Next, the Presidential Address.

And settled in.  Looking forward to a walk around to orient myself and then later on for sessions this evening. So far so good.  A very helpful reception area and really comfortable rooms on a lovely campus.

Last night’s final lecture was by Avraham Faust.  It was exceptionally interesting and argued essentially that there need not be any archaeologically based skepticism about the close relationship (sisterhood) of Judah and Israel.  Archaeology, he suggested, shows a clear connection … Continue reading →

The pre-dinner session featured a very intriguing paper on various modern readings of Jonah:

There were interesting papers, a nice break for a visit to the book hall, and a bit of time to chat with the publishers.  All in all a good, and intellectually stimulating morning. Lunch next then the afternoon fun.

You have to eat before you can scholar.  The facilities here are fantastic and the food is very, very good. It’s quite a full first half of the day as you’ve seen from the schedule posted earlier.  More anon.

Was a delightfully informative examination of the Sabbath commandment and its implications.  As Houston notes, ‘it is not work that is sacred, but rest’.

As I understand it, in the future we will be alternating venues between here and Durham. A good choice both I think. #SOTS2020.