Reflecting on the Rabbis: Sage Insight into First-Century Jewish Thought (Sage Insights)

We used to know a lot about First-Century Judaism... until we realized we didn't. The First Century CE was what is known as Judaism's "creative phase." There were Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, Essenes, Therapeutae... just to name a few of the Jewish sects and movements. And, most of these had sub-sects or sub-movements of their own as well. The Pharisaic sect was certainly no exception. In this volume, Jewish Studies professor Brian Tice presents the six most prominent and influential Sages of this period, drawing from the Bible, both Talmuds, the Midrashic literature, the Targums, and other scholarly sources to set the scene of a First-Century Judaism which is likely more diverse than you realized. What were the essential beliefs? Who were the main players? Where did their worldviews differ? What were the religious politics? What was considered out of bounds? The author takes readers on a pilgrimage through the rabbinical schools of some of the greatest Jewish minds of the time period to offer some "Sage insights into First-Century Jewish thought." Recipient of the 5777 Yiddishkeit 101 College-Level Literature Award! Order from amazon.com, and get free enrollment in the MJR course which corresponds to the book! Sign up at https://mjrabbinate.teachable.com/p/fjt-120/.

Brian Tice, M.Sci., of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a professor of Jewish Studies and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at Messianic Jewish Rabbinate, where he also serves as Rosh Yeshiva, and a Hebraica Research Scholar for Manuscript Research Group/Inspired Exhibit. His formal studies include Modern Languages, Ancient Languages, Bible, and Jewish Studies - culminating in two degrees (B.Sci. and M.Sci.). Since 2000, he has served the Jewish community as a musician, chazzan, moreh, and ordained rabbi. Professor Tice is also a playwright and the author of the introduction to a re-publication of one of Granville Sharp's classic works on Hebrew Syntax (2017). His contributions to tikkun olam (i.e. the human obligation to repair the world) include work with terminally/critically-ill children, victims of violent/hate crimes, and outreach to the homeless.