What is the Extra-biblical Historical Evidence for the Exodus?; A Conversation on Jewish Identity with the Harts
Three Jewish Roman Soldiers? In Germany? In the FIRST CENTURY BCE???; The Birth of Ashkenaz in Budapest; New Unpacked Videos
This is just an amazing find.
The Birth of Ashkenaz: Graduate Seminar in Budapest this May
Thrilled to be returning to the Ashkenazium later this summer to spend time with some really brilliant European students looking at the Birth of Ashkenaz. Here’s the course description, please visit https://www.ashkenazium.eu for more information:
A survey of the earliest Jewish communities of Europe that formed the nucleus of Ashkenazic civilization, 900-1400 CE. Population movements from northern Italy and the Iberian Peninsula will be studied, as well as the early medieval charters that established the legal basis for Jewish settlement. Emphasis will be placed on the unique characteristics of the Ashkenazic experience, and how they led to lasting innovations in communal organization and cultural development. Unfortunately the course will be taught by a Litvak, with absolutely no sense of humour, but Hasidim will be standing by to resuscitate as necessary.
New Unpacked Videos
Very pleased to be working closely with the really talented, amazing team at Unpacked. Here’s a few new videos to which I had the privilege of contributing.
Jewish History Lab Now Available as a Podcast! (I think); Jews under Byzantine Rule
YouTube recently made it easy to transform my playlists into Podcast format, which has long been a demand from fellow students of Jewish history. I just uploaded one list to start: the Jewish History Lab (114 videos). Should be populating on Google Play and (I think) Apple Podcasts, but for now it’s available on my YouTube channel. Not available in all countries yet. Enjoy in good health!
The Amazing Story of Rabbi Izak “the Convert” Graanboom of Amsterdam; Ukrainian Jewish History Video Online
Really enjoyed visiting Edmonton last week for this conference, very intelligent and receptive audiences.
My keynote was preceded by a general welcome to the conference from Dr. Ryan Dunch, and starts with something that is widespread at the University of Alberta: an acknowledgment that the University is situated on land that originally belonged to First Nations. I was frankly touched by this acknowledgment, which is not a rote statement but appears in different forms in email headers, websites, and the like.
Then a senior scholar whose work I respect deeply, Dr. John-Paul Himka, delivered a longish introduction to my work which frankly made me blush. I was surprised at how familiar he was with my career as a graduate student, reading well outside his own areas of specialization.
My talk begins around 14:00. The Q&A at the end went on for another hour or so beyond the video. I hope you find it meaningful!
Now this is a really remarkable story!
Purim Videos!
Wishing you all a Purim full of light and gladness!
Celebrating the Chevra Kadisha in Riverdale; Ukrainians and Jews in Edmonton; Book Sale; Byzantine Era Synagogues
I am deeply honored to address the Chevra Kadisha at the Riverdale Jewish Center at their annual 7 Adar celebration. The “Holy Association” is a group of men and women who undertake, usually on a volunteer basis, the difficult task of preparing our deceased loved ones for burial. If you are in the neighborhood, please join us.
Thanks to the History, Religion, and Classics Graduate Students’ Association at the University of Alberta for inviting me to deliver the keynote address at their conference this Thursday evening. Unless you are in Edmonton, please join us via Zoom (RSVP at www.bit.ly/JEWISHUK1000, more information on the conference at www.hcrgsa.ca/keynoteandroundtable). Please note that the times listed are MST.
Book Sale
Now reduced from $24.95 to $18.00.
Shabbos at the Queens Jewish Center! 7 Adar at the Riverdale Jewish Center, celebrating the Chevra Kadisha
Please come by and say hello!
The Genetic History of Ashkenazi Jewry
Please join us for the final lecture in the Jewish Life in the (Not So) Dark Ages series!
Wednesday night at 7:30 ET. RSVP at https://bit.ly/YILCNotSoDark. Welcome!
Shabbat at the Queens Jewish Center! Mapping the Land of Israel; Next Shabbat in Edmonton
Really thrilled to meet the Queens Jewish Center community! Please come by and say hello if you’re in town.
Very honored by this invitation from the History, Classics and Religion Graduate Students Association of the University of Alberta! Please join us in person (if you’re in Edmonton, eh?) or via Zoom (RSVP at www.bit.ly/JEWISHUK1000).
Channel Members
Includes the Pre-Publication Draft of Volume 1 (400 pages)!
Who Was Lopo Ramirez? Was there a Jewish Dark Age? Shabbos in Queens
The Ambassador warned the King: “Pay Lopo Ramirez on time.”
Was there a Jewish Dark Age?
Exploring some Fascinating Archaeological Finds
Welcome New Students!
Draft Text of Volume 1 Included in the Biblical Jewish History course: please send me your feedback!
Shabbos in Queens! Come by and say hello.
Henry Abramson 