From the Maccabees to the Mishnah

In From the Maccabees to the Mishnah, Shaye J. D. Cohen presents a penetrating study of Judaism’s evolution during a pivotal historical period. With a careful blend of religious, literary, and historical analysis, Cohen explores how early Jewish communities redefined their identities and practices while responding to the broader cultural currents of the Roman Empire. Throughout the book, Cohen investigates critical themes such as the dynamic relationships between Jews and Gentiles, the transformation of religious thought, and the emergence of formative structures that would later underpin rabbinic traditions. This clear and insightful work sheds light on the processes that helped shape normative Judaism and its various early sects, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of an era that laid the groundwork for later developments in Jewish history.