The Makers and Teachers of Judaism: From the Fall of Jerusalem to the Death of Herod the Great

"The Makers and Teachers of Judaism" by Charles Foster Kent is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores a significant yet tumultuous period in Jewish history, from the fall of Jerusalem to the death of Herod the Great, documenting the development of Judaism and its key figures during this transformative era. Kent aims to illuminate how the Jewish people, in the wake of catastrophic events, cultivated a resilient religious identity that would ultimately lead to the emergence of both Judaism and Christianity. The opening of the text sets the stage by discussing the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction, emphasizing the scattered nature of the Jewish remnants and their diverse beliefs shaped by new environments. Kent highlights the literary productivity of this era, which includes the creation of important religious texts from the Old Testament and Apocrypha, reflecting the individual and universal perspective of the Jewish teachers, priests, and prophets. He notes the significant shift from a nationalistic viewpoint to an emphasis on personal faith, as seen through the works of key figures, like Ezekiel and Jesus the son of Sirach, who sought to guide the Jewish people toward a deeper understanding of their faith amid suffering and exile.