This seminar explores ways that modern historians have formed their visions of
Jewish history within their own cultural contexts, as they set their focus upon the Greco-
Roman period. Our focus with by the land of Israel from the Maccabees to the rise of
Islam.
1. Active participation in each session of this course is vital for your success. You are
expected to complete each reading and written assignment in its entirety, and be
prepared to discuss its contents. Punctual attendance and participation are mandatory and
count for 15% of your grade.
2. Historiographic assignment. You will apply the methods discussed in sessions 1-3 to
a short historical document to be chosen in consultation with the instructor. 7-10 pages.
35% Due Oct. 31.
3. Research Paper and PowerPoint Presentation. 50%. You will find the archives of a
major historian of ancient Judaism or early Christianity in the Northwest corridor, and
thoroughly review that archive. The question you will ask is how this material better
informs your understanding of that historian and his world. You will prepare a 15 minute
presentation of your work for the seminar, which will include a PowerPoint presentation.
Frequent meetings with Professor Fine to discuss your work are encouraged, by
appointment. I will also be available each week for the hour after class.
Books: You are encouraged to acquire many of the books listed below.
1. Introduction.
Review the materials posted at http://cojs.org/cojswiki/Jews_and_Judaism_in_the_Greco-
Roman_Period
2. Getting Started: Contemporary Textbooks
L. H. Schiffman, From Text to Tradition
S. D. Cohen, From the Maccabees to the Mishnah
Jess Olson, The Use of Jewish History Survey Texts in Jewish Secondary Schools,
posted at: http://www.ajc.org/atf/cf/%7B42d75369d58243808395
d25925b85eaf%7D/JEWISHHISTORYSURVEYTEXTS.PDF
7. Sectarianism During the Second Temple Period: Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls,
and Does it Matter?
M. Smith, Palestinian Judaism in the First Century, in M. Davis, ed, Israel: Its Role in
Civilization (New York, 1956).
L. H. Schiffman, The New Halakhic Letter (4QMMT) and the Origins of the Dead Sea
Sect, Biblical Archaeologist 53.2 (1990) 64-73
N. Golb, Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? A new answer suggests a vital link between
Judaism and Christianity, The Sciences 27,3 (1987) 40-49
A. Baumgarten, Graeco-Roman voluntary associations and ancient Jewish sects,
Jews in a Graeco-Roman World (1998) 93-111.
8. Jesus in Jewish Historiography
S. Heschel, Abraham Geiger on the Origins of Christianity: The Political Strategies of
Wissenschaft des Judentums in an Era of Acculturation, Studies in Jewish Civilization 2
(1992) 110-126.
D. Berger, Religion, Nationalism, and Historiography : Yehezkel Kaufmanns Account
of Jesus and Early Christianity, Scholars and Scholarship (1990) 149-168.
D. Boyarin, Borderlines, tba
P. Schafer, Jesus in the Talmud, all.
9. Masada
Read Josephus accounts of Masada
H. Graetz, History of the Jews, s.v. Masada
Y. Yadin, Masada (skim)
S. Cohen, Masada: Literary Tradition, Archaeological Remains, And The Credibility Of
Josephus, Journal of Jewish Studies 33,1-2 (1982) 385-405
N. Ben-Yahuda, The Masada Myth: Collective Memory and Mythmaking in Israel.
S. Hoenig, Historic Masada and the Halakhah, Tradition 13.2 (1972) 100-115.