The Centre for Jewish Studies
University of Manchester
Extra-Mural Lectures 1998-99
For the full list of lectures, click here
Nov. 30th, Irene Lancaster: The Travels of Abraham ibn
Ezra: an Illustrated Odyssey
Abstract:
This illustrated talk will examine the journeyings and accompanying
written works of Abraham ibn Ezra (1089-1164), who was born in Tudela, northern
Spain and died in England en route up north. Born at a time when both Christian
and Muslim crusades were raging, and when many Spanish Jews were either
converting, or emigrating to North Africa and Israel, ibn Ezra made the
surprise decision, in middle age, to travel through Italy, France and England
in order to bring the learning of Sephardi culture to the Jews of Christian
lands before it was too late.
We shall examine these journeys in detail, and discuss ibn Ezra's tremendous
legacy, including his contribution to Hebrew poetry, biblical commentaries
and science, as well as his prophetic visions, in which he correctly foretold
the eventual downfall of the Muslims of Europe, the rise of the Jews of
Christian Europe - and their eventual salvation in Israel. We shall ponder
subtle changes in ibn Ezra's attitude to biblical study, dependent on where
he was living, but his total and passionate adherence, at all times, to
the wisdom of the Bet Din.
It is fitting that this talk should be taking place in the Manchester
Synagogue most associated with the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish residents
of this town. There were many Sephardi geniuses, but it can safely be said
that ibn Ezra was the greatest Jew ever to set foot in this land.
---------
Dr. Irene Lancaster is Honorary Research Fellow in the Centre for Jewish
Studies, Department of Religions and Theology, University of Manchester.
Before moving to Manchester she taught Biblical and Modern Hebrew at the
University of Liverpool, and has contributed to books on mediaeval and modern
Jewish thought. In 1992 she gave the first series of Adult Education Lectures
at the newly opened Bnai Akiva Bayit in North Manchester, entitled The Golden
Age of the Jews of Spain, in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the
expulsion of the Jews of Spain.
The Centre for Jewish Studies
The Department of Religions and Theology
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)161 275 3614; Fax +44 (0)161 275 3613
e-mail: Bernard.Jackson@man.ac.uk