Nordic Qumran symposium in Jerusalem, 2005

(To see the detailed program of the symposium, go to the Nordic symposiums page.)

A report on the symposium, written by Cecilia Wassen:

The Nordic Network in Qumran Studies met in Jerusalem, September 22-29, 2005 for its third annual symposium. École Biblique et Archéologique Française, with its world renowned library, excellent classrooms, historic buildings, and friendly staff, provided the perfect environment for us to stay and engage in scholarly discussions. Living together for a week gave us a unique opportunity to discuss ideas and perspectives on the Dead Sea Scrolls, early Judaism, and Christian origins in-depth, and, sometimes, long into the nights. It was a most stimulating experience for all of us.

Members of the network gave papers focusing on detailed textual studies as well as larger issues concerning the Dead Sea Scrolls. So, for example, Hanne von Weissenberg proposed new readings in the 4QMMT, while Ian Werret offered a critical assessment of the reconstruction of 4QMMT. Furthermore, Jonathan Norton examined Paul’s use of Scripture in relation to biblical texts from Qumran, and Anders Klostergaard Petersen together with David Warburton offered a new suggestion for reconstructing the development of the archaeological strata at Qumran (for the full list, please see the program).

We thoroughly enjoyed the presentations by several specially invited guests from Jerusalem who enlightened us in their areas of expertise. So, Esther Eshel offered a close analysis of different types of exegesis found in the Scrolls. Stephen Pfann presented archaeological theories concerning the caves and ruins at Qumran while demonstrating a computer program that explored the site. Moreover, Ada Yardeni explained the fascinating ins and outs of Qumran palaeography. In addition, Michael Segal, J. Ben-Dov, Daniel Falk, and Daniel Stökl Ben Ezra, all contributed to a most stimulating program with interesting papers.

We made several invaluable excursions that provided us with hands-on experience that will stay with us forever. A day at Qumran, when we walked from Cave 3 to Khirbet Qumran exploring the caves in the cliffs along the way, was an incredible experience. Our guide, Hanan Eshel, who knows the area are like his own backyard, gave us an exceptional tour of the caves and the site and never seemed to get tired of our long list of questions. 

We also visited Israel’s Museum where Adolpho Roitman, the curator of the Shrine of the Book, gave us tour. Each of us got a chance to study a few original fragments under the microscope in the scrollery at the museum. The curator, Lena Liebman, explained the work of preserving and cleaning the fragments. One afternoon we visited the Orion Center at the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus where Ester Chazon gave a presentation on the impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls on the study of ancient Jewish liturgy. As well, one of our members, Cecilia Wassen, gave a presentation on the influence of beliefs in demons on communal laws.

A week full of stimulating papers and inspiring excursions ended with a festive reception in the warm Jerusalem evening in the beautiful courtyard of the École Biblique. The event was welcome opportunity to see many of our invited speakers again. It was a beautiful ending to a most inspiring week.

This page last updated on 21 December 2005 by Juhana Saukkonen