ABSTRACT
My reading and interpretation of the works of early Judaism was prompted by a wish to discover and uncover an underlying social reality as revealed by the creativity of the authors. In the case of the rabbinical authors, I hoped to expose the mindset of this group of men who, in the main, succeeded in persuading their co-religionists to accept unquestioningly not only their opinions but also their decisions on issues that impinge on almost every detail of daily existence.
