The text of 2 Maccabees (Makkabaion 2) offers a rich historical narrative that recounts the Maccabean revolt against Hellenistic rule in Judea, focusing particularly on the themes of faith, resistance, and divine intervention. Written in an engaging and lively style, the book employs a dramatic retelling, mixing both historical episodes and theological reflections that invite readers to consider the significance of Jewish identity and culture during a period of intense persecution. As one of the deuterocanonical books, it occupies a unique position in the corpus of biblical literature, showcasing the tension between Hellenism and the Jewish tradition, while also highlighting the urgency of maintaining religious fervor in the face of adversity. The identity of the author remains anonymous, yet the text reflects a deep concern for the preservation of Jewish heritage, likely influenced by the socio-political climate of the late second century BCE. It is believed that the author, drawing from a wealth of oral traditions and preceding texts, sought to inspire and unify the Jewish community, confronting the challenges posed by foreign domination and internal strife. This context not only sheds light on the motivational impetus for the work but also enriches the readers understanding of the struggles inherent in maintaining cultural identity. I highly recommend 2 Maccabees to anyone interested in the intersections of history, religion, and literature. Its compelling narrative, vibrant characters, and profound theological insights make it an essential read for scholars and lay readers alike. The work serves not only as a historical document but also as a timeless reflection on resilience and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.

Desde tempos imemoriais, o espectro do caos nos ameaça. O que tememos não é o mal em si, mas uma realidade em que o mal e o bem se misturam de forma indistinta. O desespero e a desorientação nos pare

Último livro da trilogia inspirada no ditado judaico "De três maneiras é uma pessoa conhecida: através de seu corpo, seu bolso e sua raiva", A Cabala da inveja, de Nilton Bonder, trata de um tema mai

O segundo livro da trilogia iniciada com A Cabala da comida trata da relação do indivíduo com o sistema de valores e riquezas do mundo que o cerca. Ao mostrar os reflexos da moeda nas dimensões da em

Combinando texto com videoaulas de aprofundamento, A Cabala e o poder oculto da Bíblia, de Ian Mecler, apresenta e guia o leitor pelos cinco livros que compõem a Torah — a sabedoria essencial de Mois

The growth of the rabbinic canon may be best described as a hermeneutical endeavor. Michael Chernick demonstrates how hermeneutical methods helped the Rabbis confront the difficulties that arose when logical and interpretative problems appeared in scriptural and, later, rabbinic texts. Given the Rabbis theological, literary, and rhetorical attitudes, these reading strategies were adopted to obviate the problem the texts presented. After all, the Rabbis of different generations viewed these texts as revealed communications produced by a perfect Author. Chernick analyzes and illustrates six midrashic hermeneutics in great detail: outright midrashic resolutions of contradictions in Scripture, distinguishing between what constitutes true scriptural proof and what is merely a support text, a midrashic hermeneutic that transfers the rules of one rubric to another, two hermeneutics that limit interpretive extensions of halakhot, and the claim that two redundant pentateuchal rubrics are needed to ward off incorrect analogies. He highlights the significant changes that occurred in rabbinic legal hermeneutics from the tannaitic through post-amoraic strata of rabbinic literature-some 500 years at least-and shows how these changes attest to the persistence, continuity, and centrality of hermenutic method to the rabbinic interpretive process. Of particular significance is the connection Chernick makes between changes in hermeneutical practice and the changing revelatory status of the non-Pentateuchal parts of the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic legal discourse. His study draws its title from the traditional view of Sinaitic revelation, when God spoke to the assembled people with "a great voice that did not cease" (kol gadol velo yasaf, Deut 5:19). This view, Chernick believes, is at the core of rabbinic Judaism, the Judaism that claims to hear that great voice through the medium of interpretation.

