The developments in Judaism which occurred during the Second Temple period (c.550 BC to 100 AD) were of great importance for the nature of Jewish religion in later centuries, yet few studies have examined the era in full. In this text, Lester L. Grabbe aims to provide an accessible volume offering an encyclopaedic study and holistic interpretation of the period. Topics examined in the text include: views about God and the spirit world; the temple and priesthood; scripture and synagogue; the main religious sects and revolutionary movements; eschatology and messianism; magic and predicting the future; religion in the Jewish diaspora; and converts and "Godfearers". With an extensive, bibliography, plus numerous helpful cross-references, summaries and syntheses, this book aims to be of use to scholars and students of the history of Jewish religion.