New Horizons
The Incredible Story of Ancient Israel Told Through Archaeology
Archaeological work in Israel and its neighbors over the last 30 years has revolutionized our understanding of ancient Israel’s history. It has also radically changed the way we approach the biblical text, which some people find disturbing, and others find exhilarating. In this series of lectures, Dr. David Ilan will present new archaeological discoveries dating to the Bronze and Iron Ages (circa 3000-500 BCE), revolutionary scientific methods and a new synthesis of the history of ancient Canaan, Israel and Palestine.
FREE Advanced Registration Requested
Due to a generous donation from the Horvitz family, this year’s program is free. More information regarding advanced registration and ways to support the program can be found on the back of this brochure.
A native of Los Angeles, Dr. David llan was the director of the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem from 2003 to 2024. He has excavated at Tel Arad, Tel Malhata, Tel Yokneam and Tel Megiddo and directed the excavations at Tel Dan from 2005 to 2022. He teaches at the Hebrew Union College, has taught at Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Johns Hopkins University, and spent a sabbatical year in 2019-2020 at the Center for the Study of Origins of the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Dr. Ilan specializes in mortuary archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, ground stone artifacts, ceramic typology and technology, and the Chalcolithic period, the Middle Bronze Age and the early Iron Age of the southern Levant. He is the editor of the journal NGSBA Archaeology and the monograph series of the Nelson Glueck School. Dr. Ilan has published three final excavation reports and numerous articles in scholarly journals and in the popular press. His most recent articles deal with the praxis and paraphernalia of ritual action and religious belief in the ancient Near East, including the use of psychotropic substances.
Please note that although the Horvitz program is organized into three series, you may register for individual lectures.
OPENING RECEPTION & LECTURE
Sunday, February 2
Reception: 3:00 PM | Lecture: 3:30 PM
The Bible and Archaeology: Where They Meet, Where They Don’t, and Why
In his introductory session, Dr. Ilan will explain how archaeological findings and the biblical narrative often do not correspond with one another, which is troubling to some people and fascinating for others. Most importantly, it raises questions about the nature of the biblical text and the archaeological method. Dr. Ilan will discuss how the biblical text was compiled and what its motivations were by examining selected parts of the biblical narrative to hone in on why some biblical texts are not born out of archaeological evidence and others most definitely are.
SERIES 1: BIBLICAL TEXTS AND ANCIENT ARTIFACTS: A DIALOGUE
Monday, February 3 | 7:30 PM
Genesis: Archaeology and the Patriarchal Narrative
In the patriarchal narratives, we are told of Abraham’s emigration from Ur of the Chaldees to the Land of Canaan via Haran. Is there any evidence for this story? It turns out that there is, but as usual, it gets complicated.
Tuesday, February 4 | 7:30 PM
Thursday, February 6 | 7:30 PM
Now You’re Talking! – Iron Age (1200-500 BCE) Archaeology and the Book of Kings
While the earlier books of the Bible are partly mythological and partly a collection of hazy collective memories, the Book of Kings is historical and can be correlated to extra-biblical sources and archaeological finds… well, usually. We will look at the correspondences and divergences and discuss the biblical text’s political and theological tendencies.
SERIES 2: HIDDEN SECRETS OF ANCIENT TEL DAN, ISRAEL
Monday, February 10 | 7:30 PM
They Came from the North: Ramparts, Gates and Living with Dead at Tel Dan in the Bronze Age
Archaeological research in 20th century Israel was heavily grounded in the biblical narrative. While located in the north of Israel, the material culture of Tel Dan was most often interpreted as being associated with the Land of Canaan and Israel to the south. But Tel Dan was always in contact with the lands of Syria and Mesopotamia. Dan is one of the few places in the southern Levant where it can be demonstrated that monumental architecture, pottery, artwork and burial practices arrived with immigrants from Syria and beyond.
Tuesday, February 11 | 7:30 PM
The Tabernacle in the Desert, the Cult Place in Shiloh and Solomon’s Temple
The biblical text lays out the architectural plans and the ritual equipment of the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple in great detail. These details were not made up; cultic buildings and ritual equipment like those described actually existed. The trick is to identify their sources and counterparts in the ancient world.
Who Were the Biblical Danites and What Were Their Origins?
The Bible depicts the Danites as being somewhat apart, different from other tribes. Samson, for example, a Danite, is a unique, Greek-like hero. After 40 years of excavation at Tel Dan, we can now say how and why the Danites were different. They represent an amalgam of different ethnic origins: Egyptians, Cypriots, Greeks, Syrians and Canaanites.
