Jacob Neusner was a Research Professor of Religion and Theology at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Alan J. Avery-Peck is Kraft-Hiatt Professor of Judaic Studies and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts.

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'Jeremy Rosen has provided a most readable and useful smorgasbord of Jewish history, biblical law and ethics, concepts and issues in talmudic theology, medieval philosophy and mysticism, a survey of modern movements in Jewish life, the challenges of fundamentalism, and daily rituals and life cycles.' - Booklog'This work will be useful and reasonably priced addition to the college and school library collection, and earn its keep on the shelves of the student and lecturer and interested layperson.' - Stuart Hannabuss, Aberdeen Business School