Beginnings of Judaism

By: The Great Courses, Isaiah M. Gafni

Narrated by: Isaiah M. Gafni

For thousands of years, Jews have looked to the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament by Christians, for their origins, and have located in them the tenets of their faith. However, much of what is recognized today as Judaism does not appear in the Bible. How did Judaism develop from its biblical roots to the highly developed system we know today? What has changed - and what has remained constant? In this series of 24 spirited and provocative lectures, Professor Gafni investigates how the Jewish faith struggled to continually redefine itself during the first thousand years after the completion of the last books of the Hebrew Bible, tenaciously clinging to existence through circumstances that might well have torn it asunder.

The two landmark events that altered Jewish history forever were the two destructions of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. This sacred place was first destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E., and, after having been rebuilt 70 years later, was razed once again by the Romans in 70 C.E., after the Jews waged a fierce uprising against Roman rule in the province of Judea.

The events surrounding these destructions lie at the heart of understanding Judaism. As you explore the evolution of an ancient faith into a system of beliefs, practices, and laws recognizable today as Judaism, you'll discover a tradition of vigorous and joyous debate - where reinterpretation coexists with profound acceptance of the original instructions from God regarding the practice of faith.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2008 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2008 The Great Courses

Fascinating information and background

The lectures are informative and come from a place of deep knowledge and understanding. Highly recommended.

Demonstrating the complex evolution of Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.

An excellent overview of Jewish history up to the rise of modern rabbinic Judaism. The detailed history is cognizant of the parallel history of Christianity. Highly recommended!

Four Stars Is a Reccomendation From Me

Would you listen to Beginnings of Judaism again? Why?

I have re-played a number of chapters already. Lots of very good info, competently presented.

What does Professor Isaiah M. Gafni bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Very broad historical presentation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Mostly.

Any additional comments?

One of the better religious presentations.

Enlightening

Every Christion should listen to this lecture. It offers a chance to better understand the Jewish religion. I now have small understanding and it helps me grasp onto my Christion beliefs.

Beginnings of Judaism

This was a concise and well developed course. Prof. Cherry was easy to follow and understand.