Israel Ambassador Abba Eban today told the National Association of Professors of Hebrew in Institutions of Higher Learning that scholars should be equally familiar with the Biblical and modern phases of Hebrew language and culture. The Association, composed of 84 professors of Hebrew, is meeting at the Library of Congress to advance its goal of bridging the gap between scholars of Biblical Hebrew and Modern Hebrew language development.
A movement spearheading Hebraic studies originated from Protestant sources and is being developed by Protestant scholars and clergymen, it was learned from Prof. Cyrus H. Gordon of Dropsie College for Hebrew and Cognate Studies. Dr. Gordon said that the backbone of the movement to revive the study of Hebrew language and culture is neither religious nor nationalistic. In most of his classes students of Jewish background are in the minority, he revealed.
Dr. A. I. Katsch of New York University said that archaeology and other advances emanating from Israel can only be understood by widespread knowledge of modern Hebrew. Spoken Hebrew is essential for understanding of the Bible, he stated. A reception for the professors was tendered by the Israel Embassy last night. The guests included Protestants of all denominations and a priest from a Catholic university.
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