Qumran and Jerusalem

Major changes are occurring in our understanding of the fascinating texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls and their significance for the study of the history of Judaism and Christianity. One of the most significant changes -- that one cannot study Qumran without Jerusalem nor Jerusalem without Qumran -- is explored in this important volume.

Although the Scrolls preserve the peculiar ideology of the Qumran sect, much of the material also represents the common beliefs and practices of the Judaism of the time. Here Lawrence Schiff man mines these incredible documents to reveal their significance for the reconstruction of the history of Judaism. His investigation brings to life a period of immense significance for the history of the Western world.

Though many of the essays here have been previously published, all have been substantially revised. The resulting volume offers a comprehensive study that is understandable to a far wider audience than are many works on the Scrolls.

"Here are updated treatments of a variety of topics — from law to religion to media coverage of the Dead Sea Scrolls — by one of the world's leading scholars of the Qumran literature. These chapters highlight the value of studying the Qumran texts not only for themselves but also in comparison with what is known of other kinds of Judaism at the time — hence the title Qumran and Jerusalem. I very much appreciate having these impressive studies conveniently available in one place." - James VanderKam, University of Notre Dame.

"Over the last three decades Larry Schiffman has been the leading authority on Jewish law in the Scrolls and more broadly on the light shed by the Scrolls on the prehistory of rabbinic Judaism. This valuable collection brings together a broad representative sampling of his work and complements his classic book Reclaiming the Dead Sea Scrolls. An indispensable resource for any serious student of ancient Judaism." - John J. Collins, Yale University.

"A celebrated specialist on the Dead Sea Scrolls and early Judaism, Lawrence Schiffman demonstrates that while some of the Qumran Scrolls reflect the unique thoughts of the Qumranites, others reveal the beliefs and laws of many nonsectarian Jews, including those who controlled the Jerusalem cult. In fact, the Qumranites defined themselves in contrast to the reigning priests and leaders in Jerusalem. Thus, as Schiffman demonstrates, Qumran and Jerusalem should be studied together. These essays are requisite reading for anyone interested in early Judaism and Christian origins." - James H. Charlesworth, Princeton Theological Seminary.