Rabbis, sorcerers, kings, and priests

Rabbis, sorcerers, kings, and priests

By Jason Sion Mokhtarian

Book Description

This groundbreaking scholarly work unveils the hidden connections between Jewish rabbinical tradition and the rich spiritual landscape of ancient Persia. Jason Sion Mokhtarian challenges conventional assumptions about the creators of the Babylonian Talmud, revealing how these influential religious teachers were far from isolated figures working in academic bubbles.

Drawing from an impressive array of sources including Zoroastrian texts, archaeological discoveries, and mystical Aramaic incantations found on ancient bowls, Mokhtarian paints a vivid picture of cultural exchange and spiritual cross-pollination. The book demonstrates how the rabbis who shaped one of Judaism's most sacred texts were actually embedded within the diverse religious and magical practices of Sasanian Iran.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual traditions develop and influence one another, this work offers fascinating insights into the complex world where Jewish scholarship intersected with Persian wisdom, royal courts, and priestly traditions. Rather than viewing religious development as occurring in isolation, Mokhtarian shows how the Talmudic sages participated in a broader conversation that included sorcerers, political leaders, and Zoroastrian priests.

This interdisciplinary approach bridges two traditionally separate fields of study, offering a fresh perspective on how ancient spiritual communities actually functioned within their multicultural environments. The result is a nuanced understanding of how sacred texts emerge from rich tapestries of cultural interaction and mutual influence.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)

📄 Length: 273 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Talmud
  • ✓ Explore Talmudic period
  • ✓ Explore Iranian influences
  • ✓ Explore Talmoed
  • ✓ Explore Judaism, history, medieval and early modern period, 425-1789
  • ✓ Explore Jews
  • ✓ Explore Civilization
  • ✓ Explore 11.21 Jewish religious literature

Topics Covered

Talmud Talmudic period Iranian influences Talmoed Judaism, history, medieval and early modern period, 425-1789 Jews Civilization 11.21 Jewish religious literature Judaism Judaism, history, talmudic period, 10-425 History Medieval and early modern period

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