Conclusion of the Ruth Course

Day 16: July 3, 2009

Today is the end of our first two-week course. We get 45 hours of class instruction, so its about like a semester of work in two weeks. The concentrated time is nice. We spent the first hour or more reading the entire book of Ruth in Hebrew and acting out what was going on. One of the teachers read the narratives of the text and we students took roles and read our parts and responded appropriately. After a 20 minute break, we took our final exam. The exam was all in Hebrew, but we were well prepared. After all were finished, we gathered again and went over items missed. The instructor told us we all did "disappointingly well." He was just kidding of course. The beginning Greek course was also ending, so after the exam and before lunch, we had a little party. There were various kinds of cookies and breads, cheeses, juice, water, and even wine. Prayers were offered in Hebrew and Greek. It was a great time of fellowship. Later on, i will have photo of the entire class and out teachers.

Peter and I relaxed in the afternoon, before being picked up about 4:15 to have dinner with Randall Buth and talk shop (teaching biblical languages in this new way and helping the movement to grow at various professional society meetings). Also there visiting Randall and his wife Margarete (I'm unsure of the spelling), was Ray Van Leeuwen. He is a professor in Pennsylvania, a good scholar, whose specialty is Proverbs. He has written a commentary or two, and numerous articles. Other members of the Buth family were there, too, including their nine-month old grandson.

The meal was simple and informal; the food was great: grilled over charcoal were small hamburger patties with excellent seasoning, and various cuts of lamb, various salads, watermelon, and some ice cream. The fellowship was close. We talked for many hours, and it was a wonderful evening. There is so much to do.

Tomorrow, a trip to Jerusalem.