Haber (1957-2006) was a doctoral student of religious studies at McMaster University when she fell ill and died before beginning her dissertation. She had published several papers, however, and was in the process of editing others for publication. Reinhartz (classics and religious studies, U. of Ottawa) has prepared nine bibliographic, literary, and historical studies on purity, Haber's primary interest, both as a memorial and to provide other scholars access to her work. Among the topics are the mother-martyrs of 2 Maccabees; feminist encounters with the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5:24-34; and purity, holiness, and sacred space at the turn of the Common Era. The Society of Biblical Literature publishes the book and distributes the paperbound edition; Brill distributes the clothbound edition. Annotation 2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
