"Invoking modern analogies from Shakespeare to Bob Dylan, the Chicago Cubs to Hubert Humphrey, Rabbi Steven Bob deftly unpacks the complex texts of Ezra and Nehemiah. Rabbi Bob teaches his readers about the beginnings of Judaism, Hebrew writing, and public reading of the Torah. I heartily recommend this reader-friendly guide to the end of the biblical era." --Burton Visotzky, Appleman Professor Emeritus, Jewish Theological Seminary---------------------------------- "With wit, clarity, and interpretive insight, Steven Bob brings Ezra-Nehemiah into sharp contemporary focus. He shows that these often-overlooked books are not marginal, but foundational, marking the decisive shift to a Torah-centered way of life and the emergence of Judaism as we know it. Bob has a rare gift for making complex conversations feel both intelligible and urgent, thereby opening up fresh ways of seeing familiar texts. This is a deeply rewarding book, one that not only clarifies the past but helps us understand why Ezra and Nehemiah still matter." --Aubrey E. Buster, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College---------------------------------- "When Judaism Began by Rabbi Steven Bob offers an engaging introduction to the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah that is both informed by scholarship and easy to read. Filled with colorful examples, When Judaism Began shows how contemporary Jewish readers can find significance in every nook and cranny of this neglected portion of the TanaK. This book is recommended for anyone interested in Ezra-Nehemiah and its relevance for modern Judaism." --Michael Graves, Armerding Professor of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College