BAS’s 2024 Dig Scholarship Winners

BIBLE HISTORY DAILY: 2024 Dig Scholarship Winners. Congratulating BAS’s 2024 Scholarship Winners.

Yes, congratulations to all the winners. I am pleased to see that one of them is a University of St. Andrews graduate.

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The rest was commentary in Akkadian too

DR. URI GABBAY: Commentaries Were Written as Soon as Ancient Texts Were Composed. (TheTorah.com).

The creative exegetical methods of reading texts both literally and non-literally are not limited to the interpretation of the Bible. Commentaries on ancient cuneiform literature from Mesopotamia have been found dating all the way back to the end of the 8th century B.C.E.

The abstract doesn't specify this, but the essay has many comparisons of the Akkadian commentaries to Rabbinic exegesis of the Bible.

For many PaleoJudaica posts on Akkadian and why it is important, see the links collected here.

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Mobile Megiddo mosaic moving to Museum of the Bible (on loan)

DECORATIVE ART EXHIBITION: Israel Lending 'Jesus Mosaic' From Armageddon to Controversial Bible Museum. Mosaic found in extremely early Christian prayer hall removed from prison home, to be displayed at the evangelical-backed Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. (Ariel David and Ruth Schuster, Haaretz).

Last week, expert conservators working at an archaeological site in a northern Israeli prison quietly completed the job of packing up and loading onto trucks one of the most important discoveries made in Israel this century.

The Megiddo Mosaic, which decorated one of oldest Christian prayer halls ever found, will soon fly overseas for a 9-months loan to the Museum of the Bible, Haaretz has learned.

[...]

I noted last year that the loan was being raised as a possibility. For background on the Megiddo "Jesus" mosaic and on the Museum of the Bible, see the links there. For more on the loan and on the evidently separate decision to move the mosaic from its context, see here and here.

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Biblical Studies Carnival 218

THE DUST BLOG: Biblical Studies Carnival 218 (Bob MacDonald).

My experience with current AI is similar to Bob's. It would rather give a wrong answer than say it doesn't know. In that it is all too human.

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Machines agree that those special Talmud tractates are special

ALGORITHM WATCH: Rashi was right: Machine learning confirms unique status of some Talmudic tracts. New study shows that the ‘special tractates’ of the Babylonian Talmud have distinct linguistic features, as commented on by medieval sages (Gavriel Fiske, Times of Israel.)

Rabbinical commentators on the Talmud noted in the medieval era that a handful of sections of the great corpus stood out linguistically from the rest. Over generations of scholars, the existence of these so-called “special tractates” was considered to be a clue that could further elucidate how the Talmud was compiled and edited.

Now via modern data analysis, a team of contemporary researchers has shown that these “special tractates” do indeed display a distinct use of language. After feeding nearly the entire Talmudic corpus into machine learning algorithms to parse the Aramaic, they confirmed the theories of Rashi and other medieval scholars.

[...]

It is worth underlining that these insights came originally from human intuition, which is the normal source of major advances in human knowledge. AI can test and confirm the ideas, but it isn't capable of original intuitions itself. We don't even know where they come from.

In this case it is telling that the machine learning can recognize what the human scholars saw, but it brings us no closer to understanding what the idiosyncratic language in these tractates and passages means. We need human insight to make progress on that.

It is of course possible that some future AI will be able to replicate human intuition, but nothing that currently passes for Artificial Intelligence is going to do so. AI as we have it can only rearrange what we already know.

I commend the researchers for recognizing and acknowledging all this. They are doing good work and are aware of its limitations.

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The history of Rafah

IN GAZA: A historical Jewish rediscovery in Rafah amid modern conflict. Prime Minister Netanyahu's incursion into Rafah displaced over a million Palestinians, highlighting the area's complex history, including significant Jewish presence since the Hasmonean era (Jerusalem Post).

Last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defied international calls by sending Israeli troops into Rafah, a key Hamas stronghold, leading to the displacement of over a million Palestinians. The current conflict is a stark reminder of the longstanding and complex history that has shaped this area over millennia.

[...]

