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Although perhaps not directly relevant to your question, I have long been fascinated by the frequent comparisons between Patrick and Moses made by his early hagiographers. Tírechán sums it up: In four things Patrick was similar to Moses: i first, he heard an angel (speaking) out of a thorn-bush; ii he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights; iii he spent 120 years in this present life; iiii nobody knows where his bones rest. But the comparisons run throughout the vitae. I have often wondered why his hagiographers/cult focused on Moses in particular and a Jewish 'prototype' in general, especially since little is made of the fact that, like Moses, Patrick gave "his people" the Law (according to tradition) or that Moses used to speak with God face to face. Another early hagiographer, Muirchu, likens Patrick not only to Moses, but also Elijah and Jonas, and draws a parallel between Ireland and Egypt. He also portrays the "pre-Christian Irish" (or whatever you want to call them, since they're not around to ask) much more like Jews who follow the golden calf than those who reject the teachings of Christ. The princess Monesan, who seems to have converted to Christianity independent of any human influence/exposure, is likened to Abraham. It's been a while since I read the sources, but I remember a Jewish influence on Irish religious dietary practices and method of calculating Easter. I believe Kenney discusses the Irish attempt to fit themselves into the Old Testament in his Sources for the Early History of Ireland; Vol I:Ecclesiastical. But I've never encountered a study on Patrick as alter Moses, and would be very interested to read one, if it's out there. Also, Pat Sloane mentioned a possible history of Jews in Ireland. I am very interested in this topic as it pertains to medieval Ireland, but so far have not found one reference to them there (apart from Noah's progeny in Lebor Gabála Érenn). If anyone knows of a source that treats the subject, I would greatly apreciate the reference. Maeve At 09:23 PM 9/29/99 -0400, you wrote: >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 > > %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%