In "A History of the Jewish People in the Time of Jesus Christ," Emil Schurer presents a meticulous examination of the socio-political and religious landscape of first-century Judea. Drawing on an array of primary sources and employing a rigorous scholarly approach, Schurer deftly situates his work within the broader historical context, offering insights into the complexities of Jewish life during a transformative period marked by Roman occupation and the diverse currents of Jewish thought. His elegant prose balances academic rigor with clarity, making this extensive analysis accessible to both scholars and general readers interested in this pivotal era. Emil Schurer (1817-1888), a prominent Jewish historian, undertook this monumental project in an era characterized by burgeoning interest in biblical scholarship. Schurers own experiences as a scholar, combined with the socio-political upheaval of 19th-century Europe, shaped his worldview and methodological approach, infusing his work with a deep empathy for the individuals and communities he chronicles. His dedication to uncovering the historical context of Jesus life reflects a commitment to bridging gaps in understanding between faith and history. This groundbreaking work is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics at play during the time of Jesus Christ. Schurers comprehensive analysis not only enriches our knowledge of Jewish history but also illuminates the cultural and religious backdrop against which Christianity emerged. As such, it is a foundational text for theologians, historians, and readers from all walks of life wishing to engage with this critical moment in history.

In 1965, the Second Vatican Council formally issued a historic document titled Nostra Aetate (In Our Time). It was an attempt to frame the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Jewish people. Never before had an ecumenical council attempted such a task. The landmark document issued by the Council and proclaimed by Pope Paul VI precipitated a Copernican revolution in Catholic-Jewish relations and started a process that has spread to the Protestant and Orthodox worlds as well. A Jubilee for All Time, consisting of essays and reflections by Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Jewish scholars and theologians, by pastors and professors from the United States, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, and Israel, is an evaluation of what Nostra Aetate has accomplished thus far and how Christian-Jewish relations must proceed in building bridges of respect, understanding, and trust between the faith groups. A Jubilee for All Time serves as a source of discussion, learning, and dialoguefor scholars, students and intelligent laypersons who believe that we must create a positive relationship between Judaism and Christianity.

Since Freud, the study of dreams has typically involved inquiry into past and present emotional states. The ancients, unfamiliar with the intricate byways of the human soul revealed by modern psychology, typically saw dreams as channels of communication between human beings and external sources. Shaul Bar explores the etymology of key terms for dreams in the Hebrew Bible, presents dozens of examples of biblical dreams and visions, and categorizes them as prophetic, symbolic, or incubation. He studies biblical dreams and visions in the context of similar phenomena in the literature of neighboring cultures and analyzes the functions of dream reports in the biblical corpus. The literature of dream interpretation in Egypt and Mesopotamia informs Bars treatment of the structure of dream accounts as conforming to the three-part model (setting, message, response) proposed for ancient Near Eastern dream accounts in A. Leo Oppenheims classic work on dream interpretation. Symbolic dreams, whether or not God is their source, contain no divine appearance and require interpretation to be understood. While oneiro-criticism was a significant profession in ancient Near Eastern cultures, the Hebrew Bible presents only two such experts, Joseph and Daniel. Both were active in royal courts, and the success of both in interpreting the rulers dreams served to confirm the superiority of the God of Israel. Ambivalence characterizes the attitude toward dreams and visions in prophetic literature. Joel and Job allow that they have some value. But Jeremiah, Zechariah, Isaiah, and Ecclesiates find no religious significance in them and even treat them as tools of deceit. The Talmud presents no consensus about whether dreams are a legitimate form of communication from God. Although a guild of professional interpreters existed in Jerusalem and the Talmud includes a short dream book, many Sages expressed skepticism about such alleged divine messages. Dreams also serve important functions within the literary world of the Hebrew Bible. Bar shows how Jacobs dream at Bethel serves to explain the sanctity of the place and detach it from its Canaanite context, how the dreams in the Joseph cycle show the hand of divine providence in the descent to Egypt followed by the ascent to the Promised Land, how Solomons dream at Gibeon serves to legitimate Solomons rule, and how Nebuchadnezzars dreams served to emphasize once again that it is the Lord who guides universal history.

