First Century Judaism in Crisis: Yohanan Ben Zakkai and the Renaissance of Torah

Plot

This condensed version of Neusner's scholarly biography of the first century Pharisee, Yohanan ben Zakkai, made the world of first century Israel an accessible and fascinating place.

Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai was a contemporary of both Jesus and Paul, a witness to the destruction of Jerusalem, a leader of the Pharisees, and the founder of contemporary Judaism as we know it. He was a man "obsessed with peace in a time of war".

Neusner presents stories of this great Rabbi along with his sayings as they were preserved in the Talmud. Neusner guides the reader with social and political background as well as expert insight.

This is a book that would fascinate Christians, Jews and historians alike.