Season 2: Episode 55
The Ancient Jews (and Temple) of Elephantine Island
Date Aired: 2/26/2024
In the sixth century BCE, on a tiny island in the Nile River, once stood a temple to Yahweh. Far from Jerusalem, the ancient Jews of Egypt’s Elephantine Island worshipped a mighty god they called “Yaho” in one of the first diaspora Jewish communities outside of Palestine. How they got there and who they became is a fascinating and little-known story. On today’s episode, Helen and Dave talk with historian Karel van der Toorn, professor of ancient religion at the University of Amsterdam and author of Becoming Diaspora Jews: Behind the Story of Elephantine.
Listen to the episode on the Biblical Time Machine website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Disclaimer: The Society of Biblical Literature is not responsible for the content of this podcast. The opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the Society of Biblical Literature, its members, or its staff.
