Imperial Jews and An Integrationist Model of Empire

Session Submission Type: Lightning Session

Abstract

This session brings together scholars whose work intersects with the theme of Imperialism and Ancient Jews. Using the recent publication of Simcha Gross's Babylonian Jews and Sasanian Imperialism in Late Antiquity (2024) as a launching point with which to frame the scope of the session, each participant will examine a particular aspect of how thinking about imperial contexts can illuminate important evidence about rabbinic literature and culture. Panelists will consider parallels between Roman and Sasanian Imperialism, rabbinic affects and social status, textual production, and interactions between ancient Jews and their neighbors. Together these scholars will chart what the field can now do (or not do) with an integrationist model of imperialism.

Sub Unit

• Rabbinic Literature and Culture

Chair

• Krista Dalton, Kenyon College

Individual Presentations

• "Beyond Influence: Reconceiving the Bavli in the Wake of Babylonian Jews and Sasanian Imperialism in Late Antiquity." - Shai Secunda, Bard College

• “Babylonian Rabbinic ‘Class Consciousness’ and Competition for Social and Religious Influence in Sasanian Iran” - Alyssa Gray, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion

• Rabbinic Affects Within Imperialism - Sarah Wolf, Jewish Theological Seminary

• Did the Manichaeans Set a Precedent? Rethinking the Sasanian Persecution of Manichaeans in light of Babylonian Jews and Sasanian Imperialism in Late Antiquity - Jae Han, Brown University

• Jews and Empires: An Integrationist Model's Place in History - Seth Schwartz, Columbia University

Respondent

• Simcha Gross, University of Pennsylvania

Zoom Host

• Zoom Host 06