The Early Biblical Interpretation Seminar series runs throughout the academic year. It is focused on the study of texts and considers the vitality of biblical texts, traditions and themes across the ancient world. In this seminar, one might hear research on the theme of wisdom in Greek tragedy, prayer in the Dead Sea Scrolls, biblical and classical commentaries or rabbinic reading strategies. The Bodleian’s incredible collection of Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin and Greek manuscripts are an integral part of this seminar, and it regularly organises group visits to the Weston Library.
Hilary Term 2026
Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
Harris Seminar Room, Oriel College
Convened by Hindy Najman (Oriel)
Week 2 (Thursday, 29 January)
Gideon Bohak (Tel Aviv University), “Editing Ancient Manuals of Divination: How, and Why”
Week 3 (Thursday, 5 February)
Rina Talgam (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), “From Genesis to the Four Kingdoms: World History in the Huqoq Mosaic”
Week 5 (Thursday, 19 February)
Philo workshop
Week 7 (Thursday, 5 March)
Writers’ workshop for postgraduate taught and research students co-convened by Hindy Najman and Rebekah Van Sant
Consult the Oriel College porter’s lodge for the 4-digit code to enter the Harris Seminar Room.
For any enquiries, please write to ocsb@oriel.ox.ac.uk
For programme updates please see the website:
https://www.centreforbible.oriel.ox.ac.uk/events/early-biblical-interpretation-seminar/