The religious world knows Dr. Kaufmann Kohler as the erudite author of the most comprehensive pioneer work on "Jewish Theology" (1918), of the volumes "Heaven and Hell in Comparative Religion" (1923) and of the hundreds of articles and essays in the Jewish Encyclopedia and various other learned publications. These writings show his marked critical judgment and scientific objectivity. This is but one profile of the great master. The other is disclosed in his homiletical expressions, which in part comes to light in his "Hebrew Union College and Other Addresses" (1916) and in his "Studies, Addresses and Personal Papers" (1931). The scientific theologian was also a preacher of exceptional powers, one of the greatest in the Reform Jewish pulpit in America. The present volume consists of sermons and addresses selected from the literary remains of Dr. Kohler. Most were delivered from his own pulpit at Temple Beth-El in New York City, and a number of them as guest preacher at Adat Israel of Louisville, Kentucky, Wise Temple of Cincinnati, Rodef Shalom of Pittsburgh, and others. The Hebrew Union College addresses were delivered by Dr. Kohler in his capacity as president of that institution during opening and ordination exercises. His personal sermons and addresses are richly autobiographical. The memorial addresses and tributes contain valuable material on the history of modern Judaism. At the same time they show the breadth of Dr. Kohlers sympathies. The uncompromising champion of Reform appears as a lover of genuine orthodoxy. A life long opponent of political Zionism, he applauds the return of Jews to agricultural pursuits in Palestine.

¿Alguna vez imaginaste lo que hubiera sido si no existiera Dios?Exactamente. ¡Nada!Intentar siquiera imaginarlo me deja la mente en blanco.Porque si el Todopoderoso no existiera, nada existiría. No hay cielos, ni Tierra, ni galaxias, ni constelaciones, ni criaturas, ni siquiera un cielo que esperar.Habria sido simplemente un vacio enorme y masivo. Y ni siquiera lo sabriamos porque no existirian humanos con cerebro para concebir la desolacion.Este Libro intenta comprender quien es este Ser Supremo, incluso desde nuestra sombria perspectiva.Sea bendecido mientras lee.

David Ellenson prefaces this fascinating collection of twenty-three essays with a remarkably candid account of his intellectual journey from boyhood in Virginia to the scholarly immersions in the history, thought, and literature of the Jewish people that have informed his research interests in a long and distinguished academic career. Ellenson, President of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, has been particularly intrigued by the attempts of religious leaders in all denominations of Judaism, from Liberal to Neo-Orthodox, to redefine and reconceptualize themselves and their traditions in the modern period as both the Jewish community and individual Jews entered radically new realms of possibility and change. The essays are grouped into five sections. In the first, Ellenson reflects upon the expression of Jewish values and Jewish identity in contemporary America, explains his debt to Jacob Katzs socio-religious approach to Jewish history, and shows how the works of non-Jewish social historian Max Weber highlight the tensions between the universalism of western thought and Jewish demands for a particularistic identity. In the second section, "The Challenge of Emanicpation," he indicates how Jewish religious leaders in nineteenth-century Europe labored to demonstrate that the Jewish religion and Jewish culture were worthy of respect by the larger gentile world. In a third section, "Denominational Responses," Ellenson shows how the leaders of Liberal and Orthodox branches of Judaism in Central Europe constructed novel parameters for their communities through prayer books, legal writings, sermons, and journal articles. The fourth section, "Modern Responsa," takes a close look at twentieth-century Jewish legal decisions on new issues such as the status of woemn, fertility treatments, and even the obligations of the Israeli government towards its minority populations. Finally, review essays in the last section analyze a few landmark contemporary works of legal and liturgical creativity: the new Israeli Masorti prayer book, David Hartmans works on covenantal theology, and Marcia Falks Book of Blessings. As Ellenson demonstrates, "The reality of Jewish cultural and social integration into the larger world after Emancipation did not signal the demise of Judaism. Instead, the modern setting has provided a challenging context where the ongoing creativity and adaptability of Jewish religious leaders of all stripes has been tested and displayed."

