"Jewish Law from Jesus to the Mishnah is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Jewish law, in particular the laws of purity and the history of the Pharisees. A classic, excelling in erudition, analysis, and common sense."
Jewish Law from Jesus to the Mishnah: Five Studies
In this volume E. P. Sanders presents five studies that advance the re-examination of the nature of Jewish law that he began in Jesus and Judaism (Fortress Press, 1985). As usual, he is able to shed new light on old questions and demonstrate that many accepted interpretations are misguided.
A chapter on "The Synoptic Jesus and the Law" considers how serious the legal issues discussed between Jesus and his opponents would have been, had they been authentic. Two chapters explore whether the Pharisees had oral law, and whether they ate ordinary food in purity (the thesis of Jacob Neusner). A study of Jewish food and purity laws in the Greek-speaking Diaspora bears on the particular point of law which led to the argument between Peter and Paul at Antioch. At last, Sanders turns to a pointed essay that sets his own approach to rabbinic traditions and the Mishnah in distinct contrast from that of Jacob Neusner. A new preface points to the enduring contribution of these compelling and influential studies.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781506406091
- eBook ISBN 9781506408163
- Dimensions 6 x 9
- Pages 544
- Publication Date March 1, 2016
Samples
Endorsements
Shaye J. D. Cohen | Harvard University