Becoming Diaspora Jews

“Van der Toorn’s book contributes an important voice to the ongoing debate on the origins and the identity of the Elephantine Yahwists.”—Society of Biblical Literature

“In this major contribution, Karel van der Toorn offers a brilliant analysis of the military colony of Elephantine and its integration into a ‘Jewish nation.’ This book offers a new translation and interpretation of Papyrus Amherst 63, which provides new insights into the life of this Diaspora community. It is a must-read for students and scholars of the Hebrew Bible and early Judaism.”—Thomas Römer, Collège de France and University of Lausanne

“In this erudite work, the Jewish community at Elephantine becomes a case study for a wide palette of issues, ranging from the emergence of Judaism to the negotiation of cultural boundaries.”—Ronald Hendel, coauthor of How Old Is the Hebrew Bible?

“Toorn is aware that his will not be the last word on the subject. That humility, along with his deep erudition, are exactly why this book deserves to be read by anyone interested in one of the most important caches of ancient documents related to the Bible—significant documents that were overshadowed once the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.”—J. S. Kaminsky, Smith College