Hebron Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

This paper complements one which appeared in volume 1 of this journal, as it also deals with beads in the Islamic world. However, the present work takes a somewhat different approach , being based primarily on historical sources. It also... more

This paper complements one which appeared in volume 1 of this journal, as it also deals with beads in the Islamic world. However, the present work takes a somewhat different approach , being based primarily on historical sources. It also has a different geographical orientation, dealing with commerce between the Islamic world and the northern portion of Africa. Concentrating mostly on the period from the 12th to the 20th century, it documents the rise of a new beadmaking center at Hebron, in the West Bank. The name "Kano beads" has recently been assigned to one class of Hebron beads, and their history is an object lesson in the complexities of the bead trade.

This study is a case study of the dairy sector in the West Bank. It is based on qualitative field research and an extensive literature review. By asking how dairy farmers and dairy factory owners in the Hebron governorate perceive... more

This study is a case study of the dairy sector in the West Bank. It is based on qualitative field research and an extensive literature review. By asking how dairy farmers and dairy factory owners in the Hebron governorate perceive opportunities for and constraints to the expansion of their holdings, it analyses them in light of occupation policies and their implications for economic autonomy in the occupied Palestinian territories. On an empirical level, it concludes that intensive dairy cattle farms are better suited to land and water constraints than other forms of agriculture. On a theoretical level, it finds that Israeli neglect
of bilateral agreements and ‘casual constraints’ preclude Palestinian economic autonomy, indicating the latter’s interdependence with the achievement of national sovereignty.

The massive retaining walls of the Haram aI-Sharif in Jerusalem with their highly distinctive drafted-margin ashlars represent the most impressive remnant of Herod:Js Temple complex. Similar decorative drafted-margin masonry survives in... more

The massive retaining walls of the Haram aI-Sharif in Jerusalem with their highly distinctive drafted-margin ashlars represent the most impressive remnant of Herod:Js Temple complex. Similar decorative drafted-margin masonry survives in the monumental Herodian enclosures at Hebron and Mamre. This study traces the development of the decorative drafted-margin style of masonry from pre-Classical Ionia through the East Greek world>to its apogee in the early Roman Empire. It is shown that the application of this decorative treatment to the walls of Herod's sacred enclosures was in keeping with the fashion of the period but certain of its features appear to indicate that Herod's builders employed it as a deliberate archaising device to recall the splendour of the ancient Israelite Temple.

In this article we explore texts that describe the discovery, presentation and interpretation of the bones of “giants” by Jews in Roman antiquity. Beginning with Josephus’ testimony, we will then turn to evidence preserved in the... more

In this article we explore texts that describe the discovery, presentation and interpretation of the bones of “giants” by Jews in Roman antiquity. Beginning with Josephus’ testimony, we will then turn to evidence preserved in the writings of the ancient Rabbis.

The basis of the Legend about Joseph the Beautiful was taken from the life story of Prophet Joseph, narrated in Torah (Genesis, 37-50) and the 12th surah (chapter) of Holy Qur`an. There is given all Joseph’s life in the Torah – from birth... more

The basis of the Legend about Joseph the Beautiful was taken from the life story of Prophet Joseph, narrated in Torah (Genesis, 37-50) and the 12th surah (chapter) of Holy Qur`an. There is given all Joseph’s life in the Torah – from birth to his death. And, in Qur’an unlike stories of other Prophets, the details of which are scattered throughout the Holy Qur`an, the history of Prophet Joseph was revealed completely in one surah.
This article explores the location of the tomb of the Prophet Joseph based on the Sacred Books, as well as scientific and religious literature. The study shows that the location of the Prophet Joseph`s tomb is still controversial. Muslims believe that the tomb of the Prophet Joseph is located about 35 km south of Jerusalem, the Cave of the Patriarchs (also called the Cave of Machpelah), placed in the ancient city of Hebron. Jews, as well as some Christian scholars, claim that the Prophet Joseph`s tomb is located in a grave on the outskirts of the city of Nablus on the West Bank, 300 meters northwest of Jacob`s Well. Neither Jewish, Christian, nor Islamic sources until the 5th century have information about the existence of this grave, although the tomb has been revered by Jews, Samaritans, Christians, and Muslims for centuries. Many archaeologists believe that a Muslim saint named Yusuf Al-Duveykat is buried in this tomb, and the burial is not so ancient. Hassan Al-Shaqa, the mayor of Nablus stated the need to conduct an international inquiry into the presence of bones in the grave. And if the discovered bones belong to the Prophet Joseph, this place will be considered burial place attributed to Biblical personality, and the Jews will have the full legal right to visit this tomb. In 2009-2010 the tomb was refurbished, a new cupola installed, and visits by Jewish pilgrims have resumed. Currently, groups of Jewish worshippers are regularly delivered to the tomb of Joseph by agreement with the Israel Defense Forces.

