The academic study of Judaism requires a systematic inquiry into the history, literature, and religion—and eventually the theology—as revealed in the historical documents themselves. Under this premise, Three Questions of Formative Judaism encounters the canonical writings of Judaism in the context of their creation at a certain time and place. How something is said thus becomes as important as what is said. Bringing nearly fifty years of research to bear on these fundamental questions, Jacob Neusner challenges his readers to face the difficult, often unasked or neglected questions about the nature, background, and purposes of Rabbinic Judaism and rewards them with an enriched understanding and a stronger foundation for tackling the even more elusive questions concerning the theology of formative Judaism. This publication has also been published in paperback, please click here for details.

Alfred Edersheim's 'Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah' is a comprehensive and scholarly examination of the life of Jesus Christ, providing a detailed account of the historical context in which Jesus lived and the events that shaped his ministry. Edersheim's work is known for its meticulous research, engaging narrative style, and extensive use of ancient sources, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the historical Jesus. The book delves into the religious, political, and social landscape of first-century Palestine, shedding light on the cultural milieu in which Jesus carried out his teachings and miracles. Edersheim's thorough exploration of the life of Jesus is not only informative but also deeply insightful, offering readers a deeper understanding of the person of Jesus and the significance of his mission. Alfred Edersheim, a respected biblical scholar and minister, was well-versed in Jewish history and culture, which greatly informed his writing. His background in theology and biblical studies enabled him to provide a nuanced and compelling portrayal of Jesus' life and times. I highly recommend 'Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah' to readers seeking a thoughtful and in-depth study of the historical Jesus, as Edersheim's work remains a classic in the field of biblical scholarship.

In this topically relevant book on modern ethical issues, Dorff focuses on personal ethics, Judaism's distinctive way of understanding human nature, our role in life, and what we should strive to be, both as individuals and as members of a community. Dorff addresses specific moral issues that affect our personal lives: privacy, particularly at work as it is affected by the Internet and other modern technologies; sex in and outside of marriage; family matters, such as adoption, surrogate motherhood, stepfamilies, divorce, parenting, and family violence; homosexuality; justice, mercy, and forgiveness; and charitable acts and social action.