Buy new:
-41% $25.99
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$25.99 with 41 percent savings
List Price: $44.00

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 8 hrs 26 mins
In Stock
$$25.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$25.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$24.54
Used books cannot guarantee unused access codes or working CD's! Ships fast! Used books cannot guarantee unused access codes or working CD's! Ships fast! See less
FREE delivery May 15 - 17. Details
Or fastest delivery May 14 - 16. Details
Only 3 left in stock - order soon.
$$25.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$25.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by firstclassbooks.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Shaye J. D. Cohen
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

From the Maccabees to the Mishnah, Third Edition Paperback – November 12, 2014

by Shaye Cohen (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 114 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$25.99","priceAmount":25.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"25","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"b9nzIJre5j0iXCBEH%2BTorjGwhEIzetxNwlHlOEf2waNhN5p42ZGCIsGpjZ0EOwYdTOPP%2FjQx8uZ1PyWgZONH%2B37LJd1l48vhR0K1fyOstdFcbGJ9%2BASc%2F9gyhxD9AqRaMOzauigQdR%2Fuj6jUV6jNvw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$24.54","priceAmount":24.54,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"24","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"54","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"b9nzIJre5j0iXCBEH%2BTorjGwhEIzetxN3TMy7M915NRE4RRwcsPqjRu9RDZZOYhT%2FU6kKM0qjo74SEAEUZcIHE%2FhFq28GpEFbPRKlZxXMblSPh7xssi%2FqM%2FxVWlmvkWqj4ZV15DiQZh0zkZdQsUkjaIZUG43dnmHC9GWLZp1iI6nH6fuF8Zzvw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

This is the third edition of Shaye J. D. Cohen's important and seminal work on the history and development of Judaism between 164 BCE to 300 CE. Cohen's synthesis of religion, literature, and history offers deep insight into the nature of Judaism at this key period, including the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, the function of Jewish religion in the larger community, and the development of normative Judaism and other Jewish sects. Cohen offers students more than just history, but an understanding of the social and cultural context of Judaism as it developed into the formative period of rabbinic Judaism. This new edition includes a brand-new chapter on the parting of ways between Jews and Christians in the second century CE. From the Maccabees to the Mishnah remains the clearest introduction to the era that shaped Judaism and provided the context for early Christianity.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    318 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Westminster John Knox Press
  4. Publication date
    November 12, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.72 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780664239046
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0664239046
  8. Lexile measure
    1330L
  9. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

From the Maccabees to the Mishnah, Third Edition
$25.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Origins of Judaism: From Canaan to the Rise of Islam
$34.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

From the brand

Previous page
  2. The Westminster Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition with the Deuterocanonic...
    Womanist Midrash, Volume 2: A Reintroduction to the Women of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings
    Old Testament Exegesis, Fifth Edition: A Handbook for Students and Pastors
    Prophets beyond Activism: Rethinking the Prophetic Roots of Social Justice

    Browse More Textbooks

    Visit the Store

  3. The Hope of Glory: A Theology of Redemption
    African American Theology: An Introduction
    Readings in the History of Christian Theology, Volume 1, Revised Edition: From Its Beginnings to ...
    Awake to the Moment: An Introduction to Theology

    Browse More Textbooks

    Visit the Store

  4. Introduction to Christian Ethics: Conflict, Faith, and Human Life
    Christian Ethics, Second Edition: A Historical Introduction
    Exploring Christian Ethics: Biblical Foundations for Morality
    Abortion and the Christian Tradition: A Pro-Choice Theological Ethic

    Browse More Textbooks

    Visit the Store

  5. The Story of Religion in America: An Introduction
    World Religions in America, Fourth Edition: An Introduction
    A Short World History of Christianity, Revised Edition
    A History of Christian Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction

