Short History of Judaism and the Jewish People

Steven Leonard Jacobs is Emeritus Aaron Aronov Endowed Chair of Judaic Studies at the University of Alabama, USA and has written extensively on Biblical Studies, translation and interpretation, Jewish-Christian Relations; and Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

• 1. IntroductionThe Operating Definition of JudaismSociologically SpeakingThe Importance of the Literary TraditionThe Centrality of the God of IsraelJudaism, Jewish People, and God2. Beginnings until the MonarchyMigratory TribesEgyptian MonarchyConfederation of Tribes3. Kingdoms of Judah and IsraelReign of SaulReign of DavidReign of SolomonDownfall of the Two Kingdoms4. Social Structures of Ancient IsraelPatriarchal StructureRise of Urbanization5. Before the Destruction of the First Temple to Alexander the GreatThe Age of the ProphetsBabylonian CaptivityReturn to Palestine6. The Second Temple Period and the Conflicts with “Hellenism” and “Romanism”Hasmonean Revolt and RuleOppression under Roman RuleDestruction of the Second Temple7. Aftermath of the Roman WarBar Kokhba RevoltRise of Rabbinical Academies8. The 4th to the 7th CenturiesConstantine, Christianity, and the Edict of MilanEmergence of Islam9. The 8th to the 15th Centuries: The Middle AgesThe First CrusadeLater Crusades and Jewish OppressionA Golden AgeJewish Expulsions and Diasporas10. The 16th and the 17th Centuries: The Middle Ages and TransitionsInternal Jewish DynamicsFurther Christian PersecutionsFalse Messiahs11. The 18th and 19th Centuries: Pre-Modernity to ModernityPeriod of Jewish EmancipationFour Jewish Movements: Haskalah, Hasidism, Reform Judaism, ZionismImpact of Secularism12. The 20th Century and Beyond: ModernityImmigration and EmigrationAntisemitism in EuropeGermany and the Holocaust/Shoah13. The 21st Century Moment and BeyondAmerican, Israeli, and Worldwide Jewish SurvivalAmerican Jewish CommunitiesState of IsraelJews WorldwideAntisemitism: Hatred Old and NewThe Middle East: Israel and Her Neighbours14. Conclusions BibliographyIndex

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.