The Makers and Teachers of Judaism From the Fall of Jerusalem to the Death of Herod the Great

"The Makers and Teachers of Judaism" by Charles Foster Kent is a historical exploration of a pivotal era in Jewish history, spanning from the fall of Jerusalem to the death of Herod the Great. The book uncovers how Jewish identity and religious practices evolved amidst the chaos of destruction and dispersal. It showcases the shift from a focus on nationhood to a more personal connection with faith, propelled by influential teachers, priests, and prophets. Kent emphasizes the creation of central religious texts, from the Old Testament and Apocrypha that arose during this time, and the role of leaders such as Ezekiel and Jesus the son of Sirach, in guiding the Jewish people toward a deeper understanding of their faith during hardship.