Spiegel Summer Institute Seminar on Medieval Hebrew Literature: Immanuel of Rome

by Dana Fishkin

The Shalom Spiegel Institute Summer Seminar in Medieval Hebrew Poetry

Weeklong Seminar on Immanuel of Rome

The Shalom Spiegel Institute of Medieval Hebrew Poetry at the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, is pleased to announce that it will hold a one-week intensive seminar in medieval Hebrew poetry dedicated to the work of Immanuel of Rome (c. 1265-1335) from June 25-29, 2018 at the Seminary. The week will include daily seminars with leading scholars on various aspects of Immanuel’s work (Hebrew and Italian poetry and prose, biblical exegesis) as well as opportunities for developing skills in the close reading of medieval Hebrew texts. The seminar will meet for morning and afternoon sessions Monday through Friday.

The program is intended to supplement academic programs that offer medieval Jewish studies or Hebrew literature but do not provide courses in which medieval Hebrew poetry and belles lettres are read in the original. It is also expected to benefit students and faculty who have had access to such courses, but whose academic work would benefit from more intensive training in this area.  In addition to its pedagogic goals, the seminar is intended to advance the field of “Immanuel Studies.”

Organizers:

Raymond Scheindlin, Director Emeritus, Shalom Spiegel Institute, Jewish Theological Seminary

Jonathan Decter, Brandeis University

Dana Fishkin, Touro College 

Featured Presenters: 

Tovi Bibring (Bar Ilan University), Dvora Bregman (Ben Gurion University), Yehuda Halper (Bar Ilan University), Isabelle Levy (Columbia University), Revital Rafael-Vivante (Bar ilan University), James Robinson (University of Chicago).

How to Apply:

To apply, write a letter of no more than two pages covering the following points:

1. Describe your academic program and interests, explaining how some study of medieval Hebrew poetry might relate to your work.
2. Describe your knowledge of Hebrew, particularly a. your ability to read academic prose; b. your familiarity with such classical texts as the Bible, Talmud, or medieval literature.
3. Provide the name and e-mail address of an academic mentor who is familiar with your program of study and your language skills and who can evaluate your academic performance. Recommendations will only be requested on an individual basis if deemed necessary.

Letters should be received by March 15, 2018 and should be addressed to Professor Dana Fishkin (danafishkin5@gmail.com).  

Applicants who are accepted to the program will be notified by March 25, 2018.

For further questions, please write Jonathan Decter (decter@brandeis.edu) or Dana Fishkin (danafishkin5@gmail.com).