Gregg E. Gardner
Associate Professor and Diamond Chair in Jewish Law and Ethics, Department of Classical, Near Eastern, and Religious Studies, The University of British Columbia
What will you be researching while a fellow at the Frankel Institute and how does it relate to your work overall?
In general, I teach and research on the history, literature, and archaeology of Jews and Judaism during the Greco-Roman era. As a fellow at the Frankel Institute, I am researching “The Archaeology of Diversity in Rural Palestine During the Second Temple Era.” My research is connected with the ongoing archaeological excavations at Horvat Midras, Israel, which was a large village during the Hellenistic and Roman eras.
What is the most common misconception about this area of research?
I think the most common misconception is that archaeology constitutes concrete, irrefutable evidence. Rather, just like ancient literary sources, archaeological finds are subject to interpretation.
What has been your greatest success in academic/teaching, research, etc.?
I enjoy teaching a great deal, both my students at the University of British Columbia and in my public-facing talks for the broader community. I am also proud of my collaborative projects with other universities. With regard to publications, I am especially proud of my two monographs –
Gardner, Gregg E., The Origins of Organized Charity in Rabbinic Judaism. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2015.
Gardner, Gregg E., Wealth, Poverty, and Charity in Jewish Antiquity. Oakland, CA: University of California Press, forthcoming in 2022.
What do you hope to gain from this experience? How has your time at the University of Michigan impacted your research so far?
I have benefitted greatly from this experience, primarily in having the opportunity to meet and discuss ideas with the other Frankel Institute Fellows, as well as U-M faculty. I have learned a great deal, which has benefitted my own research.
