Part of the Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies' Bible and Its Interpreters Seminar Series
The Bible presents Moses as Israel's prophet par excellence and among the most prominent members of the Israelite tribe of Levi. But how does this picture of Moses square with actual history? How did the memory of an early Transjordanian holy man become part of a priestly tradition in ancient Israel? Answering these (and other) questions requires rethinking not only the biblical sources but how warfare, economics, and politics led to different corners of Israelite society "claiming" Moses for themselves...including the Levites.
Professor Mark Leuchter’s field of research is ancient Judaism. His work includes the study of mythology in ancient Israel and Second Temple Judaism, the phenomenon of prophecy in the ancient near east, the formation of the Hebrew Bible, and the history of the Israelite priesthood. He earned his PhD from the University of Toronto and currently serves as director of Jewish Studies. He has previously served as coordinator of Biblical Studies at University of Sydney (Australia) and Visiting Professor of Hebrew Bible at University of Pennsylvania.
Pre-registration is required. Please click here or call (310) 267-5327 to register.
Sponsor(s): Center for Near Eastern Studies, UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, Center for the Study of Religion