What it is about
This week’s “What Matters Now” podcast, hosted by Deputy Editor Amanda Borschel-Dan, features an insightful conversation with renowned archaeologist Prof. Jodi Magness. The discussion coincides with Jerusalem Day, celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem following the 1967 Six-Day War.
Why it matters
Jerusalem is not just the modern-day capital of Israel but a city with a richly woven history dating back to its foundation circa 1000 BCE. Understanding its layered past offers a deeper appreciation of its current significance and the importance of its reunification to the Israeli people and the Jewish world at large.
Details
In light of Jerusalem Day, Prof. Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, visited The Times of Israel’s Jerusalem office to share insights from her latest book “Jerusalem Through the Ages: From Its Beginnings to the Crusades.”
The 700-page book, published by Oxford University Press, explores the storied past of this ancient city through a mix of archaeological evidence and an array of textual sources, including Biblical and extra-biblical materials.
The expertise
Prof. Jodi Magness is a distinguished scholar renowned for her extensive work on ancient Judaism and Jerusalem’s archaeology. Her other notable works include “Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth,” “Stone and Dung, Oil and Spit: Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus,” and “The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls.” From 2011 to 2023, her excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee unveiled breathtaking mosaics, showcasing the rich cultural history of the region.
Reflecting on History
This Jerusalem Day, amidst the troubles of contemporary conflicts, we turn to the expertise of Prof. Jodi Magness to understand what truly mattered in the annals of Jerusalem. These reflections align perfectly with the celebratory nature of Jerusalem Day, offering a wellspring of historical knowledge and cultural pride.
To delve deeper into this discussion, listen to the “What Matters Now” podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform. This episode is produced by the Pod-Waves.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.