Bibliography
| Title: Jewish Involvement in the Administration of Palestine, 100 B.C.-A.D. 70 Type: Thesis Year: 1990 Abstract: "This thesis examines the degree to which the Jews were involved in the administration of Palestine between 100 B.C. and A.D. 70. The emphasis is placed on analyzing which people actually participated in the administration as opposed to those who should have, or who it is believed shoud have, held power. Twenty-one case studies of specific events are undertaken with the purpose of establishing the identity of those people involved in the decision making process. The studies are drawn from the writings of Josephus, Philo of Alexandria and the New Testament gospels, and Acts of Apostles. From the twenty-one disparate studies a number of observations regarding the administration are made. Negotiation was the preferred means by which a decision was reached. Furthermore, we are able to identify the prominent members of the Jewish community. During the first century B.C. influential lay Jews provided advice to the existing had of state. Foremost among the community during the first century A.D. were certain priests. There is also evidence for the existence of a formal institution, described as the boule gerousia. It fulfilled administrative functions and acquired the notion of being a national institution. Two further institutions are described in the studies, both referred to by the term synedrion. Neither of these bodies was permanent. Rather, the references to them are to embodiments of principles, activated when deemed necessary by the leading figure. They functioned as forums to offer advice and to act as a court. It is established that a distinction ist required between involvement in administrative tasks and in the decision making proecess. Prominent priests and influential laity were involved in the latter. At no stage, however, did the Jews engage in committee rule. Individuals, prominent within their respective Groups, dominanted affairs". Keywords: Jewish History: Roman Era |