"Genetics and the Search for the Lost Ancestors of the Jews" with Prof. Steven Weitzman (Penn)

Department: Jewish Studies

Date and Time: February 10, 2020 | 5:00 PM-6:30 PM

Event Location: HG 1010

Event Details


Steven Weitzman (University of Pennsylvania)

Genetics and the Search for the Lost Ancestors of the Jews

Monday, February 10, 2020 - 5pm - Humanities Gateway 1010

Over the last quarter century, there has been a revolution in the use of genetics as a kind of historical source, a way to move beyond the limits of textual and archaeological evidence in our understanding of ancient peoples. What does this kind of evidence reveal about the ancient ancestors of the Jews? This talk, meant for a broad audience, will survey recent genetics research that aims to shed light on Jewish origins, and will also weigh its insights against some of the criticisms this kind of work has provoked.