The article mentions the Jewish Virtual Library article on Rafah, which contains more information on Rafah in antiquity.

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Review of Fine, The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic

BOOK REVIEW: The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic: the Talmud and feminine dichotomy. 'The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic' discusses the six women in the Talmud who are cited by name, and matches them with six paradigms of the female (ELLIOTT MALAMET, Jerusalem Post).

But [author Gila] Fine refuses to succumb to a surface impression, and her book’s extended argument is that although one can find ample evidence for these stereotypical depictions of women in Talmudic literature, a more careful analysis can reveal subtle reversals of these clichés and, at times, a subversive defense of female agency and ability.

Cross-file under Talmud Watch.

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de Bruin, Fan Fiction and Early Christian Writings (T&T Clark)

NEW BOOK FROM BLOOMSBURY/T&T CLARK:

Fan Fiction and Early Christian Writings

Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and Canon

Tom de Bruin (Author)

Hardback
£85.00 £76.50

Ebook (PDF)
£76.50 £61.20

Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
£76.50 £61.20

Product details

Published 13 Jun 2024
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 216
ISBN 9780567706638
Imprint T&T Clark
Dimensions 234 x 156 mm
Series Scriptural Traces
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

Description

What can contemporary media fandoms, like Anne Rice, Star Wars, Batman, or Sherlock Holmes, tell us about ancient Christianity?

Tom de Bruin demonstrates how fandom and fan fiction are both analogous and incongruous with Christian derivative works. The often-disparaging terms applied to Christian apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, such as fakes, forgeries or corruptions, are not sufficient to capture the production, consumption, and value of these writings. De Bruin reimagines a range of early Christian works as fan practices. Exploring these ancient texts in new ways, he takes the reader on a journey from the 'fix-it fic' endings of the Gospel of Mark to the subversive fan fictions of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, and from the densely populated storyworld of early Christian art to the gatekeeping of Christian orthodoxy.

Using theory developed in fan studies, De Bruin revisits fundamental questions about ancient derivative texts: Why where they written? How do they interact with more established texts? In what ways does the consumption of derivative works influence the reception of existing traditions? And how does the community react to these works? This book sheds exciting and new light on ancient Christian literary production, consumption and transmission.

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Jeal (ed.), Exploring Sublime Rhetoric in Biblical Literature (SBL)

NEW BOOK FROM SBL PRESS:

Exploring Sublime Rhetoric in Biblical Literature
Roy R. Jeal, editor

ISBN 9781628375626
Volume ESEC 28
Status Available
Publication Date March 2024
Paperback $43.00
eBook $43.00
Hardback $63.00

In scholarly study of the New Testament and early Christian rhetoric, one key element is often overlooked: the sublime. To address this omission, contributors to this volume explore how the awe-inspiring, dislocating, and sometimes horrifying language that characterizes sublime rhetoric exerts cognitive, emotional, and physiological force on its audiences, transporting them to new realities as they go along. The essays lay a foundation for scholars and students to identify and interpretsublime rhetoric in biblical literature. Contributors include Murray J. Evans, Alan P. R. Gregory, Christopher T. Holmes, Roy R. Jeal, Harry O. Maier, Erika Mae Olbricht, Thomas H. Olbricht†, Vernon K. Robbins, and Jonathan Thiessen.

Includes a chapter on 1 Enoch.

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Scales on Spaces of ancient Galilee

THE BIBLE AND INTERPRETATION

Spaces of ancient Galilee: How Judaism created Galilee and Galilee created Judaism in the time of the Hasmoneans

The importance of removing impurity can be seen in the shaping of space. Objects and installations were used in ancient Judaism to deal with impurity (or achieve purity). As such, we see in specific sites, such as Jerusalem and Qumran (where many of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found) the giving over of large areas to washing facilities. This use of space reflects ideologies and practices, and subsequently shapes how people understand the space around them.

See also Galilean Spaces of Identity (Brill, 2024).

By Joseph Scales
Department of Religion
University of Agder May 2024

I noted the publication of the book here.

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Jerusalem’s Herodian Quarter is reopening

RENOVATION: Unveiling Jerusalem’s priestly neighborhood from Herodian era. "History is being revived in the Jewish Quarter" as ancient homes of Temple priests reopen after a major renovation. (YORI YALON, JNS).

(May 31, 2024 / Israel Hayom) After two years of extensive development and renovations costing $5 million, Jerusalem’s ancient Herodian Quarter is reopening to the public this week.

This remarkable archaeological site in the Old City’s Jewish Quarter features an affluent residential neighborhood from the Second Temple period, spanning 2,600 square meters (about 28,000 square feet). It includes luxurious homes, exquisite mosaics, paved streets and numerous ritual baths.

[...]

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Still more on the Crosby-Schøyen Codex

MORE ON THE CODEX'S CONTENTS: Crosby-Schøyen Codex: ancient Coptic manuscript reveals sermon that spurred violence against Jews (M J C Warren, The Conversation).

The article tells us that there are five texts in this Sahidic Coptic codex. We already knew it contains Jonah and 1 Peter. The article adds that it also has excerpts from 2 Maccabees and (the headline text) a copy of Melito's homily on Passover (Peri Pascha). The fifth text, unmentioned, is an otherwise unknown Easter sermon. For additional detains see here.

PaleoJudaica posts on the codex are here, here, here, and here (cf. here).

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Macaskill, The Entangled Enoch: 2 Enoch and the Cultures of Late Antiquity (Brill)

NEW BOOK FROM BRILL:

The Entangled Enoch: 2 Enoch and the Cultures of Late Antiquity

Series:
Studia in Veteris Testamenti Pseudepigrapha, Volume: 28

Author: Grant Macaskill

This study reframes and reorients the study of 2 Enoch, moving beyond debates about Christian or Jewish authorship and considering the work in the context of eclectic and erudite cultures in late antiquity, particularly Syria. The study compares the work with the Parables of Enoch and then with a variety of writings associated with late antique Syrian theology, demonstrating the distinctively eclectic character of 2 Enoch. It offers new paradigms for research into the pseudepigrapha.

Copyright Year: 2024

E-Book (PDF)
Availability: Published
ISBN: 978-90-04-69509-2
Publication: 21 May 2024
EUR €139.00

Hardback
Availability: Published
ISBN: 978-90-04-69508-5
Publication: 23 May 2024
EUR €139.00

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Kirk, Agur’s Wisdom and the Coherence of Proverbs 30 (SBL)

NEW BOOK FROM SBL PRESS;

Agur’s Wisdom and the Coherence of Proverbs 30
Alexander T. Kirk

ISBN 9781628375657
Volume AIL 50
Status Available
Publication Date May 2024v Paperback $50.00
eBook $50.00
Hardback $70.00

In this first in-depth study of Proverbs 30, the Words of Agur, Alexander T. Kirk examines a puzzling text attributed to an unknown figure that has long fascinated scholars. While this material has been read as everything from a devout confession to a cry of despair, few interpreters have found any real coherence in the chapter. In this detailed philological study engaging both genre and tone, Kirk demonstrates that the chapter is best read as a coherent collection that mocks pride and greed while it commends humility and contentment. Kirk draws out many subtle literary features that augment Agur’s message, including humor and animal imagery. Ultimately, Proverbs 30 deepens the presentation of wisdom in the book of Proverbs by orienting it toward a proper relationship with God.

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Josephus on the Essenes

BIBLE HISTORY DAILY: Josephus on the Essenes.

I've linked to this one before, but it's back, and the information is good to have handy.

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Forthcoming: The Illustrated Cairo Genizah (Gorgias Press)

THE GENIZA FRAGMENTS BLOG: The Illustrated Cairo Genizah – now available to pre-order (Nick Posegay and Melonie Schmierer-Lee).

We are very excited to announce that our new book, The Illustrated Cairo Genizah, is now available for pre-order! See https://linktr.ee/CambridgeGRU to order.

[...]

Estimated shipping date is 1 October 2024.

