The UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies is offering an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a unique excavation at Tel Shaddud, Israel. Launched in 2023, the project explores how rural communities in the Jezreel Valley navigated the shifting political tides of the ancient Near East. The project is a joint partnership between Tel Aviv University, the Israel Antiquities Authority, the University of Jena, Ruhr-University Bochum, and the UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies.
Tel Shaddud sits at a strategic crossroads in the Jezreel Valley—where empires met, fought, and reshaped the landscape. Controlling key trade and military routes, the site preserves layers ranging from a New Kingdom Egyptian fortress and the early Israelite monarchy to the Roman period, when a possible early Jewish village emerged here. Later occupations include the Persian and Mamluk periods, as well as activity during the British Mandate and the Haganah in the 1940s. Excavating beyond the great royal capitals, students will uncover how communities at this pivotal site navigated centuries of political change and shaped the region’s history.
Program Details:
The excavation for Summer 2026 will take place from July 12 – August 7. Students may participate for 1–4 consecutive weeks. The grant will cover airfare to Israel, lodging, and meals during the program dates; any additional incidentals will be the responsibility of the student.
Eligibility and Registration:
Students must be currently registered undergraduate or graduate students and must also register through the project partner site (https://telshaddud.com/) to participate. Applicants may complete their registration concurrently with applying for this grant. This award is intended to cover participation costs, including lodging, meals, travel, and registration fees.
Application Deadline: Extended to Friday, May 1, 2026
Application Materials:
Applicants should submit the following to the Alan D. Leve Center (LeveCenter@humnet.ucla.edu) by the deadline:
- Statement of interest (1–2 pages) describing academic goals for participating in the excavation
- Indicate the number of weeks you wish to participate (grants cover up to four weeks of lodging and meals)
- Proof of registration through the project partner site (https://telshaddud.com/) — for example, a confirmation email or other documentation, submitted as a PDF attachment
- Names and contact information for one UCLA professor in Jewish Studies who could provide a reference (letters requested only for finalists)
Post-Selection:
Recipients of the Alan D. Leve Excavation Grants will work with Center staff to arrange roundtrip travel, and the Center will coordinate directly with host partners to secure lodging and meals according to the student’s length of stay. Upon completion, students will submit a short report (1–2 pages) describing their experience and may be invited to share their experiences with Center faculty or donors.