Israel
SEBK 940
Archaeology of Ancient Israel in Action, Exploring the Holy Land On-Site
July 15 to August 1, 2023
Students will spend three weeks in the Holy Land, two of those weeks excavating at the archaeological site of Tel Shimron, learning about how biblical history is written through material culture, how to interpret what is dug out of the ground, and working with top archaeologists and scholars. After two weeks of digging students will explore old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, and other major sites connected to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and have opportunities to reflect on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict with representatives from each side. Class participants will meet before and after the overseas experience in order to prepare and process. We will be onsite at Tel Shimron for two weeks, then spend four days touring Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.
Faculty Facilitator
Dr. Brigidda Bell
Assistant Professor of New Testament
The Reverend Dr. Deborah Appler
Professor Hebrew Bible/OT & Director of MATS Program
Cost
- Program Fee: $2,925
- Airfare: $1400 (Estimated)
- Insurance Fee: $75 (Required)
- Total Cost: $4,400
- Elevate: Travel voucher eligible for current sophomores
- Cost for Elevate-Eligible Students: $1,900
- Recommended for Meals & Personal Funds: $300
Quick Facts
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2023
- Program Length: 17 Days
- Credits: 3 Credits (Seminary)
- Eligibility: 2.0 GPA or higher
- Language: English
TENTATIVE Itinerary
All the landmarks mentioned in this itinerary will be visited. Some changes may be made in the order they will be visited depending upon the weather.
Day 1: Travel from the US to Tel Aviv, Israel.
Day 2: Arrive at Nahalal, home-base for our archaeological work. Orientation to the archaeological field school
Day 3 through 7, 5am to ~1pm: Digging at Tel Shimron.
Day 8 & 9: Touring nearby archaeological sites.
Day 10 through 14, 5am to ~1pm: Digging at Tel Shimron.
Day 15: Depart Nahalal and travel to Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity and the Walled Off Hotel. Travel to Jerusalem.
Day 16: Travel to the Dead Sea area and visit Masada and swim in the Dead Sea
Day 17: Explore Old Jerusalem including: Temple Mount, Western Wall tunnels, Southern Wall and City of David excavations & Old City shopping.
Day 18: Visit Yad Vashem (the holocaust memorial) and the Israel Museum. Travel to the airport. Fly from Israel to the US.
COVID-19 Disclaimer
Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic we cannot guarantee travel or entrance into a destination as a result of COVID-19 related delays and /or closures. Moravian University requires that all students who plan to participate in a Moravian travel course provide evidence of COVID vaccination.