[(The Memory of the Temple and the Making of the Rabbis)] [By (author) Naftali S. Cohn] published on

Naftali S. Cohn delves into the intricate relationship between memory and religious authority in his examination of the rabbinic tradition. Set against the backdrop of the early centuries of the Common Era, he explores how the remembrance of the Jerusalem Temple influenced the formation and identity of the rabbis during a period of significant cultural transition.

Cohn's analysis reveals how the Temple's symbolic presence shaped the rabbinic discourse as these scholars sought to establish their own legitimacy in a world increasingly detached from the Temple's physical existence. Through careful exploration of historical and textual sources, he presents a nuanced understanding of how memory served as a powerful tool in the construction of rabbinic thought and practice.

This narrative not only sheds light on the complexities of rabbinic development but also invites readers to reflect on the role of memory in shaping religious identity. Cohn's work offers profound insights into the interplay between collective memory and the evolution of authority, making it a vital contribution to the study of Jewish history and theology.