Reading Jewish Religious Texts

Reading Jewish Religious Texts introduces students to a range of significant post-biblical Jewish writing. It covers diverse genres such as prayer and liturgical poetry, biblical interpretation, religious law, philosophy, mysticism and works of ethical instruction. Each text is newly translated into English and accompanied by a detailed explanation to help clarify the concepts and arguments. The commentary also situates the work within its broader historical and ideological context, giving readers an enhanced appreciation of its place in the Jewish religious experience. This volume includes a comprehensive timeline, glossary and bibliography.

Eliezer Segal is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary, Canada. He has published extensively on rabbinic texts and Jewish biblical interpretation. His books include Introducing Judaism (Routledge, 2008).

Introduction. Chapter One: Prayers and Liturgical Texts. Chapter Two: Aggadah and Midrash. Chapter Three: The Literature of Halakhic Discourse. Chapter Four: Jewish Bible Commentaries. Chapter Five: Philosophy and Rational Theology. Chapter Six: Esoteric, Mystical and Kabbalistic Texts. Chapter Seven: Moralistic and Ethical Writings. Timeline of Jewish Religious Texts and Authors. Glossary. Bibliography of Jewish Religious Texts in English.