The Dead Sea Scrolls unearthed in Qumran, near the northwest corner of the Dead Sea, are among the greatest archaeological discoveries of our time, offering insight into the ancient Jewish community that inhabited Qumran. The biblical Scrolls which date from 150 BC-70 AD are the oldest witnesses to the text of the Hebrew Bible, and the writings shed much needed light on the period that witnessed the emergence of rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity. The Dead Sea Scrolls discovery opens up an intense and fascinating window onto life and history in ancient Israel.

“UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is honoured to be sponsoring this important conference. The scrolls represent a vital part of Jewish history and Jewish presence in Israel. Our community has been inspired and enlightened by the scroll’s presence here in Toronto”, said David Koschitzky, Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

There will be two lectures opened to the public on November 15 and 16th.  See details below.

The conference is being co-organized by Hindy Najman, Chair of Jewish Studies, University of Toronto, with Alex Gropper, President of the Canadian Institute for Mediterranean Studies and Professors Sarianna Metso (University of Toronto), Eileen Schuller (McMaster University) in addition to the Royal Ontario Museum.

Public Lectures:
Sunday, November 15 at 6:30 pm
Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre, Royal Ontario Museum

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series:  “The Scribes of the Dead Sea Scrolls”
Professor Emanuel Tov, J. L. Magnes Professor of Hebrew Bible, Hebrew University of Jerusalem & Editor-in-Chief, Dead Sea Scrolls Publication Project.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.rom.on.ca/scrolls/tickets.php or by phone at 416-586-5797

Monday, November 16 at 8:00 pm
Father Madden Hall Carr Hall, University of St. Michael’s College
100 St. Joseph Street, Toronto

Dr. Max and Mrs. Gianna Glassman Lecture: “The Dead Sea Scrolls and Judaism Today”
Professor James Kugel, Harry M. Starr Professor Emeritus of Classical and Modern Hebrew Literature, Harvard University & Director, Institute for the History of the Jewish Bible, Bar Ilan University. 

Free of charge.