Reflections on Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity

This book written by Israeli scholars reflects the centrality of ''the Parting of the Ways'', an issue of focal concern to the question where and when came into being the boundary line separating between Judaism and Christianity. It is reflective of the diversity within the research community in Israel, much like in the field of research worldwide.

This book presents a selection of articles written by Israeli scholars who are part of a research group on early Christianity and its interaction with Judaism. The book discusses key issues in the field today: typological figures for Jesus (John the Baptist, Jeremiah and Moses), the identity of early Jewish-Christians, the interaction between Christianity and the Rabbis, and early Christian communities.

The book does not speak in a monolithic voice. Rather, it expresses different standpoints and various methods that reflect the diversity of Israeli research. It is well known that any historian is not detached from the place where he lives, the time and his religious and national identity. The fact that this book was written by Israeli scholars poses the question if there is something unique which characterizes Israeli research in comparison to non-Israeli research?

The Israeli voice, we are certain, has something to contribute to the debate on issues that currently occupy early Christianity research. Whether it is indeed distinguished by uniqueness, let the educated reader be the judge.