Hershel Shanks

Hershel Shanks was a prominent American lawyer, author, and publisher, who played a significant role in popularizing biblical archaeology through his writings and editorial work. Born on March 8, 1930, and passing away on February 5, 2021, Shanks is best known for founding the Biblical Archaeology Society and its flagship publication, Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR), which became one of the most widely read magazines in the field. Despite having no formal training in archaeology, Shanks significantly influenced public engagement with biblical history and archaeology.

---

Academic Career and Education

Hershel Shanks held a B.A. in English from Haverford College, an M.A. in sociology from Columbia University, and an LL.B. from Harvard Law School. His career began in law, where he practiced for over 25 years, including work with the U.S. Justice Department and private practice in Washington, D.C. Shanks transitioned to biblical archaeology after a transformative stay in Jerusalem from 1972 to 1973, which inspired him to focus on the field despite his non-academic background in archaeology.

---

Major Works and Contributions

• *The City of David: A Guide to Biblical Jerusalem* (1972–73) introduced readers to the archaeological significance of Jerusalem.

• *Judaism in Stone: The Story of Ancient Synagogues* (1979) explored the history and archaeology of ancient synagogues.

• *Jerusalem: An Archaeological Biography* (1995) provided a comprehensive history of Jerusalem through its archaeological remains.

• *The Mystery and Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls* (1998) offered insights into one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

• *The Brother of Jesus* (2003), co-authored with Ben Witherington III, discussed the controversial ossuary reputed to belong to James, the brother of Jesus.

• *Solomon’s Temple: Myth or Reality? A History of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount* (2006) examined the historical and religious significance of the Temple Mount.

Shanks's work primarily appeared in popular publications rather than academic journals, focusing on making biblical archaeology accessible to a broad audience.

---

Organizational Affiliations and Public Engagement

Shanks founded the Biblical Archaeology Society in 1974 and began publishing Biblical Archaeology Review in 1975. He also launched Bible Review in 1985 and Archaeology Odyssey in 2000. Through these ventures, Shanks became a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between scholars and the general public. He advocated for the release of the Dead Sea Scrolls and promoted public access to archaeological findings.

---

Impact on Biblical Studies

Hershel Shanks had a considerable impact on biblical studies, primarily within evangelical and popular circles. His editorial work in BAR and other publications brought archaeological debates and discoveries to a broader audience, fostering greater public interest in biblical archaeology. By engaging both scholars and laypersons, Shanks helped to democratize access to archaeological knowledge.

---

Critique and Reception

While Shanks was celebrated for his ability to energize public interest in biblical archaeology, he was also criticized by some professional archaeologists for sensationalism and for prioritizing popular appeal over academic rigor. His involvement in the publication of unauthorized Dead Sea Scrolls photographs led to legal controversies and criticism from some scholars who argued that his approach sometimes compromised scholarly standards. Nonetheless, Shanks's contributions to public archaeology were acknowledged for their clarity and effectiveness in communication.

See also: Biblical Archaeology Review, Dead Sea Scrolls, Jerusalem Archaeology

``` ```