This book examines the relationship between the beliefs of the Judaic system and the life of the Jews governed by rabbis who shaped and executed those beliefs in everyday life. Four statements are presented: the relationship between the people and the law of the Torah as sages taught and applied it; the definition of the rabbi as a holy man; the rabbi as a holy man and the rabbinical institution and estate as a center of supernatural power in Israel, the Jewish people, in Sasanian Babylonia; and the rabbis as political figures who actually exercised not merely influence but coercive authority in enforcing Israel's public policy. Co-published with Studies in Judaism.
- ISBN10 0819162876
- ISBN13 9780819162878
- Publish Date 15 August 1987 (first published 20 May 1987)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University Press of America
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 372
- Language English