UCLA Prof. of Religion Simon J. Joseph will lead the 46th Annual Ryterband Symposium in Judaic Studies, with two programs Wednesday, March 11 at United Theological Seminary.

Joseph specializes in early Judaism and Christian origins; he has published on topics including the emergence of the early Jesus tradition and its relationship to the Dead Sea Scrolls, the rise of new religious movements, and indigenous religion in America.

His documentary films explore the role of religion in contemporary society, culture, and politics.

Joseph is also the cofounder of The Mitakuye Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to empower Native American youths.

At 4 p.m., Joseph will present the lecture, An indigenous Judaean Mystic: Redescribing Jesus in Second Temple Judaism.

He’ll lead a screening and discussion of his documentary Holy Man: The USA vs. Douglas White at 7 p.m.

Narrated by Martin Sheen, Joseph’s 2011 documentary investigates the wrongful conviction and 17-year incarceration of Lakota healer Douglas White.

Holy Man won Best Documentary and Best Director at the 2011 Red Nation Film Festival, and Best Film and Best Cinematography at the 2011 Native American Film Festival of the Southeast.

Both presentations are free and open to the public.

The Ryterband Symposium is a collaboration of The University of Dayton, United Theological Seminary, and Wright State University.

United Theological Seminary is located at 4501 Denlinger Road, Trotwood.

For more information, contact UTS Prof. Anthony Le Donne at acledonne@united.edu.

To read the complete March 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.