Noted archaeologist to discuss Digging Through the Bible at the U of Hartford By Judie Jacobson (CJL)WEST HARTFORD - Noted archaeologist Dr. Richard Freund, director of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford, will celebrate the publication of his new book, Digging Through the Bible: Understanding Biblical People, Places, and Controversies through Archaeology (Rowman & Littlefield, 2008) at a special lecture and book signing to be held in the Wilde Auditoriaum of the University's Harry Jack Grey Center on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 1:30 p.m. The book, which reviewers have called "ground-breaking" and "spell-binding," received a starred review from Publisher Weekly, an honor for any new book. The review noted that "Freund leads the reader through the world of biblical archeology, examining the methods of textual criticism and historical research. He then explores the biblical and archeological foundations for our understandings of such notables as Abraham, David, Jesus, Mary and many others. Freund's quest for history brings him also to Qumran and to the search for 'the teacher of righteousness.' He masterfully studies the rise and centrality of the synagogue system within the Hebrew community. His conclusions may be discomfiting to some, but his commitment to objective research and sound exegesis will surely inspire and inform every reader." Following the book launch, two new exhibitions at the University's Sherman Museum of Jewish Civilization will be opened by Dr. Avinoam Patt, director of the Sherman Museum and the Philip D. Feltman Professor of Modern Jewish History. The exhibitions, "Treasures of the East: Coins of India and Israel" and "Wonders of the World," will be open for view until April 1, 2009. "Treasures of the East" includes a collection of coins from India's northern regions that span 2,000 years of India's history. The coins that were only recently discovered at the University's Asylum Avenue campus are being displayed for the first time. In particular, one of the most unique periods of India's religious history, the period of the Muslim Emperor Akbar the Great's rule, will be featured. In addition, the Jerome Faust Collection of Israeli Coins and Medals, which spans the coins and medals minted in commemoration of the great historical events of Jewish and modern Israeli history, will be on display for the first time. "Wonders of the World," the annual Minnie Goldenberg Photography Exhibition will once again feature the work of students and staff from the Greenberg Center's study abroad tours in Israel, Morocco, Jordan, Spain, Great Britain, Mexico, and Peru as well as photography from India. The University of Hartford is located at 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford. The exhibition and the book launch are free and open to the public. For more information (860) 768-4963 or mgcjs@hartford.edu. Comments? Email judiej@jewishledger.com.