Wednesday, February 12 | 7:30 PM
David Lives! The Tel Dan Inscription and Its Implications
The Tel Dan Inscription is perhaps the only extra-biblical mention of David. It is almost too good to be true! Is it a planted fake? See how and where it was found on the site and why it is the real deal. The inscription contains lots of historical information that can be compared to the biblical text. Not everything jives, but much does. This has immense implications for biblical studies and for our understanding of biblical Israel and Aram.
Thursday, February 13 | 7:30 PM
The “Israelite” Settlement of Canaan in an Age of Chaos: Joshua, Judges and… Archaeology
The biblical text describes the conquest of the Land of Canaan, including a detailed itinerary. Archaeologists working in the 20th century went looking for evidence of this conquest; in some places, it seemed to be confirmed but in others not (Jericho!). As a result, various hypotheses were proposed over the years to account for discrepancies and to reconstruct the actual process of settlement circa 1200-1100 BCE. We will examine another theory; it involves the Egyptians.
Monday, February 17 | 7:30 PM
Who Were the Philistines?
Thursday, February 20 | 7:30 PM
Community Lecture Closing Night
The Politics of Archaeology in Israel and Palestine: Where Do We Go from Here?
Most archaeologists working in Israel or Palestine try to avoid politics, claiming that what we do is apolitical— strictly academic. Really? On this closing night, we will look at how archaeology in Israel and Palestine operates, how it is budgeted and what its agenda is. We will examine the priorities of different stakeholders and the ways in which archaeology is used to forward political and cultural narratives. On the surface, archaeology may appear to be apolitical, but it almost never is. How can archaeology negotiate our political divides and existential fears? Might it be a tool for reconciliation?
In the biblical text, the Philistines are portrayed as a distinct ethnic group living in the southern coastal region of Israel and Gaza. The text also hints that they came from overseas—a place called Caphtor. What does archaeology have to say about who the Philistines were and where they came from? What’s with Goliath? What happened to the Philistines? Did they become Palestinians?
Tuesday, February 18 | 7:30 PM
David, Solomon and the United Kingdom: Myth or Fact?
Until the discovery of the Tel Dan Inscription, one school of scholarly thought held that David and Solomon were purely mythological figures. David is now considered historical, but questions remain. How much of the text is historically accurate? How large was his kingdom? What did he build? And what about Solomon, who is not mentioned anywhere outside the Bible? Did he exist? Did he build a great temple and conduct extensive international relations? Archaeology provides some answers to these questions, but it presents more conundrums.
COMMUNITY LECTURES
Wednesday, February 5 | 7:30 PM for Kehillah High
Students at Congregation Beth Yeshurun
How Archaeology Works and Why it Matters
In this talk, we will learn how archaeologists decide where and what to excavate, how they date things, and what they do with what they find. Then we will tackle “fake” archaeology on Netflix, “mysterious” civilizations, and of course, aliens. On a more serious note, we’ll talk about how archaeology in Israel and Palestine is political, and why it matters. Then Dr. Ilan will share the most interesting thing he found.
Monday, February 10 | 12:00 PM
The Wanderers
by Anna Zeigler
Rice University Program in Jewish Studies Lecture at Rice University
Feb 8-23, 2025
‘’Thou Shalt Make No Graven Image:’’ An Archaeological Speculation on the Origins of the Second Commandment
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Joe Frank Theatre
www.mildredsumbrella.com
Why were graven images of God prohibited in Exodus 20:4? Why do portrayals of deities disappear from the archaeological record in the southern Levant in the early Iron Age, circa 1200 BCE, after being so popular in the preceding Bronze Age? Dr. Ilan thinks it may have to do with the collapse of the Bronze Age empires and the resulting international chaos.
Sunday, February 16
Yom Limmud Archeology and the Exodus from Egypt
The story of the Exodus is one of the foundational stories of Jewish identity. Did the Hebrews live in Egypt for generations, eventually being enslaved? Did they build the Pyramids (no)? Did the Exodus really occur? Who was Moses? What is the evidence (or lack thereof)? There are different ways to approach the Exodus narrative, and we will dive into these.
UPCOMING ARTS & IDEAS EVENTS
MARINA GERNER
The Vagina Business
Wednesday, January 29 | 7:30 PM | Rice University
Patron Sponsors | Maxine and Steven Goodman; Sherry and Gerald Merfish
Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company in collaboration with the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC presents
THE WANDERERS
by Anna Ziegler
February 8-23, 2025
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Joe Frank Theatre
This funny, moving and thoughtful play asks if following one’s truth is worth it, no matter the cost.
