Akiva: Life, Legend, Legacy

Marc Notes: Published by the University of Nebraska Press as a Jewish Publication Society book.; Includes bibliographical references and index.; The legendary Akiva ben Yosef has fascinated Jews for centuries. One of and arguably the most important of the Tannaim, or early Jewish sages, he lived during a crucial era in the development of Judaism as we know it today, and his theology played a major part in the development of Rabbinic Judaism. Reuven Hammer details Akiva's life as it led to a martyr's death and delves into the rich legacy Akiva left us. That legacy played an extraordinarily important role in helping the Jewish people survive difficult challenges and forge a vibrant religious life anew and it continues to influence Jewish law, ethics, and theology even today. Akiva's contribution to the development of Oral Torah cannot be overestimated, and in this first book written in English about the sage since 1936, Hammer reassesses Akiva's role from the period before the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE until the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 135 CE. He also assesses new findings about the growth of early Judaism, the reasons why Akiva was so outspoken about Christian Jews, the influence of Hellenism, the Septuagint, and the canonization of the Hebrew Bible. Ultimately, Hammer shows that Judaism without Akiva would be a very different religion--; Provided by publisher.; Reuven Hammer traces the life of the great and legendary Sage, from youth to a martyr's death, and his many contributions to Rabbinic Judaism--; Provided by publisher. Review Quotes: "With insight and mastery of Rabbinic sources, Rabbi Reuven Hammer has produced an outstanding review of the life of Rabbi Akiva, clarifying his life, thoughts, beliefs, and concerns for the Jewish people. His book will enlighten and captivate readers."--Shalom Paul, professor emeritus, Bible Department at Hebrew University of JerusalemReview Quotes: "Reuven Hammer's "Akiva" is a bold and sophisticated engagement with one of the best documented, but nevertheless elusive, figures in early Rabbinic Judaism. By judiciously weighing Akiva's complex literary legacy, Rabbi Hammer encourages readers to explore how we know the past and what it can teach us in the present."--Ivan G. Marcus, Frederick P. Rose Professor of Jewish History at Yale University --Ivan G. Marcus (03/04/2015) Review Quotes: With insight and mastery of Rabbinic sources, Rabbi Reuven Hammer has produced an outstanding review of the life of Rabbi Akiva, clarifying his life, thoughts, beliefs, and concerns for the Jewish people. His book will enlighten and captivate readers. Shalom Paul, professor emeritus, Bible Department at Hebrew University of Jerusalem--Shalom Paul (03/04/2015)"Brief Description: "The legendary Akiva ben Yosef has fascinated Jews for centuries. One of and arguably the most important of the Tannaim, or early Jewish sages, he lived during a crucial era in the development of Judaism as we know it today, and his theology played a major part in the development of Rabbinic Judaism. Reuven Hammer details Akiva's life as it led to a martyr's death and delves into the rich legacy Akiva left us. That legacy played an extraordinarily important role in helping the Jewish people survive difficult challenges and forge a vibrant religious life anew and it continues to influence Jewish law, ethics, and theology even today. Akiva's contribution to the development of Oral Torah cannot be overestimated, and in this first book written in English about the sage since 1936, Hammer reassesses Akiva's role from the period before the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE until the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 135 CE. He also assesses new findings about the growth of early Judaism, the reasons why Akiva was so outspoken about "Christian Jews," the influence of Hellenism, the Septuagint, and the canonization of the Hebrew Bible. Ultimately, Hammer shows that Judaism without Akiva would be a very different religion"--Brief Description: "Reuven Hammer traces the life of the great and legendary Sage, from youth to a martyr's death, and his many contributions to Rabbinic Judaism"--Review Quotes: Reuven Hammer s "Akiva" is a bold and sophisticated engagement with one of the best documented but nevertheless elusive figures in early Rabbinic Judaism. By judiciously weighing Akiva s complex literary legacy, Rabbi Reuven Hammer encourages readers to explore how we know the past and what it can teach us in the present. Ivan G. Marcus, Frederick P. Rose Professor of Jewish History at Yale University--Ivan G. Marcus (03/04/2015)"Biographical Note: Rabbi Reuven Hammer is the former director and dean of the Jerusalem branch of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS), where he served as a professor of Rabbinic literature. He holds a Doctor of Humane Letters from JTS and a PhD from Northwestern University. He was also the founding director of the Seminary of Jewish Studies. He is the author or editor of many books, including "Entering the High Holy Days: A Complete Guide to the History, Prayers, and Themes" (JPS, 2005) and "Sifre: A Taanaitic Commentary on the Book of Deuteronomy," both National Jewish Book Award winners. "Publisher Marketing: The legendary Akiva ben Yosef has fascinated Jews for centuries. One of and arguably the most important of the Tannaim, or early Jewish sages, Akiva lived during a crucial era in the development of Judaism as we know it today, and his theology played a major part in the development of Rabbinic Judaism. Reuven Hammer details Akiva s life as it led to a martyr s death and he delves into the rich legacy Akiva left us. That legacy played an extraordinarily important role in helping the Jewish people survive difficult challenges to forge a vibrant religious life anew, and it continues to influence Jewish law, ethics, and theology even today. Akiva s contribution to the development of Oral Torah cannot be overestimated, and in this first book written in English about the sage since 1936 Hammer reassesses Akiva s role from the period before the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE until the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE. He also assesses new findings about the growth of early Judaism, the reasons why Akiva was so outspoken about Christian Jews, the influence of Hellenism, the Septuagint, and the canonization of the Hebrew Bible. Ultimately Hammer shows that Judaism without Akiva would be a very different religion."

Contributor Bio:  Hammer, Reuven Rabbi Reuven Hammer, PhD, is a world renowned scholar, an inspiring Jewish educator and noted Jewish leader. He was named one of the "Forward 50" a list of the most influential members of the American Jewish community and is a former president of the International Rabbinical Assembly. He is a recipient of the Simon Greenberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Rabbinate by the Zeigler Rabbinical School of American Jewish University. A prolific writer, he is the author of many books, including, The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths That Changed the World (Jewish Lights) and Entering the High Holy Days, a winner of the National Jewish Book Award. Rabbi Reuven Hammer, PhD, is also available to speak on the following topics: Revolutionary TorahThe Symphony of PrayerMaking Prayer MeanigfulReligion in Israel: Too Much or Too LittlePolitical Ethics in Israel