A Companion to Late Ancient Jews and Judaism

This book provides a thorough examination of Jewish culture and history from the third century BCE to the seventh century CE, offering insights into various aspects of Jewish life.

This comprehensive volume offers an innovative approach to understanding Jewish culture and history across ten centuries. A Companion to Late Ancient Jews and Judaism delves into the rich tapestry of the Jewish experience from the third century BCE to the seventh century CE. Through a collection of 30 original essays authored by esteemed scholars, this book provides an in-depth exploration of ancient Jewish life, identity, gender, and the various religious and cultural expressions that have shaped Jewish communities over the centuries.

Editors Gwynn Kessler and Naomi Koltun-Fromm present this work within the context of Late Antiquity, encouraging readers to reconsider conventional chronological, geographic, and political frameworks. The Companion employs a diverse methodological approach, integrating social history, material culture, and literary studies to shed light on the multifaceted nature of Jews and Judaism across different contexts. The essays are thematically organized into five sections, addressing crucial topics such as the spaces where Jews lived and worshiped, the languages and literatures they produced, and the complexities of ethnicity and identity, along with significant gender-related issues within Jewish culture.

This unique volume not only offers original scholarship and fresh perspectives on late ancient Jewish history but also serves as a valuable resource for students, instructors, and scholars. It includes original maps, outlines of major historical events, and extensive references, making A Companion to Late Ancient Jews and Judaism an essential guide for anyone interested in the intricacies of Jewish studies, religion, and ethnic identity.