Here at UPenn we have an endowed annual prize fund for student papers in
religious studies (undergrad and/or grad), established many years ago in
memory of a buisnessman who had the following passion:
<quote>
In his later years, the possibility of establishing ties between ancient
Israel and the ancient Celts who migrated westward from east and central
Europe was suggested to him by his analysis of Celtic sword designs and
certain linguistic features. He did not live to see this theory tested by
careful, sytematic study.</quote>
We were able to convince the donor to let us award prizes for essays
dealing with pre-modern Jewish topics, especially archaeological, rather
than specific treatments of the late honoree's interests. Noone has ever
submitted an essay on possible (or impossible) connections between ancient
Israel, or even Judaism broadly defined, and "the ancient Celts," but I'm
tempted to offer a special prize this year for such an essay (for UPenn
students only) if there is any reason to think that a responsible study of
that subject would be possible today (letting the chips fall where they
may). Any advice from you experts would be appreciated, including
judgments that it would be a waste of time, or conversely, pointers to
responsible literature and/or evidence that might be useful to include in
any "call for papers."
Thanks!
Bob
--
Robert A. Kraft, Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania
227 Logan Hall (Philadelphia PA 19104-6304); tel. 215 898-5827
[log in to unmask]
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rs/rak/kraft.html
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|