Hebrew University Scholars to Bring Bible Study to Knesset

Hebrew University Scholars to Bring Bible Study to Knesset

Jerusalem– Bible study is about to be formally introduced to the Knesset this week, thanks to a joint effort by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Knesset and the Ministry of Education.

In the initiative, two well known, veteran scholars from the Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies at The Hebrew University will be giving monthly lectures on the Bible at the Knesset starting on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The lectures, on “Figures in the Bible and Midrash,” will be delivered by Yair Zakovitch, the Father Takeji Otsuki Professor of Bible Studies, and Avigdor Shinan, the Yitzhak Becker Professor of Jewish Studies.

The first session will deal with the varying images of Elijah the Prophet in the Biblical text and in commentaries. Further lectures will deal with Joshua and Rahab, Jacob and Esau, and Samson. Former Supreme Court Justice Michel Cheshin, whose rulings were often laced with Biblical references, will introduce the sessions.

Both Prof. Zakovitch and Prof. Shinan have held senior positions at The Hebrew University, the former having served as head of the Institute of Jewish Studies and dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and the latter as head of the Department of Hebrew Literature and dean of students. They are the authors of numerous articles and books.

(Note: The first lecture will be held in the Galil lecture hall at the Knesset. Reporters and photographers are welcome but are asked to register with the Department of Media Relations at the Hebrew University, 02-5882811 )

For further information: Jerry Barach, Dept. of Media Relations, the Hebrew University, tel: 02-588-2904; jerryb@savion.huji.ac.il, or Orit Sulitzeanu, Hebrew University spokesperson, Tel: 054-8820016; orits@savion.huji.ac.il