Aphrodite and the Rabbis: How the Jews Adapted Roman Culture to Create Judaism as We Know It

A Discussion with Author Dr. Burt Visotzky

Judaism as we know it is a western Roman religion, argues Dr. Burt Visotzky in his new book Aphrodite and the Rabbis. Yes, the very empire that destroyed the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE served as the culture in which Judaism was nurtured and became the religion of the rabbis that we still celebrate today. Full of fascinating detail from the daily life and culture of Jewish communities across the Hellenistic world, Aphrodite and the Rabbis will appeal to anyone interested in the development of Judaism, religion, history, art, and architecture.

DATE

Tuesday, September 27, 2016, 7:30 p.m.

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About the Author

Dr. Burt Visotzky is Appleman Professor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies at The Jewish Theological Seminary, where he joined the faculty upon his ordination as rabbi in 1977. Dr. Visotzky was also a dean of Gershon Kekst Graduate School. He now serves as the Louis Stein Director of the Finkelstein Institute for Religious and Social Studies at JTS, charged with programs on public policy. Dr. Visotzky also directs the Milstein Center for Interreligious Dialogue at JTS.

This event is sponsored by The JTS Library.

Dr. David Kraemer, Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, JTS, will serve as moderator.

Admission to the Aphrodite and the Rabbis Book Talk is free, but please register first.