Throughout much of history, the Jewish way of life has been characterized by strict adherence to the practices and prohibitions legislated by the Torah: dietary laws, ritual purity, circumcision, Sabbath regulations, holidays, and more. But precisely when did this unique way of life first emerge, and why specifically at that time? In his talk, Professor Yonatan Adler will present the conclusions of his new book which methodically engages ancient texts and archaeological discoveries to identify the earliest evidence of Torah observance among ordinary Judeans.

Professor Yonatan Adler is an Associate Professor in Archaeology at Ariel University in Israel, where he also serves as Head of the Institute of Archaeology. Adler specializes in the origins of Judaism as a system of ritual practices, and in the evolution of these practices over the long-term. Adler has served as a member of the Israeli Council for Archaeology since his 2018 appointment by the Israeli Minister of Culture.

RSVP