Reading the Torah on Shabbat: A Roman Invention?

This lecture explores the question of how the Sabbath evolved from a day of rest into a day of study. What historical and cultural factors might have played a role in this dramatic transformation of the Jewish religion? To answer this question, key texts from the works of Philo of Alexandria, Flavius Josephus, the Gospels, and Roman law will be examined.

About Maren Niehoff: After completing her studies in Jerusalem, Berlin, Oxford, and Harvard, she has been teaching at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem since 1991. Professor Niehoff holds the Max Cooper Chair in Jewish Philosophy, serves as director of the Institute for Jewish Studies, and is a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Since 2025, she has led the ERC project ROMANA – The Roman Turn among Jews, Greek Pagans, and Christians.

The event will be followed by a reception in the cafeteria and the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.

Registration deadline: December 2, 2026