Professor Gary Rendsburg

Submitted photo/ Ketzi Toney

Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley will host Professor Gary Rendsburg, from Rutgers University, New Jersey, during a week-long lecture tour across the greater Phoenix area Nov. 10 to 18.

His lectures will occur at seven different venues in the East and West Valley, with a different topic at each location.

The dream of bringing Rendsburg to Phoenix belonged to Stacey McEnnan, who is a member of the Beth Emeth Sisterhood and a small, eclectic group of six women — three Jewish and three non-Jews — who have been studying Torah (the first five books of the Bible) together for more than six years.

McEnnan has been a long-time participant in Rendsburg’s on-line lectures. During the years without a Rabbi, when group questions arose, McEnnan would email him for answers. Rendsburg provided explanations, making his answers accessible by also sending text and references for further investigation.

Over time, their relationship grew. McEnnan shared with the group her dream of having the opportunity to meet him in person. She also expressed her desire to share Rendsburg’s expertise with the community at large. McEnnan went to work to make it happen.

Ketzi Toney, the Sisterhood president, who is also a member of the Torah study group, took the idea to both the congregational board and to Sisterhood.

Once venues were found and costs and logistics were established, a grant application was submitted to the Center for Jewish Philanthropy for possible funding. They recently received word that an award was granted and with additional sponsors their dream will become a reality.

The locations at which Rendsburg will be speaking include synagogues, churches, educational institutions and housing areas across the entire Valley. Having a different lecture topic at each venue allows individuals to attend several lectures of interest, building connections within and among communities.

Rendsburg is the author of seven books and more than 200 scholarly articles. He has produced two series for the Great Courses program, plus he lectures regularly for Smithsonian Associates, the Biblical Archaeology Society and other adult education venues.

His expertise covers history, archeology, ancient manuscripts, literature and linguistics. He is the Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies and History and Blanche and Irving Laurie Chair in Jewish History at Rutgers University.

If interested in a sponsorship or involvement, contact Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., attention Ketzi Toney, Sisterhood president, at bethemethaz@gamil.com, or Stacey McEnnan at smcennam@gamil.com.