Traditions of the Rabbis from the Era of the New Testament ─ Feasts and Sabbaths: Passover and Atonement

Traditions of the Rabbis from the Era of the New Testament (TRENT) is a major multivolume work of scholarship providing an exhaustive collection of early rabbinic traditions and commentary on their relevance to the New Testament.

Focusing on 63 rabbinic traditions central to ancient Jewish life, David Instone-Brewer's massive study provides significant insights into Jewish thought and practice prior to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. For each rabbinic tradition considered, the supporting Hebrew source text is provided side by side with an English translation. Instone-Brewer also presents evidence that exists for accurately dating these rabbinic sources u a critical task recently advanced by modern dating techniques. He goes on to discuss thoroughly the meaning and importance of each rabbinic tradition for Second Temple Judaism, also analyzing any echoes or direct appearances of the tradition in the New Testament writings.

In this second TRENT volume, on Feasts and Sabbaths, Instone-Brewer deals with the observance of the Sabbath, the Passover, and the Day of Atonement. He examines texts on lighting the Sabbath lamp, healing and preserving life on the Sabbath, seeking out and disposing of leaven before Passover, preparing and celebrating the Passover meal, taking incense into the Holy of Holies and sprinkling blood on the altar during the Day of Atonement, and much more.

Features of TRENT:

Discusses 63 traditions that illuminate ancient Jewish life

Follows the traditional order of subject divisions in the Mishnah

Presents Hebrew/Aramaic texts in parallel with a literal English translation and notes on variants

Provides dating evidence along with degree of certainty

Offers commentary on the meaning and significance of rabbinic traditions in Second Temple Judaism

Highlights the presence of rabbinic traditions in the New Testament writings

Includes a full glossary of rabbinic terminology

David Instone-Brewer is senior research fellow in rabbinics and the New Testament at Tyndale House, Cambridge, a member of the Divinity Faculty at the University of Cambridge, and a member of the British Association of Jewish Studies.