In this exciting addition to Bloomsbury's Short Histories series, Steven Leonard Jacobs critically yet concisely examines the history of Judaism and the Jewish people, drawing from maps, photographs and archives to illuminate the history of one of the world's oldest religions.Beginning by establishing a definition of Judaism, Jacobs explores the historiography of the Jewish people, in addition to the role of memory in charting history. Including a comprehensive breakdown of the history of Judaism, the author splits discussion into defined eras, taking readers from the beginnings of Judaism, to the split between Judah in the South and Israel in the North, the united Monarchy, and the Age of the Prophets.Exploring the social structures and institutions of ancient Israel, Jacobs incorporates key themes such as civic life, economics, and art - before analysing the interactions of Judaism with Romanism and Hellenism. Moving through the Middle Ages and Pre-Modernity, and acknowledging the role of key figures such as Yosef Karo and Moses Mendelssohn, this book brings the narrative up to the present day, and uncovers the foundations of Judaism in modernity.Jacobs' authoritative yet engaging prose shines through each of the thirteen chapters, which seamlessly intertwine to produce a thorough yet concise examination of the history of Judaism and Jewish peoples.

Traces the history of Judaism from their earliest beginnings to the present moment.

1. IntroductionThe Operating Definition of JudaismSociologically SpeakingThe Importance of the Literary TraditionThe Centrality of the God of IsraelJudaism, Jewish People, and God2. Beginnings until the MonarchyMigratory TribesEgyptian MonarchyConfederation of Tribes3. Kingdoms of Judah and IsraelReign of SaulReign of DavidReign of SolomonDownfall of the Two Kingdoms4. Social Structures of Ancient IsraelPatriarchal StructureRise of Urbanization5. Before the Destruction of the First Temple to Alexander the GreatThe Age of the ProphetsBabylonian CaptivityReturn to Palestine6. The Second Temple Period and the Conflicts with "Hellenism" and "Romanism"Hasmonean Revolt and RuleOppression under Roman RuleDestruction of the Second Temple7. Aftermath of the Roman WarBar Kokhba RevoltRise of Rabbinical Academies8. The 4th to the 7th CenturiesConstantine, Christianity, and the Edict of MilanEmergence of Islam9. The 8th to the 15th Centuries: The Middle AgesThe First CrusadeLater Crusades and Jewish OppressionA Golden AgeJewish Expulsions and Diasporas10. The 16th and the 17th Centuries: The Middle Ages and TransitionsInternal Jewish DynamicsFurther Christian PersecutionsFalse Messiahs11. The 18th and 19th Centuries: Pre-Modernity to ModernityPeriod of Jewish EmancipationFour Jewish Movements: Haskalah, Hasidism, Reform Judaism, ZionismImpact of Secularism12. The 20th Century and Beyond: ModernityImmigration and EmigrationAntisemitism in EuropeGermany and the Holocaust/Shoah13. The 21st Century Moment and BeyondAmerican, Israeli, and Worldwide Jewish SurvivalAmerican Jewish CommunitiesState of IsraelJews WorldwideAntisemitism: Hatred Old and NewThe Middle East: Israel and Her Neighbours14. ConclusionsBibliographyIndex