This invaluable reference defines concepts, religious practices, theological terms, persons, places, and essential vocabulary from the writings of Judaism, ranging from the time of the Pentateuch's final formation until the close of the Babylonian Talmud. Over 3,300 entries by seventy international scholars offer historical literary, religious, and archaeological background for understanding the canonical form of the Bible, the texts of the Second Temple period, and the classical writings of rabbinic Judaism. The scope of this volume includes, among other things, information on Philo and Josephus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Mishnah, and the Talmud, as well as key figures in the history of both Judaism and early Christianity. The Dictionary of Judaism in the Biblical Period offers a reliable guide to the wealth of material useful for reading the Holy Scriptures. It has few rivals when it comes to accuracy and readability, and will be an indispensable resource for anyone studying religion.

Jacob Neusner is Research Professor of Religion and Theology, Bard College, and Senior Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Theology at Bard College. He has published more than eight hundred books and innumerable articles, and he is editor of The Dictionary of Judaism in the Biblical Period and the three-volume Encyclopedia of Judaism. He has also served as President of the American Academy of Religion, and was appointed as Member of the National Council on the Humanities and the National Council on the Arts.

William Scott Green is the Philip S. Bernstein Professor of Judaic Studies and Dean of the College, University of Rochester. He is the associate editor of The HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion, serves on numerous professional editorial boards, and writes extensively in the area of ancient Judaism.