HORVITZ SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM | AT–A–GLANCE
All programs take place at the J unless otherwise indicated. *Class is free. Optional lunch available for a charge.
OPENING RECEPTION & LECTURE
Sunday, February 2
Reception: 3:00 PM Lecture: 3:30 PM
The Bible and Archaeology: Where They Meet, Where They Don’t, and Why
SERIES 1: BIBLICAL TEXTS AND ANCIENT ARTIFACTS: A DIALOGUE
Monday, February 3 7:30 PM
Genesis: Archaeology and the Patriarchal Narrative
SERIES 1: BIBLICAL TEXTS AND ANCIENT ARTIFACTS: A DIALOGUE
Tuesday, February 4 7:30 PM
The Tabernacle in the Desert, the Cult Place in Shiloh and Solomon’s Temple
Monday, February 10 12:00 PM
Rice University
‘’Thou Shalt Make No Graven Image:’’ An Archaeological Speculation on the Origins of the Second Commandment
SERIES 2: HIDDEN SECRETS OF ANCIENT TEL DAN, ISRAEL
Monday, February 10 | 7:30 PM
They Came from the North: Ramparts, Gates and Living with Dead at Tel Dan in the Bronze Age
SERIES 2: HIDDEN SECRETS OF ANCIENT TEL DAN, ISRAEL
Tuesday, February 11 7:30 PM
Who Were the Biblical Danites and What Were Their Origins?
COMMUNITY LECTURES
Sunday, February 16 Yom Limmud
Archeology and the Exodus from Egypt
SERIES 3: HOW ANCIENT ISRAEL BEGAN
Monday, February 17 7:30 PM
Who Were the Philistines?
SERIES 3: HOW ANCIENT ISRAEL BEGAN
Tuesday, February 18 7:30 PM
David, Solomon and the United Kingdom: Myth or Fact?
COMMUNITY LECTURES
Wednesday, February 5 7:30 PM
Kehillah High Students at Congregation Beth Yeshurun
How Archaeology Works and Why it Matters
SERIES 1: BIBLICAL TEXTS AND ANCIENT ARTIFACTS: A DIALOGUE
Thursday, February 6 7:30 PM
Now You’re Talking! –Iron Age (1200-500 BCE) Archaeology and the Book of Kings
SERIES 2: HIDDEN SECRETS OF ANCIENT TEL DAN, ISRAEL
Wednesday, February 12 7:30 PM
David Lives! The Tel Dan Inscription and Its Implications
SERIES 3: HOW ANCIENT ISRAEL BEGAN
Thursday, February 13 7:30 PM
The “Israelite” Settlement of Canaan in an Age of Chaos: Joshua, Judges and… Archaeology
SERIES 3: HOW ANCIENT ISRAEL BEGAN
Thursday, February 20 7:30 PM
Community Lecture Closing Night
The Politics of Archaeology in Israel and Palestine: Where Do We Go from Here?
New Horizons:
The Incredible Story of Ancient Israel Told Through Archaeology
February 2 – 20, 2025
Dr. David llan
Archaeological work in Israel and its neighbors over the last 30 years has revolutionized our understanding of ancient Israel’s history. In this series of lectures, Dr. David Ilan will present new archaeological discoveries dating to the Bronze and Iron Ages (circa 3000-500 BCE), revolutionary scientific methods and a new synthesis of the history of ancient Canaan, Israel and Palestine.
Register for FREE at erjcchouston.org/horvitz Advance Registration Requested for All Events
The Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program
Dr. Leo Horvitz’s commitment to the Jewish community is legendary. The Scholar-in-Residence Program was originally established in 1989 by his wife, Bunny, to honor the memory of Dr. Horvitz who served the Houston Jewish community in many capacities. In 1995, to honor the blessed memory of Bunny Horvitz, the program was renamed the Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program. Due to a generous donation from Shirley and Sig Horvitz and Carol and Paul Horvitz, the series continues to reflect their dedication to excellence in Jewish education for the entire community. The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC thanks the Horvitz Family for their continued support of this program.
Though registration is free, attendees are welcome and encouraged to contribute to the principal of the fund. Your contributions will help support the program’s continued growth and success.
For more information, a complete list of programs or to register or donate, please visit erjcchouston.org/horvitz or contact Myla Bell at mbell@erjcchouston.org.