The real measure of Jacob Neusner's contribution to the study of religion emerges from the originality excellence and scope of his learning. He founded a field of scholarship: the academic study of Judaism. He built out of that field to influence a larger subject: the academic study of religion. He created durable networks and pathways of interreligious communication and understanding. And he cared for the careers of others. Ever generous with his intellectual gifts Neusner is one of America's greatest humanists. In all aspects of his career he exemplifies the meaning of American learning. In all he has done Jacob Neusner fulfills the distinctive promise of the academic study of religion in an open and pluralistic society that values religion as a fundamental expression of freedom. -from the Encyclopaedia Judaica second edition. Language: English