How The Bible Became Holy

In 'How the Bible Became Holy,' Michael L. Satlow examines the historical processes by which Jewish communities came to revere certain scriptures as sacred and authoritative.

The book tracks changing attitudes toward textuality, ritual use, and communal practices that elevated specific writings to a canonical, holy status.

Combining literary, historical, and social analysis, Satlow explores how textual sanctity was negotiated across different communities and periods.

He emphasizes the material and performative contexts—reading, copying, and public display—that shaped perceptions of holiness.

The study contributes to broader debates on canon formation and the social life of texts in religious traditions.