Hellenistic Judaism (EABS)

Call For Papers: In Helsinki we will have joint sessions of EABS and SBL, which will be devoted to discuss two themes: Hanukkah and food and eating. The Hannukah issue will include two sessions, one for invited papers and one open session. This session invites papers dealing with various aspects of what might be termed the Hanukkah complex: a historical analysis of the events from the Seleukid takeover of Eretz-Israel to the rededication of the temple by Judas; the sources on which we rely for information about these events (Daniel; 1,2,4 Maccabees; Josephus etc.); Judean society in the first third of the second century BCE; the reception of Hanukkah through the ages and its meaning in the present age; and any other topics that might be relevant to the discussion The second theme is food and eating in Hellenistic Judaism. Food and eating are fundamental identity markers. Different Peoples and religions are characterized, inter alia, by their cuisine and by dietary customs surrounding their consumption or non- consumption of foods. The Jews’ dietary practices and the types of foods that they consumed were among the singular facets of Jewish life that were apparent to Greek observers. Thus, for example, the Letter of Aristeas goes to great lengths to elucidate the distinctive Jewish dietary practices. Food and eating were a major preoccupation of Hellenistic Jews and this session will be devoted to exploring this multifaceted subject. Papers on all aspects of food and eating in Hellenistic Judaism are welcome."

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