Exploring Early Jewish Texts and Identity

This chapter examines the intricate landscape of early Jewish literature, focusing on findings from the Dead Sea Scrolls and locations like the Cairo Geniza and St. Catherine's Monastery. It highlights key figures such as Josephus and Philo, who navigated their identities in a Roman context while defending Jewish traditions. The narrative reveals the complexities of Jewish identity and scholarly interpretations during the Second Temple period, emphasizing the interplay between texts, community affiliations, and cultural contexts.