Jerusalem: History, Archaeology, and Spirit
A multidisciplinary approach to understanding Jerusalem’s profound moments, its historical context, and its enduring aspirations.
This inspiring course will trace Jerusalem’s history from its Canaanite origins to its transformation during the reigns of David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Nehemiah, culminating in the dramatic events of the Second Temple period.
This course is part of the Intellectual Jewish Studies Program organized by Nadav Kidron and Ben Shapiro.
Lecturer: Dr. Hillel Mali
Course Duration: Seven 60-minute lectures
Course Fee: $535
Start Date: Conditional on sufficient registrations
About the Course
The dreams of Jerusalem — as a city of justice, kingship, and the Temple — form the foundation of its enduring legacy and resonate deeply within the Jewish Diaspora and beyond. This course invites participants to explore the pivotal moments in Jerusalem’s history and its grand visions, such as Isaiah’s prophecy of peace, Ezekiel’s vision of the Temple, Solomon’s house of prayer, and David’s royal city. Anchored in a material perspective, we will delve into key archaeological and epigraphic discoveries from the First and Second Temple periods, including David’s Palace, Hezekiah’s Broad Wall, the Siloam Tunnel, and the Lachish Letters, as well as highlights from the Hellenistic and Hasmonean revolts.
Following a chronological framework, we will trace Jerusalem’s history from its Canaanite origins to its transformation during the reigns of David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Nehemiah, culminating in the dramatic events of the Second Temple period. By integrating historical analysis, archaeological findings, and literary-theological reflections on biblical texts, this course offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding Jerusalem’s profound moments, its historical context, and its enduring aspirations. Participants will leave with a comprehensive grasp of Jerusalem’s timeline (1800 BCE–70 CE), its prophetic visions of hope, and innovative ways to connect with its historical narratives.
About the Instructor
Dr. Hillel Mali is a senior lecturer in Bible and Talmud at Herzog Academic College, Bar-Ilan University and Shalem College. Previously a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow, he also served as a Gruss Scholar in Residence at the New York University School of Law, and a departmental guest at the Princeton University Program in Judaic Studies.
Dr. Mali is a member of the joint Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Heidelberg University research group “Thinking Rite: Towards Talmudo Mīmāṃsā.” He is also the founder and director of the Omek Hashetach Project for pre-military leadership academies; the founding editor of Beit Hayotzer, a periodical for Jerusalem tour guides; and the founder and director of a Jerusalem ethnic-music ensemble “Nigun Yerushalmi,” for which he is the lead flautist.
Please register me for Dr. Hillel Mali’s online course about Jerusalem.
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