Editorial

I first met Dr. Shimon Bakon at a Jewish Bible Association meeting in 1995. I had submitted a few articles for publication over the years, so we had corresponded in the past, but we had not yet met in person. When I moved back to Israel in 1994, Dr. Bakon invited me to attend the general meeting. This meeting would change my life.

I met a kind and gracious gentleman who was interested in spending time discussing many matters of Jewish interest, Bible, education, scholarship and derech eretz long after the meeting concluded. Despite an age difference of over half a century, we instantly connected and became fast friends. Over time, Dr. Bakon invited me to join the Editorial Committee and then to serve alongside him as Deputy Editor. He explained that since he was in his nineties it was prudent to look towards the future and make sure the Jewish Bible Quarterly would continue to thrive for many years to come. Dr. Bakon had been involved in the journal from the days when it was still called Dor le Dor and served as assistant editor to Dr. Louis Katzoff, founding editor of the Jewish Bible Quarterly. With over three decades of experience editing the journal, by now Dr. Bakon had become synonymous with the JBQ. He decided to impart some of his vast editorial knowledge and experience to me over the next few years.

Every so often, Dr. Bakon would state that he was working on his last article for publication, and yet every time there was always another article to write. It was inconceivable that he should ever stop his scholarly pursuits. Similarly, it was inconceivable that he should ever step down as Editor. He would mention it periodically, but we always managed to convince him to stay on.

With this issue, Dr. Shimon Bakon takes up his new role as Editor Emeritus of the Jewish Bible Quarterly. He asked me to take over as Editor and I accepted on condition that Dr. Bakon remains involved on the Editorial Committee and in his role as my mentor. He graciously agreed. While in a way this seems to be a case of a generation goes and a generation comes, it is also true that the earth endures forever (Eccl. 1:4). The editorial policies, gentle demeanor and vision of Dr. Bakon will continue to guide the Jewish Bible Quarterly.

I look forward to continuing to work alongside my good friend and teacher, Dr. Shimon Bakon, for many years to come.

Dr. Zvi Ron Editor