Shabtai Tzvi: Messianism in Judaism-Part 1

The Mishneh Torah is a comprehensive code of Jewish law written by Maimonides (Rambam) in the 12th century. It covers a wide range of topics, including Jewish theology, ethics, ritual practices, and civil law. Maimonides aimed to create a clear and accessible summary of Jewish law that would be useful for both scholars and laypeople. The Mishneh Torah is divided into fourteen books, each dealing with a specific area of Jewish law. The code is known for its systematic organization, clear language, and rational approach to Jewish law.

The Zohar is a group of books that discuss the nature of God, the origin and structure of the universe, the nature of souls, redemption, and mystical psychology. It uses allegories and metaphysical principles to interpret Scripture, presenting the law as a living being with physical and spiritual components. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of the natural and spiritual worlds and the importance of purity of life and thought to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

This book presents the first three Books of Maccabees, with 1 Maccabees considered a reliable historical source. The translation includes Yahuah's name and offers footnotes and references. The history is partially contested due to the style and voice from the Middle Ages, but it remains a valuable addition to personal libraries and historical resources.

Paradise Regained is a poetic work written by John Milton, first published in 1671. It serves as a sequel to his earlier work, 'Paradise Lost', and centers on the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. The poem, divided into four books, depicts the intense dialogue between Jesus and Satan, where Jesus resists various temptations presented by Satan, emphasizing his unwavering obedience and spiritual strength. The work explores themes of Christian heroism, defined by enduring faith in God and spiritual perseverance, and contrasts with classical notions of heroism by focusing on moral courage rather than physical strength. Milton composed this 'brief epic' of 2,065 lines, using blank verse and theological themes similar to those in 'Paradise Lost'.

This book provides a detailed commentary on the Book of Daniel, offering insights and interpretations of the biblical text. Written by renowned biblical scholar Raymond Edward Brown, it is part of the Pamphlet Bible Series and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the scripture.

The Mishnah is the oldest authoritative postbiblical collection and codification of Jewish oral laws. It was systematically compiled by numerous scholars (Tannaim) over a period of about two centuries and given final form by Judah ha-Nasi in the early 3rd century CE. The Mishnah supplements the written laws found in the Pentateuch and presents various interpretations of selective legal traditions that had been preserved orally since at least the time of Ezra. It is divided into six major sections (sedarim) containing 63 tractates, each further divided into chapters. The Mishnah has played a decisive role in the religious life of the Jewish people and serves as the foundation for both the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds.

The Book of Isaiah is a major prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It's attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in Judah during the 8th century BCE. The book contains a collection of oracles, poems, and prophecies addressing various aspects of Judah's history and the future. Key themes include God's judgment on Israel's sins, the promise of a future messiah, and the restoration of God's people. Isaiah's powerful imagery and evocative language have had a profound impact on religious thought and literature for centuries.

The Tanakh, also known as the Hebrew Bible, is the central text of Judaism. It is divided into three main sections: the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). The Tanakh includes a wide range of genres such as narrative history, law, poetry, wisdom literature, and prophecy. It covers the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, their relationship with God, and various ethical and ritual requirements. The text is considered sacred and is the basis for Jewish law, ethics, and theology.

The Talmud is a vast collection of writings that include the Mishnah and the Gemara. It covers a wide range of subjects such as Jewish law (halakha), ethics, philosophy, customs, history, and folklore. The Talmud exists in two main versions: the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud, compiled in the 5th century, is more widely studied and consists of 2,711 double-sided pages with numerous commentaries and notes.