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Akiba: Scholar, Saint and Martyr
Scholar, Saint and Louis Scholar, Saint and FIRST First Edition Thus, 4th Printing (1981). Published by Atheneum, 1970. Octavo. Paperback. Book is very good with light spotting to the page ends and light edgewear. 100% positive feedback. 30 day money back guarantee. NEXT DAY SHIPPING! Excellent customer service. Please email with any questions. All books packed carefully and ship with free delivery confirmation/tracking. All books come with free bookmarks. Ships from Sag Harbor, New York.Seller 307253 Philosophy & Psychology We Buy Books! Collections - Libraries - Estates - Individual Titles. Message us if you have books to sell!
- GenresJudaismHistoryNonfiction
361 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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November 16, 2019
In "Akiba," Louis Finkesltein provides a fascinating biography of the 1st - 2nd Century CE Jewish Pharisee. As opposed to more "Orthodox" histories of this period, Finkelstein paints a picture of class struggle between the rich and poor. The rich land owners and priests were originally represented by the Sadducees. The poor traders, tenant farmers and Levites were represented by the Pharisees. The "schools" of Hillel and Shammai are traditionally taugh as two approaches to Jewish law, perhaps one stricter or more lenient than the other. Finkelstein portrays Shammai as representing the interests of the rich and Hillel of the poor.
Into this social milieu walks the poor and unlettered Akiba and tries to remake himself as a Talmudic scholar. He meets stiff resistance from the Patrician ruling class. Yet through his brilliance, sharp wit and creative insight, he succeeds to become the champion of the plebian class. Perhaps because he did not come from a traditional learned background, Akiba relies less on tradition and more on creative insights into extra letters or words in the Bible to advance his social justice program. Along the way he gathers disciples and fights class warfare with the opposing party.
In these first centuries of the Common Era, Israel suffers the destruction of the Second Temple and the oppression of the Roman Empire. In response, there arose Jewish nationalists who thought they could overthrow the yoke of Rome. Finkesltein paints Akiba as a pacifist who counseled against these hot heads. According to the author, only when Akiba was in his nineties and approaching senility did Akiba join the general public sentiment that Shimon bar Kochba was a savior and possible Messiah.
Finkelstein does a masterful job of going through Talmudic and Aggadic sources to paint a colorful picture of the personalities that inhabited these early centuries. Some background in Talmud would be helpful but not necessary. Although the word "martyr" is in thr sub-title, very little is said about Akiba's relation with Bar Kochba or his final days.
Into this social milieu walks the poor and unlettered Akiba and tries to remake himself as a Talmudic scholar. He meets stiff resistance from the Patrician ruling class. Yet through his brilliance, sharp wit and creative insight, he succeeds to become the champion of the plebian class. Perhaps because he did not come from a traditional learned background, Akiba relies less on tradition and more on creative insights into extra letters or words in the Bible to advance his social justice program. Along the way he gathers disciples and fights class warfare with the opposing party.
In these first centuries of the Common Era, Israel suffers the destruction of the Second Temple and the oppression of the Roman Empire. In response, there arose Jewish nationalists who thought they could overthrow the yoke of Rome. Finkesltein paints Akiba as a pacifist who counseled against these hot heads. According to the author, only when Akiba was in his nineties and approaching senility did Akiba join the general public sentiment that Shimon bar Kochba was a savior and possible Messiah.
Finkelstein does a masterful job of going through Talmudic and Aggadic sources to paint a colorful picture of the personalities that inhabited these early centuries. Some background in Talmud would be helpful but not necessary. Although the word "martyr" is in thr sub-title, very little is said about Akiba's relation with Bar Kochba or his final days.
Displaying 1 of 1 review