Our Benny is now Doctor Benny

The session was set for 11.30 in the morning. On time, we gathered and I was the first of the candidates to defend his dissertation. The commission was composed of two experts in American literature and one expert in Hebrew literature. The discussion was held in a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The examiners showed great interest in the work that had been done (an analysis of the poetic production of Shaul Tchernikowsky in the light of the modern nationalist Hebrew conception promoted by Zionism), and one after the other they made their comments. According to the examiners, the research should be translated into Hebrew and published in Israel because the themes it touches upon could provoke much interest there.

On the margins of the session, I was also asked about my personal experiences in Israel and my work with our kehillot. Thus this was also an occasion to speak about our modest reality, something which impressed and drew the attention of Prof. Fabrizio Lelli, professor of Hebrew literature at the University of Lecce, who promised to come and visit me at the first opportunity.

Now, while I await my return home (to Jerusalem) , I want to thank all my brothers and sisters who have made their presence felt in these last days through their prayers and their friendship. Now I need to rest up a bit… See you soon!