Messiah in Context

by Jacob Neusner

In this study, originally published in 1984, Professor Neusner asks whether Judaism as we know it constitutes a messianic religion, a religious tradition in which hope for a Messiah at the end of time frames the faith's worldview and way of life. The question is critical because the heritage upon which Judaism in its rabbinic or talmudic form draws has nourished profoundly messianic offshoots, including Christianity. In arriving at a qualified negative, Neusner presents a valuable and insightful exploration of the formative texts of Judaism. Canon. Co-published with Studies in Judaism.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Neusner was educated at Harvard University, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (where he received rabbinic ordination), the University of Oxford, and Columbia University.

Neusner is often celebrated as one of the most published authors in history (he has written or edited more than 950 books.)Since 1994, he taught at Bard College. He also taught at Columbia University, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Brandeis University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, and the University of South Florida.

Neusner was a member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and a life member of Clare Hall, Cambridge University. He is the only scholar to have served on both the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. He also received scores of academic awards, honorific and otherwise.