    Browse More Textbooks

    Visit the Store

  6. Worship for the Whole People of God, Second Edition
    The Witness of Preaching, Third Edition
    The Practice of Pastoral Care, Revised and Expanded Edition: A Postmodern Approach
    The Homiletical Plot, Expanded Edition: The Sermon as Narrative Art Form

    Browse More Textbooks

    Visit the Store

Next page

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The term 'classic' is too often abused and overused, but in the case of Shaye J. D. Cohen's From the Maccabees to the Mishnah the term is perfectly appropriate. How many books published in the 1980s are still useful today, let alone continue to remain required reading? It is a cause for celebration that this book is now available to a new generation of readers."
—Richard Kalmin, Theodore R. Racoosin Professor of Rabbinic Literature and Culture, Jewish Theological Seminary

"Cohen's 1987 volume was widely acknowledged to be a superb overview of Jewish life in the pivotal era from 200 BCE to 200 CE. This extensively updated and expanded third edition is supplemented by a masterful presentation of a crucial issue that has been debated during the past few decades, namely, Judaism and Christianity's parting of ways in antiquity. The present volume guarantees that Cohen's work will remain indispensable for many years to come."
—Lee Levine, Professor Emeritus of Jewish History and Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem





"From the Maccabees to the Mishnah continues to be the essential introduction to ancient Judaism. Its crystalline clarity, absolute command of—and respect for—the facts, and sustained intelligence make it an accessible and important read for everyone from interested lay-people, to undergraduates, to professional scholars. The new chapter, on the separation of Christianity from Judaism, is the most sensible treatment of this controversial topic available."
—Seth Schwartz, Lucius N. Littauer Professor of Classical Jewish Civilization in the Departments of History and Classics, Columbia University

About the Author

Shaye J. D. Cohen is the Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University. One of the foremost experts on Jewish history and culture, he is the author of several books, including The Beginnings of Jewishness: Boundaries, Varieties, Uncertainties and Why Aren't Jewish Women Circumcised? Gender and Covenant in Judaism.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0664239048
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Westminster John Knox Press; 3rd edition (November 12, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 318 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780664239046
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0664239046
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1330L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.72 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 114 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Shaye J. D. Cohen

Shaye J. D. Cohen

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
114 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Katia
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book was recommended by teacher for Second Temple period. It helps to have this kind of historical outline in book form.
Helpful
 Report
David Jolley
4.0 out of 5 stars Great primary text.
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
I got this for an Early Judaism class this semester. Really interesting, comprehensive and easy to understand. It is told historically, rather than theologically. Great book.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Brian C. Leport
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro to early Judaism
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2015
Verified Purchase
Shaye J.D. Cohen has once again updated his popular introduction to early Judaism (1st = 1987; 2nd = 2005). This 3rd edition contains some cosmetic changes ("I have rewritten sentences and paragraphs here and there..."), and some additional information ("I have added some references in footnotes."), but the most important change is an additional chapter. Cohen's eighth chapter addresses the so-called "parting of the ways" between Christianity and Judaism ("Preface to the Third Edition", xi) Originally the book was to be written as a sort of background to early Christianity, but Cohen has written an introduction to early Judaism that is aware of incipient Christianity, but not consumed by it.

There are eight chapters: Chapter 1, "Ancient Judaism: Chronology and Definitions"; Chapter 2, "Jews and Gentiles"; Chapter 3, "The Jewish 'Religion': Practices and Beliefs"; Chapter 4, "The Community and Its Institutions"; Chapter 5, "Sectarian and Normative"; Chapter 6, "Canonization and Its Implications"; Chapter 7, "The Emergence of Rabbinic Judaism"; and Chapter 8, "Ways That Parted: Jews, Christians, Jewish Christians (ca. 100-150)". Most of these chapter titles are self-explanatory as regards their content. The first chapter is dedicated to the history of the Jews. The second is dedicated to questions related to Jewish identity and what separates Jews from the nations. The third chapter focuses upon the liturgical and halachic aspects of early Judaism, especially the Temple in Jerusalem and the rituals that occurred there, but also ethics, questions about "legalism", and the place of women in society. Cohen argues that Judaism is more about action/behavior than doctrine/dogma, but he does discuss a few doctrines: "Kingship of God"; "Reward and Punishment"; and "Redemption".

