Reciprocity and solidarity -- The problem with Mediterraneanism -- A God of reciprocity : Torah and social relations in the Wisdom of Jesus Ben Sira -- Josephus : honor, memory, benefaction -- Roman values and the Palestinian rabbis
Summary
How well integrated were Jews in the Mediterranean society controlled by ancient Rome? The Torah's laws seem to constitute a rejection of the reciprocity-based social dependency and emphasis on honor that were customary in the ancient Mediterranean world. But were Jews really a people apart, and outside of this broadly shared culture? Were the Jews a Mediterranean Society? argues that Jewish social relations in antiquity were animated by a core tension between biblical solidarity and exchange-based social values such as patronage, vassalage, formal friendship, and debt slavery. Seth Schwartz's
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-208) and index
