This year’s Israel Prize for Biblical Studies has been awarded to Professor Yair Zakovitch, from the Faculty of Humanities. Prof Zakovitch is a groundbreaking scholar in literary aspects of the Bible and biblical interpretation. He has succeeded not only in professional academic research, but also in publications geared to the general educated public, through a series of books and public lectures. Prof Zakovitch also excels in exemplary citizenship such as being among the initiators and founders of the Hebrew University “Revivim” program, training outstanding students to teach Bible and Judaism in the state educational system.
“Yair Zakovitch is one of the most original biblical scholars in Israel and around the world. In his works he explored the literary aspects of the Bible, and the intra-biblical interpretation and the evolution after the Bible,” said the Israel Prize Committee in its decision.