In this influential work, Alfred Edersheim brilliantly traced Jewish life, traditions, politics, history, and society. Written in a comprehensible style, it is one of the most absorbing social histories of Jews to have ever been written. Edersheim has rebuilt an evocative image of life in Galilee, Jerusalem, and Judea during the time of Christ using Jewish, Roman, Greek, and Christian texts. This insightful study covers a broad range of topics, from how Jewish children were raised to the role of various community members. It's a perfect read for anyone who wants to understand the life of Jesus.