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By Etienne Nodet

Book Description

Etienne Nodet presents a thought-provoking examination that challenges conventional understanding of Judaism's earliest foundations. Drawing from careful analysis of historical sources, this scholarly work reveals fascinating discrepancies between the accounts found in Josephus and biblical narratives, suggesting a more complex origin story than traditionally accepted.

The author meticulously traces how ancient rabbinic traditions appear to stem not from biblical roots but from later developments that branched off from scriptural texts. Through detailed investigation of historical evidence, including intriguing Samaritan claims about their relatively recent adoption of Sabbath practices during the persecutions under Antiochus Epiphanes, Nodet constructs a compelling argument for Judaism's dual heritage.

This comprehensive study proposes that Judaism emerged from two distinct streams of influence. The first centers on Joshua's establishment of written statutes and laws during the significant assembly at Shechem, representing local traditions rooted in the land itself. The second traces back to Babylonian traditions that eventually evolved into the Mishnah, blending with Judaean cultural elements over time.

For readers seeking deeper understanding of religious development and the complex interplay between tradition, history, and spiritual practice, this work offers fresh perspectives on how ancient wisdom traditions actually formed and transformed. Nodet's research invites contemplation of how spiritual communities develop their foundational beliefs and practices across generations and geographical boundaries.