A History of the Jews of Arabia

"A daring venture . . . because of its attempt at reconstructing the history of a once-important but little-known group based on very sparse data."—Religious Studies Review

"This book provides a wealth of material on its subject. It offers highly original ideas and will be of great use to students interested in the history of the Jews of Arabia."—MESA Bulletin

"What emerges is the picture of a complex Jewish community in Arabia, pursuing its adventure in dispersion at a critical juncture in world history."—Journal of Reform Judaism

"Newby's interpretive framework and mastery of the recent scholarship constitute an important contribution."—Judaica Book News

"The Jews of Arabia maintained a thriving, vital Diaspora community for centuries. While Muhammad was spreading Islam around Medina in the seventh century, there were Arabian Jewish merchants, poets, pastoral nomads, farmers, sculptors, and warriors. One of the findings of this scholarly synthesis is that Arabian Jewry influenced Muhammad's developing vision of his prophetic mission. . . . By identifying a body of shared experiences of Jews and Muslims, Newby's study gives hope for peaceful coexistence in the Middle East."—Publishers Weekly