The fourth chapter addresses the Temple, the Sanhedrin, life in the Diaspora, the synagogue, and sects, guilds, and schools. The fifth chapter begins where the fourth ends by working to define a "sect" and the roles of sects in early Judaism, most specifically the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, "Fourth Philosophy", Sicarii, Zealots, Christians, Samaritans, and the Therapeutic.

The sixth chapter wrestles with the process of canonizing scripture and the implications of doing so (this chapter was quite enlightening as regards Cohen's observations regarding many cultures canonizing literature from their perceived "golden age"). The seventh chapter outlines the rise of rabbinic Judaism and the development of literature like the Mishnah. The eighth chapter, a new one, is where Cohen discusses the parting of ways, arguing, in gist, that the true parting was between Jewish Christians and other Jews since there was never a time of "togetherness" between Gentile Christians and Jews.

In this 3rd edition the Preface contains Cohen's rebuke of the PC (USA) for its divestment in American companies who do business with Israel. WJKP is independent of the PC (USA), though associated with it, but it is the independence that permitted Cohen to continue working with WJKP in good conscience. This makes the addition of the eighth chapter on the "parting of the ways" quite interesting being that the chapter is written in the shadow of a present conflict between one branch of Protestantism and many Jews who are loyal to Israel. You can read Cohen's thoughts on the PC (USA) in an article he wrote for the Marginalia Review of Books titled "The Presbyterians and I".
26 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jindrich Zapletal
5.0 out of 5 stars Helped me understand Second Temple Judaism
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
The book clearly delineates periodization and main religious currents of Second Temple Judaism, and the main contention points vis-a-vis the surrounding Hellenistic culture and Roman power. I give it very high marks for clarity, which is missing in Josephus or Old/New Testament. The book concentrates on religious issues as opposed to economics, architecture, archeological finds or anything like that. I think the book is somewhat expensive for what it is though.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
J. L. Burch
5.0 out of 5 stars A very helpful history of the period that set the ...
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2017
Verified Purchase
A very helpful history of the period that set the stage for Christianity as well as rabbinic Judaism. Essential reading for any student of the New Testament. Yes, I know it's about Jewish history during that time. That's the point. The Christians were Jews. And the Jews back then had a lot of Greek and Persian in them, too. Gives a refreshing new perspective to us Bible-toting christians.
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mark Hammer
4.0 out of 5 stars Would have liked to hear more about the Qumran scrolls
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
Very in-depth account of Second Temple Judaism. Would have liked to hear more about the Qumran scrolls, though.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
E. Guttman
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the book
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
A lot more scholarly than I expected, but very thorough. Writing style is very pleasant. Easy to read and fills in a lot of information on both the Jewish and Christian side.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Laura Knight-Jadczyk
5.0 out of 5 stars Like an enjoyable college course
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is a great overview of the milieu of the Jews from about 200 BC through 200 AD. Cohen is clear and sticks to the facts as far as they are known/knowable. It's written for a wide audience and I think that anyone interested in the Bible, Palestinian history, Jewish history, etc, would enjoy this broad introduction. It's like a freshman college course and you will enjoy it!
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Aidan Wengel
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book by Cohen
Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book was one of my textbooks for my seminary class on Jewish backgrounds to early Christianity. I quite enjoyed it and learned much on the subject from Cohen.
Report
Cliente de Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Valioso
Reviewed in Mexico on August 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
Es un libro académico muy claro y de fácil lectura.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Alles super! Danke sehr!
Reviewed in Germany on January 5, 2019
Verified Purchase
Alles super! Danke sehr!
Report
Carmeline odhiambo
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Very interesting read
Report