A Social History of Hebrew

“This important book fills a major void in the field of Hebrew studies. Schniedewind paves new ground with this masterful survey of the primary sources, elucidated throughout via recourse to modern linguistic research.”—Gary Rendsburg, Rutgers University

~Gary Rendsburg

“Schniedewind offers powerful illustrations of how Hebrew developed in relation to history. Read this book for stimulating new perspectives on topics ranging from the emergence of distinctive Judean scribal Hebrew in the late monarchy to the resurrection of literary forms of Hebrew in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.”—David Carr, Union Theological Seminary

~David Carr

“William Schniedewind’s erudite study is the story of a protean hero – the Hebrew language, in its changes, journeys, struggles and survival. Schniedewind captivates us with the beauty of Hebrew and illuminates the ancient world through the lens of language.”—Rabbi David Wolpe, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles

~David Wolpe

“An outstanding book for those inclined to reap the social and historical insights about the rise, fall, and rebirth of the Hebrew language.”—Fred Reiss, San Diego Jewish World

~Fred Reiss, San Diego Jewish News