In "Against Apion," the ancient historian Flavius Josephus presents a vigorous defense of Judaism against the criticisms of the Greek historian Apion. Written in the context of first-century Roman society, Josephus employs a blend of rhetorical brilliance and historical detail to counter anti-Semitic narratives, asserting the antiquity and values of Jewish traditions. The text stands as a testament to Josephuss literary style, characterized by its erudition and polemic fervor, as he weaves together history, philosophy, and appeals to cultural pride, all while seeking to elevate the Jewish legacy in the face of Hellenistic skepticism. Flavius Josephus, born into a priestly family and well-versed in both Jewish and Greco-Roman culture, sought to bridge the divide between these worlds. His unique position as a Jewish general who later became a Roman citizen profoundly shaped his writings. Josephuss motivations in crafting "Against Apion" stem from his experiences of conflict, his pursuit of reconciliation, and his desire to preserve Jewish identity amidst increasing external pressures during and after the Jewish-Roman Wars. Readers seeking a nuanced understanding of the historical dialogue between Judaism and Hellenism will find "Against Apion" invaluable. This work not only serves as a crucial historical artifact but also as a rich source of insight into the Jewish experience in a period of turbulence, making it essential reading for scholars and enthusiasts of ancient history alike.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

O mundo atravessa uma fase de profundo antagonismo, provocado por posiçes extremistas e radicais que no toleram a diversidade de opinio, buscando antes o conflito que a compreenso e o entendimento. Esse tipo de postura se torna particularmente perigoso quando conduz ao sectarismo politico ou ao fundamentalismo religioso.Alma & Politica faz uma reflexo inovadora e profunda sobre o lugar da politica na evoluço humana. Tradiçes milenares ja identificavam dois tipos distintos de padres no aparato de compreenso humana o intransigente (machmir) e o leniente (mekil). Estes dois modi operandi basicos deram origem aos embates entre liberal e conservador, esquerda e direita e Democrata e Republicano, estabelecendo tendencias que afetam opinio e julgamento.Um livro para identificar seu "tipo de Alma" e o regime que lhe e cabido para desinclinar-se. Uma Dieta do Tipo de Alma, apontando regimes as parcialidades do pensamento e de seu sectarismo na busca por isenço, justiça e retido.

In John Ranicar Parks An Amicable Controversy with a Jewish Rabbi, on The Messiahs Coming, the reader is presented with a detailed and scholarly discourse on the topic of the Messiahs coming, as debated between the author and a Jewish Rabbi. The book delves into theological arguments, scriptural interpretations, and historical context, all presented in a clear and engaging literary style. Parks work provides a unique insight into the religious debates of his time and offers a valuable contribution to the study of eschatology and religious dialogue in the 19th century. The book is a fascinating exploration of differing religious perspectives and a thought-provoking read for those interested in religious theology and interfaith discussions. Through his articulate arguments and thoughtful engagement with his opponent, Park demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter and a commitment to respectful discourse. An Amicable Controversy with a Jewish Rabbi, on The Messiahs Coming is a must-read for anyone interested in religious studies and the history of religious thought.

Neglected until the close of the 19th century because it was misidentified, Vatican 30 constitutes an 13th century manuscript of midrash Bereshit Rabbah. Used by Theodor and Albeck in their research on the manuscript tradition of Bereshit Rabbah and considered it the preferred manuscript, lacking additions and deletions. Lewis M. Barth offers a thorough treatment of this manuscript, which is important not only for the history of midrashic traditions but also linguistically, given its closeness to the Aramaic of the Talmud Yerushalmi. He describes the manuscript, discusses its scribes, its relationship to other early witnesses, and offers sample chapters illustrating the work of four scribes.

