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A review by ben_smitty
Beginnings of Judaism by Isaiah M. Gafni
5.0
Gafni did a great job summarizing Judaism during the Second Temple Period, especially the evolution of its beliefs. Topics range from Ezra-Nehemiah and Cyrus, the Hasmonean dynasty, Philo of Alexandria, to the development of Rabbinic Judaism, the Jewish identity after the temple, and so much more!
The course challenged my belief in a "stable" Judaism, especially when I see Jews adapting the teachings of the Hebrew Bible to their time. It makes me wonder how true"progressive revelation" is, and if it's okay to "adapt" certain beliefs to fit certain time periods as the Jews did.
The course challenged my belief in a "stable" Judaism, especially when I see Jews adapting the teachings of the Hebrew Bible to their time. It makes me wonder how true"progressive revelation" is, and if it's okay to "adapt" certain beliefs to fit certain time periods as the Jews did.