Winner of the 2020 Biblical Foundations Book Award, Reference The T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism provides a comprehensive reference resource of over 600 scholarly articles aimed at scholars and students interested in Judaism of the Second Temple Period. The two-volume work is split into four parts. Part One offers a prolegomenon for the contemporary study and appreciation of Second Temple Judaism, locating the discipline in relation to other relevant fields (such as Hebrew Bible, Rabbinics, Christian Origins). Beginning with a discussion of terminology, the discussion suggests ways the Second Temple period may be described, and concludes by noting areas of study that challenge our perception of ancient Judaism. Part Two presents an overview of respective contexts of the discipline set within the broad framework of historical chronology corresponding to a set of full-colour, custom-designed maps. With distinct attention to primary sources, the author traces the development of historical, social, political, and religious developments from the time period following the exile in the late 6th century B.C.E. through to the end of the Bar Kokhba revolt (135 C.E.). Part Three focuses specifically on a wide selection of primary-source literature of Second Temple Judaism, summarizing the content of key texts, and examining their similarities and differences with other texts of the period. Essays here include a brief introduction to the work and a summary of its contents, as well as examination of critical issues such as date, provenance, location, language(s), and interpretative matters. The early reception history of texts is also considered, and followed by a bibliography specific to that essay. Numerous high-resolution manuscript images are utilized to illustrate distinct features of the texts. Part Four addresses topics relevant to the Second Temple Period such as places, practices, historical figures, concepts, and subjects of scholarly discussion. These are often supplemented by images, maps, drawings, or diagrams, some of which appear here for the first time. Copiously illustrated, carefully researched and meticulously referenced, this resource provides a reliable, up-to-date and complete guide for those studying early Judaism in its literary and historical settings.

This reference resource in two volumes provides the most up-to-date and complete guide for those studying early Judaism, particularly in relation to its literature and historical setting.

About the Author
Daniel M. Gurtner is Professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California, USA. Loren T. Stuckenbruck is Professor of New Testament (with a specialization in Second Temple Judaism) at Ludwig Maximilian-University of Munich, Germany.

Reviews
This is an extraordinary resource for scholars and students of every level and area of interest. Top-rate contributors provide elegant, up-to-date essays for all texts as well as all categories of material evidence from, or pertaining to, the Second Temple period. In thoughtful, clear prose, Stuckenbruck's and Gurtner's opening chapters summarize scholarship on this era as well as present its overarching context. This is the rare project that meets the challenge of crafting a fully rounded, three dimensional picture of a critical place and time. The information here will comprise a starting point and launchpad for future research. * ANDREA M. BERLIN, Boston University, USA *
Drawing on the expertise of a host of scholars, the T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism fills a big gap as an essential guide to this burgeoning field. This rich reference resource will prove indispensable to students and scholars of the Bible and its contexts in antiquity. * JUDITH NEWMAN, University of Toronto, Canada *
The T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism is a distinguished reference work that will make a significant contribution to the burgeoning field of study it addresses. The editors and press are to be commended for creating a work with the ingredients one hopes to find in an encyclopedia: a lengthy list of well-chosen topics that offer both comprehensive and in-depth coverage, and an outstanding, diversified roster of contributors. * JAMES VANDERKAM, University of Notre Dame, USA *


Awards
Winner of Biblical Foundations Book Award 2020 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9780567716910
Author Professor Loren T. Stuckenbruck
Format Paperback
Page Count 912
Imprint T.& T.Clark Ltd
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC