Since 2006 Serge Ruzer (click here for CV) has conducted a joint MA seminar under the auspices of the Department of Comparative Religion and the Center for the Study of Christianity of the Hebrew University on the one side and the École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem on the other. The Seminar focused on a number of topics central to our understanding of the nascent Christianity in its Jewish context(s). The investigation has proceeded in two main directions:
(1) The traditional research emphasis on Jewish background of nascent Christianity; and (2) an alternative focus on analyzing New Testament evidence as a witness to more general trends in Second Temple Judaism. In other words, how can/should be the New Testament used for restoring a fuller picture of early Jewish tradition?
In addition to the regular meetings of the Seminar monthly open sessions were also held, which through the years hosted talks by many international New Testament, Early Christianity and, generally, Late Antiquity scholars who visited Jerusalem (and, of course, Israeli colleagues).
2006-2007
Reading the New Testament as Second Temple Jewish Literature
With Gregory Tatum, Etienne Nodet, Justin Taylor, Olivier-Thomas Venard
2007-2008
The Interaction of Christian Memory and Jewish Traditions in the New Testament
With Etienne Nodet, Justin Taylor, Olivier-Thomas Venard
2008-2009
New Testament between Jewish-Palestinian and Wider Hellenistic Settings
With Etienne Nodet, Justin Taylor, Olivier-Thomas Venard
2009-2010
The Temple in the New Testament and in Second Temple Jewish Literature
With Etienne Nodet, Justin Taylor, Olivier-Thomas Venard
2010-2011
The Book of Revelation as Jewish Literature
With Etienne Nodet, Justin Taylor
2011-2012
Logos in Early Judaism and Christianity
With Etienne Nodet, Olivier-Thomas Venard
2012-2013
The Holy Spirit in Early Judaism and Christianity
With Etienne Nodet, Olivier-Thomas Venard
2013-2014
Temple in Late Antique Judaism and in the Epistle to Hebrews
With Olivier-Thomas Venard and Gregory Tatum
2014-2015
Conversation with Jewish Scripture in Early Christianity: Quotations, Allusions, Interpretation
With Olivier-Thomas Venard and Gregory Tatum
2015-2016
Cult Imagery and Temple Related Motifs in the Gospel of John and Paul
With Olivier-Thomas Venard and Gregory Tatum