jacobs critically examines the history of the Jewish People from their earliest beginnings until the present moment, and the evolving history of Judaism, the religion, practices, texts, and beliefs of the Jewish People.
1. Introduction
The Operating Definition of Judaism
Sociologically Speaking
The Importance of the Literary Tradition
The Centrality of the God of Israel
Judaism, Jewish People, and God
2. Beginnings until the Monarchy
Migratory Tribes
Egyptian Monarchy
Confederation of Tribes
3. Kingdoms of Judah and Israel
Reign of Saul
Reign of David
Reign of Solomon
Downfall of the Two Kingdoms
4. Social Structures of Ancient Israel
Patriarchal Structure
Rise of Urbanization
5. Before the Destruction of the First Temple to Alexander the Great
The Age of the Prophets
Babylonian Captivity
Return to Palestine
6. The Second Temple Period and the Conflicts with Hellenism and
Romanism
Hasmonean Revolt and Rule
Oppression under Roman Rule
Destruction of the Second Temple
7. Aftermath of the Roman War
Bar Kokhba Revolt
Rise of Rabbinical Academies
8. The 4th to the 7th Centuries
Constantine, Christianity, and the Edict of Milan
Emergence of Islam
9. The 8th to the 15th Centuries: The Middle Ages
The First Crusade
Later Crusades and Jewish Oppression
A Golden Age
Jewish Expulsions and Diasporas
10. The 16th and the 17th Centuries: The Middle Ages and Transitions
Internal Jewish Dynamics
Further Christian Persecutions
False Messiahs
11. The 18th and 19th Centuries: Pre-Modernity to Modernity
Period of Jewish Emancipation
Four Jewish Movements: Haskalah, Hasidism, Reform Judaism, Zionism
Impact of Secularism
12. The 20th Century and Beyond: Modernity
Immigration and Emigration
Antisemitism in Europe
Germany and the Holocaust/Shoah
13. The 21st Century Moment and Beyond
American, Israeli, and Worldwide Jewish Survival
American Jewish Communities
State of Israel
Jews Worldwide
Antisemitism: Hatred Old and New
The Middle East: Israel and Her Neighbours
14. Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
Steven Leonard Jacobs is Emeritus Aaron Aronov Endowed Chair of Judaic Studies at the University of Alabama, USA and has written extensively on Biblical Studies, translation and interpretation, Jewish-Christian Relations; and Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
