A Short History of Judaism and the Jewish People

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis:

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

Rezension:

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