Educational Background
1973 BA Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
1972-73 Tel Aviv university, Ramat Aviv, Israel
1975 MA University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
1983 Phd Classical Civilization University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

An international educational consultant, public speaker, archaeologist, historian, researcher, teacher and writer, Dr. Derfler has been uncovering the histories of Ancient Civilizations for nearly 25 years. Tracing the development of western religions from their roots in the Middle east and Eastern Mediterranean countries, Dr. Derfler brings insight to current political and social events, bridging the past with the future to promote greater understanding between people from different faiths and walks of life.

Throughout his career, Dr. Derfler has worked aggressively to bring the community together for education and celebration of ethnic and cultural diversity. He has worked with many agencies, including the Councils of Churches, Moral Re-Armament Twin Cities, Catholic Conference, Minnesota Islamic center, and Bridges for Peace.

Dr. Derfler currently serves as co-chair of the Minnesota Council of Churches Interfaith Commission. Dr. Derfler has been associated with
institutions both in the Midwest and Israel. International Institutions include Tel Aviv University's Institute of Archaeology, the Israeli Antiquities Authority, The Negev Museum of Beersheva and the Arad Archaeological Center. In the Upper Midwest, he teaches in the University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Compleat Scholar Program, The Science Museum of Minnesota, The Dawn Schuman Institute of Jewish Learning in Chicago, and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He has also taught at Metropolitan State University and Hamline University, where he served as Director of Jewish Studies from 1979-1993.

His commentaries can be found in such publications as the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minneapolis Star Tribune, The American Jewish World, and The Ohio Chronicle. His research has been published by the Israel Exploration Journal, Tel Aviv Journal of Archaeology, Hadashot Archaologiot, 'Atiqot, the Middle East Review, The University of Minnesota Press and the Edwin Mellen Press.