Spring Break
YU Professors Fine and Tawil Make Mark on Jewish Studies Literature Scene
Yaelle Frohlich
Issue date: 11/25/09 Section: News
Dr. Steven Fine, a professor of Jewish history at Yeshiva University (YU) and director of the YU Center for Israel Studies, was recently awarded a Jordan Schnitzer Book Award by the Association for Jewish Studies. Fine's book, "Art and Judaism in the Greco-Roman World: Toward a New Jewish Archaeology," explores Jewish art and its relation to Jewish identity in the Greco-Roman period. Described as "the first historical monograph on ancient Jewish art in forty years," it won in the category of "Jews and the Arts."
The Jordan Schnitzer Book Awards, started in 2008, are funded by the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation of Portland, Oregon and are awarded based on the writer's "rigorous research, theoretical sophistication, innovative methodology, and excellent writing." The other winner for this year was the Jewish Theological Seminary's Benjamin, for "The Bodies of God and the World of Ancient Israel" in the category of "Biblical Studies, Rabbinics, and Archaeology." Two winners in total are chosen from eight categories of Jewish studies each year.
Bernard Revel Graduate School's Dean David Berger explained that AJS, which grants the award, is North America's foremost academic organization in the field of Jewish Studies. Berger praised the quality of Fine's work, especially in terms of its incorporation of rabbinic literature in its evidence. "Prof. Fine's book is a rare and striking synthesis of the study of Jewish history and Jewish art," said Berger. "Moreover, in a field where academics have often evinced little regard for the value of rabbinic sources, Prof. Fine's responsible utilization of those sources, marked by a sober balance of critical assessment and genuine respect, makes his work all the more important for the field as a whole and gives it special resonance in the community whose values are exemplified by Yeshiva University."
Award winners receive $5,000, and the AJS will hold a reception in their honor at the AJS Conference on Sunday, December 20.
The Jordan Schnitzer Book Awards, started in 2008, are funded by the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation of Portland, Oregon and are awarded based on the writer's "rigorous research, theoretical sophistication, innovative methodology, and excellent writing." The other winner for this year was the Jewish Theological Seminary's Benjamin, for "The Bodies of God and the World of Ancient Israel" in the category of "Biblical Studies, Rabbinics, and Archaeology." Two winners in total are chosen from eight categories of Jewish studies each year.
Bernard Revel Graduate School's Dean David Berger explained that AJS, which grants the award, is North America's foremost academic organization in the field of Jewish Studies. Berger praised the quality of Fine's work, especially in terms of its incorporation of rabbinic literature in its evidence. "Prof. Fine's book is a rare and striking synthesis of the study of Jewish history and Jewish art," said Berger. "Moreover, in a field where academics have often evinced little regard for the value of rabbinic sources, Prof. Fine's responsible utilization of those sources, marked by a sober balance of critical assessment and genuine respect, makes his work all the more important for the field as a whole and gives it special resonance in the community whose values are exemplified by Yeshiva University."
Award winners receive $5,000, and the AJS will hold a reception in their honor at the AJS Conference on Sunday, December 20.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Menachem Wecker
posted 11/26/09 @ 5:20 PM EST
It is curious that the Observer, in covering these great faculty awards, does not quote the faculty members. This sounds more like an AJS press release. (Continued…)
professional resumes
posted 12/30/09 @ 10:09 AM EST
I congratulate Dr. Steven Fine with this award.
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