The Religion of the Semites

Religion of the Semites is the classic investigation of the fundamental institutions of Judaism. Smith's discussion proceeds from a consideration of the formation of the religious community to a reconstruction of the Hebrew attitude towards holy places, sanctuaries, the system of sacrifice, the meaning of tithing the offering of first fruits, and blood sacrifice. More than a study of Biblical institutions, The Religion of the Semites is the first and one of the greatest efforts to interpret the Hebrew religion as a social and cultural phenomenon.