Eliav uses his impressive knowledge of Talmud, the Bible, archeology, languages, rabbinic texts, the classics and patristic literature to debunk the notion that the Temple Mount was a sacred space for ancient Jews and Christians. According to him, it did not achieve this status until long after the Second Temple was destroyed. In a dazzling display of erudition, he supports ... Read morehis thesis by providing new readings of familiar sources and by citing many little-known references. Publishers Weekly Readable and well illustrated and documented, this book is recommended for religion and seminary collections of all stripes. Library Journal 2005 Eliav writes in a clear style that makes it accessible to most readers. Highly recommended.
Aaron Howard Jewish Herald-Voice 2005 This is a wide-ranging book on a fascinating topic. Its main thesis is that the Temple Mount in Jerusalem became an important concept invested with religious significance only after the Temple had been destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.
Pieter W. van der Horst Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2006 All readers will be rewarded by Eliav's judicious insights, his nuanced reinterpretations, and his wide-ranging scholarship. Choice 2006 This book means to awaken an important scholarly debate and it deserves to succeed. Shofar 2007 Show Less