Interfaith course in Sun City focuses on ancient archeology in Israel

An interfaith course, “Archeology in Israel: Palaces, Fortresses and Wars from the Second Temple Period,” will be offered by Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley in November.

Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will present the adult education classes 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 4 and 11, and 10-11 a.m. Nov. 18, at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave.

Through photography and discussion, this course will explore archaeological sites in Israel — mostly from the first century CE (about 2,000 years ago). Kaplan has visited all the sites, including those in the Galilee he had never seen before this past summer and ancient Jewish cities, which are barely known outside of limited circles.

Some of the sites being presented are biblical and second temple archaeological sites, including the Western Wall, Temple Mount, Masada and areas in Jerusalem.

“Christian tourists have already discovered some of these sites because they include towns and cities that are mentioned in the New Testament. But before Jesus became the object of veneration and worship in the new religion which became Christianity, he was a wandering Jewish religious teacher who traveled from town to town in the Galilee preaching in the local synagogue and attracting both supporters and opponents,” said Kaplan.

Cost is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. Registration deadline is 4 p.m. Oct. 30. Call the Temple office at 623-977-3240 to register and pay.

Visit tbsaz.org for more information.