2007-2008 Program
For the first time, Penn's Center for Advanced Judaic Studies (CAJS) has
convened a year on one of the most fascinating periods in the history of Jewish
religion and culture: Late Antiquity.
It is the era that produced the Rabbinic
Movement, the Mishnah, and the Talmud. Countless practices, and ideas central
to Jewish practice and belief today were born or developed in this period. In
addition, the early centuries of the Common Era mark the first chapters in the
relationship between Jews and Christians.
2008 PENN LECTURES IN JUDAIC STUDIES
BEGINNINGS:
JEWS, CHRISTIANS, AND THE ROMAN EMPIRE
This year, CAJS will present a series of programs in the Philadelphia area and
beyond that will give public audiences unique opportunities to learn about what
has long been thought of as the "rabbinic period," a time marked by many forms
of Jewish practice and expression and deep engagement with Roman and later,
Roman-Christian cultures. This year's scholars come to the center with
expertise in Roman law and history, early Christianity, and all aspects of
Judaism in Late Antiquity, including: art and architecture, prayer, magic,
literature, politics and sociology. Their work is forging new understandings
of the identity, character and status of the Jewish communities living under
Roman control and explores the significance of the relationships among Jews,
Christians and other minority and majority groups in the Roman Empire.
Our programs this coming year will include:
● The 2008 Penn Lectures in Judaic Studies, which will run from February
to May in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania and South Jersey
suburbs.
Public Programs Schedule for 2008
● Special programs and events in other parts of the country, including New
York and Chicago.
For more information about our public programs, please contact:
Dr. Cynthia Saltzman
215-238-1290 ext. 507
cyns@sas.upenn.edu
Please also consult our
website at http://www.cajs.upenn.edu for continuing updates on this year's programs.
