Ancient Judaism Online: Exploring a 3D Model of the Ancient Beth Alpha Synagogue

This event is free, open to the public, and will be held via Zoom.
Pre-registration is required, please sign up on Eventbrite.

Ancient Judaism Online: Exploring a 3D Model of the Ancient Beth Alpha Synagogue

February 10, 2021, 5:30pm, remote lecture.

Join us as we step into the ancient world and explore a 3D model of the Late Roman synagogue of Beth Alpha. Participants will have the option of creating an avatar to join in the virtual synagogue or they can watch the talk through Zoom. [Avatar set-up is very quick and attendees will do this once the talk begins.] During the conversation, Brad will describe how digital tools are changing the study of ancient Judaism; give a tour of the Beth Alpha synagogue; and analyze the the personifications of the seasons, zodiac, and the sun god Helios that all appear in the synagogue. This will be an interactive talk, and while not required, participants are encouraged to explore the 3D model and ask questions.

Brad Erickson completed his Ph.D. in Religious Studies in May, where he concentrated in the field of ancient Mediterranean religions. In his dissertation, Brad analyzed the material and textual evidence of the ways ancient Jews experienced the night sky, specifically the appearance of the Helios-Zodiac cycle in the ancient synagogue. He was awarded the Center’s Goodman Dissertation Fellowship in 2018-2019. He is an area supervisor at the Huqoq Excavation Project in the Galilee of Israel, which is an archaeological excavation led by Dr. Jodi Magness. He also works as a supervisor and technology specialist at the ‘Ayn Gharandal Archaeological Project in Jordan. He earned his Ph.D., and a graduate certificate in Jewish Studies, in spring 2020.

This lecture will be recorded, and by joining in our session you are consenting to be recorded. The recording will be made available on our web and social media sites. All “ticketholders” will receive the Zoom link via email a few days prior to the event [and again a couple hours prior to the event]. If you don’t have an email with Zoom instructions by 4pm on Feb 10, please check your junk/spam folder. If you still don’t have an email from Eventbrite, please contact us at jewishstudies@unc.edu. This event features a 20 minute talk followed by a question/answer session.