The Transformation of Israelite Religion to Rabbinic Judaism

By: Juan Marcos Bejarano Gutierrez

Narrated by: Jason Melnychuk

The link between the religion of biblical Israel and the religion we now identify as rabbinic Judaism is often controversial. The controversy is often linked to theological agendas rather than an honest approach to Israel’s history. The religion of ancient Israel is linked to rabbinic Judaism is many ways. The two are linked by a shared belief in the one supreme God who created the world, chose the the Jewish people to be His people. This relationship is based on a covenantal relationship and is reflected in a shared attachment to the land of Israel, Jerusalem, and Temple, and the same sacred calendar.

The religion of biblical Israel slowly transformed into what we now refer to as rabbinic Judaism through a process which saw the emergence of the biblical canon. The canon was analyzed, interpreted, and lived out in practical ways. That process of interpretation led to the rise of sectarian groups each vying for its correct interpretation of sacred texts.

©2018 Juan Marcos Gutierrez (P)2020 Juan Marcos Gutierrez

A good overview and introduction.

This book does a great job of summing up the ways Rabbinic Judaism developed from the practices of ancient Israel described in the Hebrew Scriptures. I was especially interested in hearing more about how the of canonization and availability of certain writings affected this process. If you're interested in learning more abour how Judaism has developed historically I recommend checking this out; it's brief but does a good job of introducing the topic.

Great book!

The book transports you through the uncommonly taught history of the Jewish faith and the many challenges it encountered throughout the years. I also loved the fact that the author is open to questions about the contents of the book.

Well researched scholarly book on Jewish religion

Gutierrez has provides us with an excellent clear human voice in his newest book in audio. As with the others, it is well written and informative. I believe it is written for a Jewish audience, but is applicable equally to Christians and historians and scholars of Western religion, the latter of which I am one. Quoting mostly from the Jewish scripture which of course is also the Christian New Testament, he occasionally quotes directly from Jesus also.

The book title “Transformation of Israelite Religion to Rabbinic Judaism” pretty well says it all. It is a study of how Jewish religion and a quest for a national identity came to evolve into scripture, and he cites clearly good sources in his own careful analysis.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in the evolution of the Israeli narrative.

One of the most informative books on history and canon

I really enjoyed the depth of research and citation in this book. One of the more informative and direct books on the subject.

Informative

liked it. Concise , logics and easy to understand covers the relevant periods well.