Judaism and Hellenism in Antiquity: Conflict or Confluence? (Samuel and Althea Stroum Lectures in Jewish Studies)
Levine (Jewish history and archaeology, Hebrew Univ. of Jerusalem) depicts the extent of reciprocal influences of the Greek and Near Eastern cultures in Palestine and the diaspora. Basing his arguments on all available sources and re-examining previous and recent studies, Levine concludes that the process of Hellenization was a long and complex one, including aspects of Jewish life both spiritual and material. Despite the success of Hellenization in Jewish society, the traditional values of Judaism not only survived but were developed and enhanced, frequently on Greek models. Focusing on three topics?the city of Jerusalem in the late Second Temple period, Pharisaic-rabbinic culture, and the ancient synagogue?Levine demonstrates the interplay between foreign notions and Jewish society and explores the impact on architecture and the realm of artistic representation. The book is clearly written with a minimum of technical terms and can be recommended to academic and public libraries.?Hayim Y. Sheynin, Gratz Coll. Lib., Melrose Park, PACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.