°Ä²Ê¿ª½± students taking extended study course visited historic Beit Guvrin, January 3. Students participated in an archaeological dig, toured the site, and took part in a study session about the Bar Kochba revolt. The group is led by , Murray W. and Mildred K. Finard professor in Jewish studies and religion.
Kepnes said, “We excavated a cave that was believed to be abandoned by the Idumeans in the 2nd Century BCE when Jews took over the area. After digging for about an hour, °Ä²Ê¿ª½± students sifted the dirt to reveal 2,000 year old pieces of clay pots, shells, and ancient compacted sand and shell building materials. A particularly rare find was unearthed by A.J. Farkas ’13, Emmett Potts ’15, and Jessica Gaines ’13, who found a 2,000 year-old piece of golden glass with a decorative ridge.â€
The Land of Israel is one of two extended study courses now in progress. The second, , explores modern Egyptian society through interaction with Egyptian students while speaking Arabic. The Egypt extended study group is led by Noor Khan, associate professor of history.