Groundbreaking research that utilizes archaeological discoveries and ancient texts to
revolutionize our understanding of the beginnings of Judaism “A bravura study.”—
Publishers Weekly (starred review) Throughout much of history the Jewish way of life has
been characterized by strict adherence to the practices and prohibitions legislated by the
Torah: dietary laws ritual purity circumcision Sabbath regulations holidays and more. But
precisely when did this unique way of life first emerge and why specifically at that time?
In this revolutionary new study Yonatan Adler methodically engages ancient texts and
archaeological discoveries to reveal the earliest evidence of Torah observance among ordinary
Judeans. He examines the species of animal bones in ancient rubbish heaps the prevalence of
purification pools and chalk vessels in Judean settlements the dating of figural
representations in decorative and functional arts evidence of such practices as tefillin and
mezuzot and much more to reconstruct when ancient Judean society first adopted the Torah as
authoritative law. Focusing on the lived experience of the earliest Torah observers this
investigative study transforms much of what we thought we knew about the genesis and early
development of Judaism.
