The Sages: Character, Context & Creativity, Volume 2: From Yavneh to the Bar Kokhba Revolt

This is a wonderful introduction to the early Talmudic sages between the two Jewish revolts against Rome (about 70 to 135 CE), mostly in Yavneh. Gleaned from various classical sources -- who were they, what can be learned about their life stories and personalities, and their views and teachings. Who were allies and friends, and who disputed ideas that impacted the following 2,000 years of Judaism. All that was well presented and highly informative for those not immersed in the world of Talmud, but somewhat familiar with the names of key individuals.The huge negative is a lack of index, or actually two or three indices. It is almost impossible to come back to this book and its sister volumes as references. It needed a names index, a normal index of key words or phrases, and an index of referenced classical sources with a few words of description. The table of contents is not sufficiently detailed to make up for that shortfall. The "table of contents" is the classical text Pirkei Avot, Sayings of the Fathers. This entire series follows that book's chronology.

Professor Lau has written a history of the early Rabbis that rivals E.E.Urbach's classic history. Lau arranges his presentation chronologically, instead of topically, as did Urbach. A key contribution of Dr. Lau is his extensive use of t Palestinian Talmud, whereas most scholars ave relied on the Babylonian Talmud exclusively. Lau's three volume study is translated from its original Hebrew and the English reader thus gains access to his extensive list of Hebrew citations, many of which are not available in English. Perhaps his key contribution is his explanation of how contemporary economic and political forces, especially Roman ruling practices, had an impact on early Rabbinic thinking. He also does a splendid job log contrasting Rabbinic theology in the land of Israel as opposed to Diaspora developments especially in Persia (Babylon). He also delineates how the early Rabbis reacted to the challenges of Christianity.

Fantastic writing. I studied Talmud in Yeshivah High School, but never learned about the relationships and chronology of the Sages. Fascinating.He also cross-relates to the Romans and the Christians. Learned facts about Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai I had never heard before. I was raised on the homilies about how nice they were to each other.

The book is both rabbinic, respectful, but also critical (in the discipline sense) regarding sources. Lau is a serious and modern scholar, and I can't wait to order his commentary on Jeremiah. Anyone studying rabbinic literature and Second Temple Judaism should include all three volumes of _The Sages_. I'm a fan.

This is an excellent ,and insightful review of Jewish historical and spiritual events. It has helped me to understand the trials ,tribulations,failures ,successes and strengths of our people. This book is great for both Jews and non Jews alike seeking insight into the evolution of Judaism.

Fascinating

Excellently written - see comment for Volume IV

fantastic book teaches a lot about about that period in Jewish history that they do not touch in school

The book covers some 70 years from Yavneh to bar Kochbah. Rabbi Lau 's book combines scholarship with readability ( Not necessarily a crime, but frighteningly rare). The book is academic but, unusually for an academic book , relies on talmudic aggadah. He shows what a complex character R Akiva was, and how the Jewish world in his time, was far more divided and nuanced over its views of bar Kochbah than currently prevailing views might suggest. Highly readable, highly informative.If you are into this kind of subject, covering this period of time, this book is a must