Formerly one of the largest and most militant Islamic organizations in the Middle East, Egypt's al-Gama'ah al-Islamiyah is believed to have played an instrumental role in numerous acts of global terrorism, including the assassination of President Anwar Sadat and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. In later years, however, the organization issued a surprising renunciation of violence, repudiating its former ideology and replacing it with a shari'ah -based understanding and assessment of the purpose and proper application of jihad. This key manifesto of modern Islamist thought is now available to an English-speaking audience in an eminently readable translation by noted Islamic scholar Sherman A. Jackson. Unlike other Western and Muslim critiques of violent extremism, this important work emerges from within the movement of Middle Eastern Islamic activism, both challenging and enriching prevailing notions about the role of Islamists in fighting the scourge of extremist politics, blind anti-Westernism, and, alas, wayward jihad.

Timeless Torah: An Anthology Of The Writings Of Samson Raphael Hirsch is a book that compiles the works of Samson Raphael Hirsch, a prominent rabbi and Jewish leader from the 19th century. The book includes a selection of his writings on a variety of topics, including Jewish law, philosophy, and ethics. Hirsch's teachings emphasize the importance of balancing tradition and modernity, and he argues that Judaism should be practiced in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary life. The book is organized thematically, with sections on prayer, education, community, and other topics. It also includes a biographical introduction to Hirsch's life and work, as well as an overview of his contributions to Jewish thought and practice. Timeless Torah is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jewish theology, history, and culture, and it offers insights into the enduring relevance of Hirsch's teachings for contemporary Jewish life.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

In "Ezekiel 1-20", the first of two volumes of commentary on the Scripture attributed to the third major Old Testament prophet, Moshe Greenberg, uses accessible prose to explain Ezekiel's ecstatic, erratic, almost incomprehensible otherworldly visions and prophecies. One of this century's most respected biblical scholars, Greenberg translates the text, identifies the critical issues raised by the book, and offers an impressively balanced, thoroughly holistic interpretation of Ezekiel."Ezekiel 1-20" rigorously engages the biblical text with all the tools of historical critical analysis. Drawing upon the rich history of Jewish and Christian interpretation, Greenberg employs ancient and modern sources in his elucidation of this most difficult prophetic book. Only his second and final volume, "Ezekiel 21-48", can complete the most authoritative commentary on Ezekiel.

The second installment in the Ariel's Bible Commentary Series. In his action packed, culturally relevant exegesis of the Book of Judges, Dr. Fruchtenbaum opens a portal where formerly unfamiliar names and places come alive with meaning. Armies clash, heroes rise, and human affection for other gods multiplies with soul-numbing impact. We see in his exegesis of the Book of Ruth a contrasting, in-depth picture of life among the true believers living in Bethlehem during this ancient time. These two history books are set in the time when Israel was in the Land but not yet a unified nation. Although God continues to hear the cry of the children of Israel each time they fall away and face turmoil, they fall ever further into spiritual blindness because of their disobedience. Eventually, even the spiritual leaders become immune to their own glaring indifference to God s Word. In all, God sent twelve Judges to save the children of Israel. Seven of these Judges are treated in detail as Israel goes through each cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and salvation by a Judge. The Book of Ruth, an appendix to the Book of Judges, presents enormously touching portraits of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. They are pictured as part of the faithful community of Messianic Jewish believers of their own time, worthy ancestors of King David and the promised King Messiah yet to be revealed.

For two millennia Christianity has stated that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah prophesized about in Jewish scripture. But how have Christians justified these claims? And from what sources do they draw their evidence that Jesus was in fact the Messiah? Biblical scholar, Alfred Edersheim, in an extremely thorough study of Jewish scripture examines how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Messianic hopes of many Old Testament prophecies. Through the course of twelve lectures Edersheim provides brilliant insight into the Old Testament and how the texts within it provide clear evidence of prophecy for the coming of Jesus Christ. Yet, Edersheim does not stop at studying the Old Testament alone but also uses the Pentateuch, the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha to provide further examples that Jesus was indeed prophesized about by Jewish texts many centuries before he was born. This book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand more fully how Jesus' life was intertwined with old Jewish texts and for those who are looking for a scholarly, yet accessible, account of this fascinating topic. Alfred Edersheim (1825-89) was a Vienna-born biblical scholar who converted from Judaism to Christianity. A veteran minister and missionary to the Jews of Romania, Edersheim left an enduring and priceless legacy to followers of Christ. Among his most widely read works are The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, The Temple: Its Ministry and Services, and Bible History Old Testament.

Were Jonah's experiences true to the history of ancient Israel? Were they meant to be read comically, philosophically, allegorically, symbolically, or realistically? And is God godly when acting beyond the comprehension of prophets, let alone ordinary human beings? These issues, and many more, are thoughtfully considered in this meticulously detailed and insightful translation of the original Hebrew text of Jonah as created by Jewish authorities during the second half of the first millennium B.C.E. In these profound and enduring tales, realistic events and miraculous incidents merge, and we never have to wait long to witness the power of God's love or wrath. One of the twelve prophets, Jonah faced more challenges in a short span of time than any other biblical hero. He went to sea and nearly drowned in the belly of a great fish. On land, Jonah journeyed east to Nineveh, where his mission was to spread the word of God in a city plagued by evil. He was tested by God at every tum. But even during his darkest hours, his faith never wavered and through all the tumult, he always listened for the comforting voice of the Lord. Author Jack M. Sasson employs the very latest information in biblical scholarship to interpret the many nuances in Jonah's seemingly simple story. Providing Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Aramaic, and, occasionally, Syriac and Arabic translations, this work is an exciting addition to the world-acclaimed Anchor Bible commentaries. From the Hardcover edition.