Fasting in Ancient Christian and Ancient Rabbinic Literature
On 15 June, Brother Olivier Catel, OP, officially received his doctoral diploma from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in the field of Talmud and Jewish law. His thesis is on fasting in ancient Christian and ancient rabbinic literature, a subject which brings two religious and literary traditions into dialogue around a shared practice.
In keeping with the tradition of the École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem, this thesis studies texts in their context, bringing together historical, philological, philosophical and theological data.
By choosing to study fasting in ancient Christian sources and in ancient rabbinic literature, Brother Olivier has highlighted the diversity of interpretation, practice and codification surrounding this shared religious practice. Fasting appears there as a gesture of penitence, supplication, expectation, purification and remembrance. It also allows for a better understanding of the continuities, differences and developments between the Christian and rabbinic traditions of the first centuries.
Les nouveaux docteurs lancent leurs toques en l’air dans l’amphithéâtre de l’Université hébraïque de Jérusalem
This doctorate crowns a long period of research carried out in Jerusalem, in direct contact with the languages, texts and traditions that lie at the heart of the mission of the École biblique. It also bears witness to the fruitfulness of the academic links between the École biblique and the universities of the country.
The academic community of the École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem extends its warmest congratulations to Brother Olivier Catel on this new stage in his scholarly career.