Este libro ofrece una introducción al antisemitismo en sus distintas formas históricas y las claves para identificar sus expresiones contemporáneas. Lejos de ser un esquema fijo de ideas, el antisemitismo es una fuerza versatil y creativa que podemos encontrar en epocas e ideologias diversas. Hay en el una complejidad y persistencia que no esta presente en otros tipos de actitudes negativas y prejuiciosas hacia grupos o minorias. El antisemita no atribuye solamente alteridad o inferioridad al judio, sino fundamentalmente malicia y poder. Percibidos como extraños, no-integrables, intrusos o nocivos para el cuerpo social, los judios fueron periodicamente excluidos de la comunidad humana. La consecuencia mas radical de esa percepcion fue la Shoa, el genocidio al que los nazis llamaron la solucion final de la cuestion judia. Actualmente, las formas mas explicitas de antisemitismo suelen ser identificadas y reprobadas como tales. Pero los judios siguen desempeñando un papel singular en los imaginarios politicos y culturales contemporaneos. Baer considera que especialmente en los debates sobre el Estado de Israel afloran antiguos habitos de pensamiento y resuenan los ecos de un prejuicio milenario. Alejandro Baer es sociologo, especialista en estudios de memoria, violencia y estudios judios contemporaneos. Ha sido director del Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies en la Universidad de Minnesota (2012-2022). En la actualidad es investigador en el CSIC.

Theologians have long debated the significance of the Jewish religion for the Christian Church. Some scholars see Thomas Aquinas as the leading advocate of the belief that Israel has been superceded by the Church, while others hold that Aquinas avoids supersessionism altogether. The discussion has, however, not always analysed the terminology, nor has it taken into account some of Aquinass commentaries on Pauls letters, his writings most relevant to the subject. Drawing upon the Pauline commentaries, Matthew Tapie shows that while Aquinass most commonly articulated view is that the passion of Christ made Jewish worship and the Mosaic law obsolete, Aquinas also advanced views that set this into question, in ways that support Christianteachings affirming the value of post-biblical Judaism. In doing so, he provides both a rich and timely reminder of the ambiguities in Aquinass thought and makes an important contribution to the literature of supersessionism.

Uma história dos judeus sefarditas. Expulsos de Portugal pela Inquisição, refugiaram-se na Holanda, ocuparam o Brasil e fizeram Nova IorqueCom prefácio de Esther MucznickEntre os séculos XVI e XVIII,

The description of the wilderness Tabernacle (melekhet ha-mishkan) in Exodus exerted a lasting impact on ancient Jewish culture, evidenced by other texts influenced by its description in Exodus: the description of Solomons temple (I Kings 6-7), the sanctuary described in the Temple Scroll (cols. 3-13), the Eupolemus fragments, and Josephus. Philo of Alexandria first interprets the Tabernacle account in the Greek tradition of allegory wherein the tabernacle represents an archetype of the universe, that physical entity most approximating the divine abode. Apocalyptic literature frequently presents a celestial sanctuary, but the Temple rather than the Tabernacle is often the paradigm. Origen represents a typical patristic view where the tabernacle description is read completely figuratively. Tannaitic, amoraic, and geonic literature, on the other hand, provides scattered remarks on and explanations of biblical passages but no sustained exegesis of the tabernacle description. Baraita de-Melekhet ha-Mishkan presents the only systematic rabbinic exegesis of the tabernacle account to come from late antiquity or the Middle Ages. In contrast to Philo, the Church fathers, and the aggadic midrashim, this baraita assumes that the tabernacle and its furnishings need explanation as historical objects. The technology of construction, the calculation of measurements, and the delineation of architectural forms concern the framers of this document. Kirschner provides 150 pages of introductory analysis on this documents genre, structure, language, origin, date, and textual criticism before providing a critical edition with apparatus. Following the critical edition can be found Kirschners English translation, Genizah transcriptions, plates, an appendix of biblical citations within the baraita and one for biblical and postbiblical sources in general, bibliography, and general index.