About
The Chair in Bahā’ī Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is dedicated to the comprehensive study, teaching, and research of the Bahā’ī Faith. Since 2021, the Chair has been held by Professor Meir M. Bar-Asher, an esteemed scholar in early Islamic religion with a specialization in Shi’ism and Qur’anic exegesis. Under his leadership, the Chair actively engages in various initiatives that enrich academic and public understanding of the Bahā’ī Faith.
Teaching and Scholarship Programs
Scholarships for Students: Offering BA students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique two-year study program focused on the Bahā’ī Faith and its historical and cultural contexts. These scholarships aim to cultivate a new generation of informed scholars and researchers.
Dynamic Curriculum: Regularly updating the curriculum to reflect the latest research and developments in Bahā’ī studies, ensuring that students receive a contemporary and relevant education.
International Collaboration and Academic Events
Global Workshops and Conferences: Organizing a range of academic events, including workshops and conferences, that draw researchers and scholars from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate on Bahā’ī studies.
Future Plans for Research Partnerships
Building Global Partnerships: The Chair aims to establish and maintain partnerships with international academic institutions. These collaborations will foster joint research initiatives and enhance the global impact of Bahā’ī studies, promoting a deeper understanding and broader dissemination of knowledge related to the Bahā’ī Faith.
Publication and Accessibility Projects
This initiative is dedicated to both translating Bahā’ī scriptures and texts into Hebrew and publishing original academic work. By doing so, it aims to make these important works accessible to a broader audience and expand the reach and impact of Bahā’ī literature.
History and Founding Vision
The Chair in Bahā’ī Studies was established in May 1999 through the visionary initiative of Professor Moshe Sharon, marking a significant milestone as the first and only academic chair worldwide exclusively devoted to the Bahā’ī Faith. This establishment was made possible through the generous donations of individuals, through the Bahā’ī World Centre.
Professor Moshe Sharon, a distinguished scholar of early Islamic history and the origins and development of Shi’a Islam, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Chair. His tenure as the inaugural chairholder in 1999 initiated a significant expansion in Bahā’ī scholarship in Israel. He conceived and implemented the foundational teaching program, orchestrated two international conferences, and meticulously edited their proceedings. Furthermore, his dedication to pedagogy and mentorship cultivated a number of scholars, including two who completed their PhD dissertations under his supervision, specializing in Bahā’ī studies. His scholarly contributions also include Hebrew translations of the following significant Bahā’ī texts: “The Most Holy Book” (al-Kitāb al-Aqdas), “The Hidden Words” (al-Kalimāt al-Maknūna), and “The Clouds of the Realms Above” (Rashḥ-i ‘Amā). These translations were enriched with extensive notes, providing explanations, valuable context and insight.
Significance of the Holy Land
The Bahā’ī Faith holds the Holy Land in deep reverence, seeing it as a place where history, religion, and culture converge in profound ways. Acre is particularly significant as the location where Bahā’u’llāh, the Prophet-founder of the Bahā’í Faith, composed al-Kitāb al-Aqdas ("The Most Holy Book") and other seminal works. His shrine in Acre remains a pivotal spiritual site.
Haifa, another city of major importance, is home to the Shrine of the Bāb, who was the Forerunner of Bahā’u’llāh. Surrounding the Shrine are its magnificent gardens on Mount Carmel. This city also hosts the Bahā’ī World Centre and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. In recognition of their cultural and spiritual significance, these Bahā’ī sites were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in July 2008. These sites collectively attract thousands of visitors annually, embedding themselves as vital elements of Israel’s cultural and religious landscape and fostering a growing interest in Bahā’ī history and theology within both Israeli academia and the broader public.