Athens & Jerusalem: Rethinking the Jewish-Greek Encounter

Join us as we explore how Greek civilization and the spread of Hellenism profoundly shaped Judaism—its language, philosophy, law, politics, and engagement with the wider world. From the Septuagint to Jewish life in Alexandria, from the Maccabean response to the intellectual legacy of Philo, he will trace the deep imprint of Greek ideas on the development of Jewish thought and identity. As we celebrate Chanukah, a holiday born out of the encounter between Judaism and the Hellenistic world, this program offers a timely and meaningful reflection on how Athens helped shape Jerusalem. Presented by the Orange County Community Scholars Program and sponsored by TBS Adult Learning.

Dr. David Mendelsohn holds a Ph.D. in Classics & Linguistics, an M.A. in Archaeology/Linguistics, and an Honours B.A. in Classical Studies. A recipient of Canada’s prestigious Trudeau Prize, he lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Ronny, and their three children. For over 25 years, Dr. Mendelsohn has researched Jewish communities across the world, including in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Egypt, and India. Combining his expertise as a historian, archaeologist, and sociolinguist, he uncovers the unique influences of local cultures while identifying the shared threads that connect these diverse Jewish communities. A seasoned scholar and educator, Dr. Mendelsohn has previously led Greece trips and specializes in Islamic Studies, Arab-Israeli culture, Bedouin law, and the intersection of language and culture in Arabic and Hebrew.