This paper analyzes the story of Caleb and Hebron in Joshua 14 in relation to the traditions of Caleb's involvement in the spies' mission in the desert and other traditions regarding the conquest of Hebron. Comparison of the different... more

This paper analyzes the story of Caleb and Hebron in Joshua 14 in relation to the traditions of Caleb's involvement in the spies' mission in the desert and other traditions regarding the conquest of Hebron. Comparison of the different traditions reveals the narrator's endeavor to legitimize the presence of non-Judean groups within the territory of Judah towards the end of the first temple period, while at the same time challenging the image of Joshua as the pan-Israelite conqueror of the land.
Keywords Joshua – Caleb – the story of the spies – polemical texts – Edomites

עבודת גמר (מ"א)--אוניברסיטת בר אילן, תשע"א 2011

Segments of massive walls identified as city walls dated to the Middle Bronze Age (MB II) period were uncovered on the eastern slope of the City of David by Kenyon, and later by Shiloh. A massive fortifications complex was uncovered near... more

Segments of massive walls identified as city walls dated to the Middle Bronze Age (MB II) period were uncovered on the eastern slope of the City of David by Kenyon, and later by Shiloh. A massive fortifications complex was uncovered near the Gihon Spring by Reich and Shukron, and this too was dated to the MB II. New analysis of the data possibly indicates that all these fortifications date to the Iron II B-C , to the 8th-7th centuries BC rather than the MB II. This suggestion cannot be conclusively proven and it is presented here as an alternative concept to the current, generally accepted one. If that is so MB II Jerusalem was an unfortified settlement. The "Cyclopean" city wall in Tell Rumeidah/ancient Hebron, usually dated to the MB II is discussed at the end of the paper. It is argued that this wall too possibky dates to Iron II B-C rather than MB II.
The paper was published in Levant, 48(2), 2016, pp. 135-151

تنتمي "يوميات الشروف" إلى سلسلة من السير الشخصية تصدرها مؤسسة الدراسات الفلسطينية عن تاريخ فلسطين الاجتماعي، وأصبحت تعرف بـ "دراسات التابع" (subaltern studies)، أي الرؤية البديلة من كتابات النخبة. وكان الهدف من هذه السير استشراف الحياة... more

An accumulation of pottery from a re-used Roman cistern at Tel Hebron (Roumeida) yielded 8–9th centuries CE early Islamic pottery. Several fragments of jugs, jars and cooking pots were analyzed petrographically to determine their clay... more

An accumulation of pottery from a re-used Roman cistern at Tel Hebron (Roumeida) yielded 8–9th centuries CE early Islamic pottery. Several fragments of jugs, jars and cooking pots were analyzed petrographically to determine their clay source. Most forms were locally made, yet the sampled cooking pots and storage jars were imported. These came from various regions including the southern coast and Egypt. Importing various vessel types from
several regions to Hebron indicates strong connections with regional trade routes during the Abassid period.

The following report includes thirty-five coins discovered during the 2014 excavation season at Tel Ḥevron. The earliest coin dates from the 3rd century BCE and the latest to the 5th-6th centuries CE. Two coins are silver (Nos. 10, 21),... more

The following report includes thirty-five coins discovered during the 2014 excavation season at Tel Ḥevron. The earliest coin dates from the 3rd century BCE and the latest to the 5th-6th centuries CE. Two coins are silver (Nos. 10, 21), two are silver-plated (Nos. 22–23) and the rest are bronze.

The Palestinian authority is responsible for an area that contains over six thousand cultural heritage sites, including archeological sites, religious sites, historical... more

This paper discusses the massive city wall of ancient Hebron known as the "Cyclopean Wall". The paper argues that both the Cyclopean Wall and the glacis abutting it date to the later part of the Iron Age when Hebron was an important... more

This paper discusses the massive city wall of ancient Hebron known as the "Cyclopean Wall". The paper argues that both the Cyclopean Wall and the glacis abutting it date to the later part of the Iron Age when Hebron was an important fortified city in the Kingdom of Judah.

Short article from a specialist newsletter.

