By Sage Tokach, staff writer
Students will have the opportunity to learn about different cultures from guest lectures.
Dr. Aaron Gale, professor of Religious Studies at the University of West Virginia, will speak on March 5 in the chapel, as part of the Neustadt lecture series.
The lecture series involves scholastic presentations meant to enhance understanding of Judaism.
Coordinated by the Owen Wimberly Center for Continuing Education in Religion, the lectures cover themes of Hebrew Scripture, Judaic thought, and Jewish ethics and art.
Past presentation topics included Jewish art, biblical interpretation, and the relationship between Christians and Jews.
Last year’s speaker was Dr. Alan Levenson, the University of Oklahoma’s professor of Jewish history. Past presenters include Dr. Benjamin Sommer from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and two local rabbis, Abby Jacobson and Vered Harris.
“We at OCU are very fortunate to have this opportunity every year to gain better appreciation for Judaism, to strengthen ties in the community and to hear outstanding speakers,” said the Rev. Rodney Newman, director of religious life. “The lectures contribute to continuing efforts to be a more inclusive community and advance interfaith endeavors.”
The Neustadt lectures began in 1983 with Walter and Delores Neustadt, as a way to promote comprehension of their religion and its impact on Western civilization and thought.
The couple set up a foundation that continues to send yearly funds to OCU for the purpose of the project’s continuation.
Gale will appear at 7 p.m. March 4 at Temple B’nai Israel, 4901 N. Pennsylvania Ave., where he will engage with OCU’s Dr. Lisa Wolfe, a Christian Hebrew Bible Scholar. Gale will also speak twice on the OCU campus on March 5.
At the 1 p.m. chapel service he will present “The Jewish Context of the New Testament.” Then he will show slides of his archeological work in Israel at 2:30 p.m. in Watson Lounge in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.
Gale is a biblical scholar that focuses on Mathew’s Gospel and its relationship to early Judaism, according to religiousstudies.wvu.edu.
Gale is also the author of the book, Redefining Ancient Borders: The Jewish Scribal Framework of Matthew’s Gospel, that was published in 2005.
“It’s a wonderful experience to hear about a different culture,” said Olivia Coil, junior youth ministry major. “It can help change the way you view your life.”
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