Ancient Artifacts of the Galilee and What They Mean Today

In Israel today, we see the polarization of a Jewish society where one of the significant issues is how people define what it means to be Jewish. Ancient Jewish texts and modern archaeological finds have revealed the roots of this thousands’ year-old issue and, in doing so, offer of a glimpse into how to resolve issues we experience today. After the defeat of the Bar Kokhba revolt, and the move of many to the Galilee region, these societies developed their legal systems to accommodate interactions with Jews who did not keep their particular practices. Taught by Jewish historian Dr. Sophia Avants, this class will explore these communities through selections from the Mishnah and examining the archaeological remains of Galilean homes. In addition to the history, our exploration will shed light on ancient strategies that can help us accommodate each other in today’s increasingly diverse world.