Toward a History of Ancient Jewish Social Relations
FAIN: FB-52726-06
Seth R. Schwartz
Columbia University (New York, NY 10027-4649)
I begin with the observation that the canonical texts of the Jews reject the norms of Mediterranean culture--pervasive institutions of social reciprocity, a profound concern with honor, etc.--a disposition shared with Athenian democracy, philosophical sects, and some "mystery religions". The texts prescribe instead a society based on dependence on God and corporate solidarity. But such a vision was necessarily at odds with a life shaped by harsh economic conditions. I propose to examine three texts--Ben Sira, Josephus, Palestinian Talmud--to see what their accommodations can tell us about ancient Jewish social life.
Associated Products
Were the Jews a Mediterranean Society? (Book)Title: Were the Jews a Mediterranean Society?
Author: Schwartz, Seth R.
Year: 2010
Primary URL:
https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=9780691155432Primary URL Description: WorldCat entry
Publisher: Princeton: Princeton University Press
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780691155432