In Sketches of Jewish Social Life, Alfred Edersheim has done modern readers a favor. The Old and New Testaments are about a time and society very different from today, with different customs and idioms. Consequently, reading the Old and New Testaments may seem like entering a strange world. Edersheim has tried to make that world less strange. Sketches of Jewish Social Life is meant to fill the gap between ancient and modern readers. It does this by providing the common knowledge of that day for today's readers. In his book, Edersheim provides insight into the basics of Jewish society, customs, political powers, etc. But he doesn't just give readers the relevant information; on occasion, he also applies it to particular biblical passages and events. There are more serious, technical texts of this type, which provide more in depth and modern information about biblical customs. But Edersheim's Sketches of Jewish Social Life provides valuable information that will not overwhelm readers with data. Further, Edersheim writes in an easy prose anyone can follow. Edersheim's Sketches of Jewish Social Life is thus ideal for anyone wanting a richer understanding of the Old and New Testaments.

Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer