The Ten Plagues; The Exodus; The Conquest of the Land
Sedona AZ (January 23, 2017) – The JCSVV is pleased to announce a lecture series by our special Scholar in Residence, Dr. Marc Weisstuch, commencing on Sunday, February 5, 2017, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dr. Weisstuch teaches Jewish history at the Skirball Center for Adult Jewish Learning in New York and has been on the faculty of the institute since its inception in 2001, serving as its acting director in 2013-2014. He has concentrated on the Second Temple Period, leading classes on the Dead Sea Scrolls, the composition of the Bible and the early roots of Jewish mysticism. Dr. Weisstuch served as the administrative Vice President of Congregation Emanuel-El of the City of New York for twenty-nine years.
The epic events describing the Israelite deliverance from bondage and the triumph of settlement of the Land of Israel are foundational for Jewish identity, they constitute, in fact, the master narrative underlying Jewish self-definition and are a fundamental component of Jewish cultural memory. Yet, the historicity of these events is shrouded in mystery. There are virtually no extra-biblical records that offer direct corroborative accounts.
We shall compare the biblical rendition of these events to the broader history of the period, contemporary documentary evidence and recent archeological discoveries. A core underlying question implicit in our analysis is the relationship of belief/faith to history/truth, or in other words do historical matters matter to faith?
The lecture series shall be held on:
Sunday, February 5, 2017, 1:30 p. m. to 3:00 p.m., Class # 1, the Ten Plagues: Miracles or Natural Disasters?
Wednesday, February 8, 2017, 3:30 to 5:00 p. m., Class #2, the Exodus: Myth or History?
Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., Class #3, Conquest of the Land: Current Archeologist Theories.
The lecture series is free for JCSVV members. There is a non-member fee of $10.00 per lecture or $25.00 for all three lectures.
The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley is located at 100 Meadowlark Drive, on Route 179. Please contact the office, at 928 204-1286 for further information.