In 2015 during refurbishment activities in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, two inscriptions engraved in an inner wall of the cave were revealed. The first one consists of the personal name Tanḥum. The second, published here fully... more

In 2015 during refurbishment activities in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, two inscriptions engraved in an inner wall of the cave were revealed. The first one consists of the personal name Tanḥum. The second, published here fully for the first time, reads: רביעקב חזנה ואחוי “Rabb(i)Yaʿaqov the ḥazzān and his brother/s.” The inscription was executed in two stages.
First, “Rabb(i)Yaʿaqov the ḥazzān” was engraved using well stylized letters, in line with the Jewish script on papyrus and parchment during the Byzantine period; subsequently, “and his brother/s” was added using a simpler style. The language of the inscription is clearly Jewish Palestinian Aramaic, the tongue of the majority of the Jews in the Land of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine periods. “Rabb(i)Yaʿaqov” was written as a single word, omitting one yod. אחוי can be interpreted as “his brother” or “his brothers.” The ḥazzān in the Byzantine period was the individual in charge of the proper functioning of the synagogue in all aspects, including ceremonial reading of the Torah and its explanation and translation for the public, and child education. The service of multifunctional rabbis was common in small communities.

The following is a paper given during a workshop session on July 20th at the Conference for the Development and Economic Revival of Historical City Center, hosted by the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee.

This paper discusses the importance of preserving traditional dwellings, especially those located within the boundaries of cities and old towns. It addresses the most important problems and obstacles that prevent the preservation of these... more

This paper discusses the importance of preserving traditional dwellings, especially those located within the boundaries of cities and old towns. It addresses the most important problems and obstacles that prevent the preservation of these buildings, as well as highlights cultural heritage and its importance in preservation process. This is done using a descriptive analytical approach; including documentation and questionnaires as its main tools. The study raises questions about maintaining building structure and its components of cultural significance without compromising its material and cultural essence. The study is focused on the Old City of Hebron and presents the difficulties that affect the livelihood and living conditions of people living within its boundaries. The study finds that there are necessary changes that are required to facilitate living in the Old City, including maintenance and re-fating, changing tiles and restructuring of plumping and sanitation facilities. These changes however, need to take preservation of the structural elements, and cultural heritage into account. The study concludes that there is a need for more studies to examine the structure and the identity of dwellings in the Old City which will help in future efforts to preserve the cultural essence of these dwellings and protecting them from structural changes, while making them inhabitable for people.

"Osmanlı Devrinin Son Yıllarında Kudüs'ü Yönetmek: Mutasarrıf Azmi Bey ve 1916 Tarihli Raporu", Dr. Kemal Daşcıoğlu'na Vefa Kitabı, Ed. Mithat Aydın - Süleyman İnan, Pegem Akademi Yayınları, 1. Baskı, Ankara 2020, s. 341-361.

Informal Space between a Jewish Ghetto and Fortified Enclave: The Case of the Jewish Settlement in Hebron Batya Roded Exposing the ways in which colonial technologies create informal space in a city, in this case Hebron, I argue that in a... more

Informal Space between a Jewish Ghetto and Fortified Enclave: The Case of the Jewish Settlement in Hebron
Batya Roded
Exposing the ways in which colonial technologies create informal space in a city, in this case Hebron, I argue that in a colonial state they produce a bilateral process. The informal space leads to Ghettoization of the Jewish settlement, which has been established as fortified enclave, and the Ghetto characteristics produce and reproduce an informal urban space. Ghettoization as an informalizer of the urban colonial space has been hardly debated. The colonial frontier developed as informal from “above”, in contrast to a parallel process from “below”, arising out of weakness. The settlers’ status includes both power and weakness, so that they could obtain only a very limited and fractured space.

in Hebrew
in: Yoram Elmakias (ed.), Studies on Hebron, Kiryat Arba, 2013, pp. 86-100

תוך: י' אלמכיאס ומוריה פרג'ון, יעוץ מדעי: י' רוזנסון, מחקרי חברון והודיה, דברי הכנס השני, קרית ארבע, תשע"ג, עמ' 100-86.

Anbar and Na’aman, the epigraphers who originally assessed the "Sheep Tablet," attributed it to the Middle Bronze age with the assumption that no Late Bronze age strata existed at Tell-Rumeideh/Hebron—they stated this lack as one of their... more

Anbar and Na’aman, the epigraphers who originally assessed the "Sheep Tablet," attributed it to the Middle Bronze age with the assumption that no Late Bronze age strata existed at Tell-Rumeideh/Hebron—they stated this lack as one of their main considerations. In light of a viable Late Bronze age occupation at the site, the tablet may well date to the Late Bronze Age, especially considering the typically late usage of uduMÁŠ.

08/2021. Research paper for university purposes.