Mark Leutcher is a Professor in the Department of Religion at Temple University, as well as Director of Jewish Studies. An expert in ancient Judaism, his work includes the study of mythology in ancient Israel and Second Temple Judaism, the phenomenon of prophecy in the ancient near east, the formation of the Hebrew Bible, and the history of the Israelite priesthood. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in 2003 and has taught extensively in university settings as well as community settings. His previous academic appointments include: Coordinator of Biblical Studies at University of Sydney (Australia) and Visiting Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Pennsylvania.