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Bakhos & Gray (eds.), Kalmin Festschrift (SBL)

NEW BOOK FROM SBL PRESS:

Making History: Studies in Rabbinic History, Literature, and Culture in Honor of Richard L. Kalmin
Carol Bakhos, Alyssa M. Gray, editors

ISBN 9781951498948
Volume BJS 372
Status Available
Publication Date March 2024
Paperback $80.00
eBook $80.00
Hardback $100.00

Essays in this volume honor Richard L. Kalmin, one of the leading scholars of rabbinic literature. Volume contributors explore a variety of topics related to Kalmin’s wide-ranging work from the development of the Talmud to rabbinic storytelling, from the transmission of tales across geographic and cultural boundaries to ancient Jewish and Iranian interactions. Many of the essays reflect current trends in how scholars use ancient Jewish literary sources to address questions of historical import. Contributors include Carol Bakhos, Beth A. Berkowitz, Noah Bickart, Robert Brody, Joshua Cahan, Shaye J. D. Cohen, Steven D. Fraade, Shamma Friedman, Alyssa M. Gray, Judith Hauptman, Christine Hayes, Catherine Hezser, Marc Hirshman, David Kraemer, Marjorie Lehman, Kristen Lindbeck, Jonathan S. Milgram, Chaim Milikowsky, Michael L. Satlow, Marcus Mordecai Schwartz, Seth Schwartz, Burton L. Visotzky, and Sarah Wolf.

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UHaifa adds a new archaeology master's program

HIGHER EDUCATION: The University of Haifa Presents: Dig, Dive and Discover. University of Haifa’s School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures (SAMC), has launched a new science-oriented international master’s program in archaeological research. (Times of Israel).

The first of its kind to integrate the full scope of archaeological activities on land, at sea and in the lab under one roof, and building on its globally renowned reputation, University of Haifa’s School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures (SAMC) has recently launched a new international Master’s program, offering an MSc in Archaeological Sciences.

Home to the largest community of archaeology researchers, state-of-the-art research labs and seven prestigious grants from the European Research Council, SAMC is reshaping archaeology as never before. Its four departments – Archaeology, Maritime Civilizations (underwater and coastal archaeology), Archaeological Sciences and Cultural Heritage, are an exceptionally unique combination world-wide. “Our strength lies both in exposing our students to all sides of archaeology on land, underwater, heritage and the sciences, and in our strong partnerships with the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) and leading universities abroad,” says Prof. Israel Finkelstein, head of SAMC.

Together with the University of Haifa’s International School, SAMC now offers three groundbreaking one-year English-taught International Master’s programs, on land, underwater and in the lab.

[...]

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Niehoff, Judentum und Hellenismus (Mohr Siebeck)

NEW BOOK FROM MOHR SIEBECK: Maren R. Niehoff. Judentum und Hellenismus. Herausgegeben von Birgit Weyel unter Mitarbeit von Florian Zacher. Übers. v. Daniel Schumann, Matthew Chaldekas. [Judaism and Hellenism.] 2024. 122 pages. Lucas-Preis 2022. 29,00 € including VAT hardcover ISBN 978-3-16-163536-6.

Published in German.
In this acceptance speech, Maren Niehoff provides an exemplary insight into her innovative studies on the relationship between Jewish and Hellenistic culture in antiquity. Using the reception of Alexander the Great in Greco-Roman, Jewish-Hellenistic and rabbinic literature, she paradigmatically demonstrates the interrelationships and negotiation processes between Judaism and Hellenism.

We are fortunate to have Prof. Niehoff visiting St. Andrews this week. She gave a fascinating lecture in the School of Divinity yesterday on Paul's and Philo's developing concepts of law.

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Online course on the history of biblical translations

MEDIEVALISTS.NET: Online course starting this week: The History of Biblical Translation.

Starting, Saturday, June 1st: This six-week course includes live 2-hour sessions with the instructor each week at 1:00pm Eastern U.S. time (6:00pm BST). Sessions consist of lecture, discussion of readings, and Q&A.

Looks very informative. Starts with the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek; moves to the Latin Bible; then surveys the mutitude of translations that followed.

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