The course cluster can be validated as an EPHE Diploma or be an audited in addition to the degree the students undertake elsewhere. Its aim is to provide the participants with traditional and digital skills and some understanding of computational possibilities in Hebrew Manuscript Studies.

In the past fifteen years, Jewish Studies has witnessed a renewal of the interest in medieval manuscripts in Hebrew and Judeo-languages. The young generation of Jewish studies scholars is keen on turning to manuscripts and archival sources for the reconstruction of the Jewish past.

The study and edition of manuscripts is indispensable for this sources-oriented historical and literary research.

HMDA introduces the students to the current research methods and provide them with necessary basic skills to undertake a research project on medieval Hebrew manuscripts.

The course is held entirely online, in English. Lectures are followed by discussions.

In addition to the online seminars, students are encouraged to acquire practical skills by contributing to one or more of the digital projects.

The teaching consists of three one-hour seminars a week between November 20, 2023 and May 31, 2024 (excluding EPHE holidays)

1. Monday 6 pm – 7 pm (Paris time)

Introduction to Medieval Hebrew Palaeophraphy: typology and dating of manuscripts with the help of traditional methods and digital tools.

2. Monday 7.15 pm – 8.15 pm (Paris time)

Cataloguing of medieval Hebrew manuscripts: codicology, fragmentology, scientific approach to book materials, online cataloguing

3. Wednesday 7 pm – 8 pm (Paris time)

From automatic transcription to digital scholarly edition

The course is open to :

• Students of Master or Doctorate of the EPHE
• French and international students in Hebrew and/or Jewish Studies accepted by the project and the EPHE to prepare a graduate diploma of the EPHE
• French and international students accepted by the project and the EPHE to audit the course

Applications:

• Students enrolled at the EPHE, please register by writing  to Wissem GUEDDICH at : hmda@ephe.psl.eu
• Candidates for the graduate diploma and auditors : the application process includes two stages : (1) Acceptance by the professors of the project. (2) Registration by the EPHE

For the acceptance by the professors, please send an email to hmda@ephe.psl.eu including the following information :

• Letter explaining your motivation for joining the course
• CV and a list of publications (if any)
• A brief letter of recommendation by one of your teachers

Please specify if you wish to prepare a diploma of the EPHE or to audit the course

Deadline: 11 October 2023 (midnight, Paris time)

Once accepted by the professors, please register online at the EPHE as either:

• Diploma : Diplôme de l’établissement, Sciences historiques et philologiques
• Auditing : auditeur libre

Annual fee : 150€

Instructors include: Judith Olszowy-Schlanger, Daniel Stökl Ben Ezra, Peter Stokes, Javier Del Barco, Hayim Lapin, Sonia Fellous, Zina Cohen, Emma Abate, Elena Pierazzo, Joseph O’Hara.

For further questions, please contact the project coordinator, Wissem Gueddich, at: hmda@ephe.psl.eu