The Ancient Synagogue: The First Thousand Years
Levine (Jewish history and classical archaeology, Hebrew Univ.) has produced a massive and scholarly study of the evolving role of the synagogue, from the Hellenistic period to late antiquity. The information gathered from archaeological digs has been ably incorporated into this study. Levine shows the "exuberant diversity" of synagogues of the Diaspora (the Jewish exile) and points out the common patterns that provided unity to a dispersed community. Black-and-white drawings and renderings along with photographs of individual synagogue architecture and remains complement the insightful text and make this book a true feast of learning. An informed lay reader with interests in archaeology and religion will appreciate this tome and will, at the very least, dip into certain chapters and topics. Recommended for academic libraries and public libraries with comprehensive Jewish studies collections.-Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa Dist. Lib., ILCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.