Morris JastrowMorris Jastrow was a renowned Polish-born American orientalist and librarian, closely associated with the University of Pennsylvania. Born on August 13, 1861, in Warsaw, Poland, he was the son of Marcus Jastrow, a distinguished rabbi and scholar. Jasrow's academic journey led him to become a leading figure in the study of Semitic languages, ancient cultures, and the history of the Middle East. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of oriental studies, particularly for his work on the languages and cultures of the ancient Near East. As a professor and librarian, Jastrow was instrumental in building the University of Pennsylvania's renowned collection in oriental studies. His scholarly work focused on translating and interpreting ancient texts, and he played a significant role in popularizing the study of ancient civilizations, especially those of Babylon and Assyria. Jastrow passed away on June 22, 1921, in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the study of ancient cultures and languages. His contributions to oriental scholarship remain highly regarded, particularly his work on the cultural significance of ancient practices such as divination. Read More Read Less