From The Editor

From The Editor The very existence of Hebrew Studies, like the organization that sponsors it, implies an assertion that I would like to make explicit: the Hebrew language is a continuum, and the literature in that language is a continuum. This assertion cannot be taken for granted. According to a notion traditional among theologians, "Spathebraisch" starts with Mishnaic Hebrew, and any literature after the first exile is "late." To this mentality, Modem Hebrew must seem a curious epigone of an ancient language long depleted of its historical rationale. Even more bizarre is the recent assertion that Modem Hebrew is not even a Semitic language. Hebrew Studies rejects such notions by insisting that the study of all stages of the Hebrew language and literature belongs to a single scholarly enterprise. We are all Hebraists and all in the same field, no less than Chaucerians, Shakesperians, and Faulknerians are all students of English literature. As Hebraists we are dedicated to the same goal, the illumination of Hebrew language and literature of all periods. Hence it is only appropriate that there is a single journal that embraces this broad but unified spectrum. Editing this journal for the last eight years has meant leading a joint effort. The members of the Editorial Board and other editorial referees have kept a strict watch over quality. Their work is true scholarly altruism, for they anonymously invest much time in articles whose authors they do not know, and they write precise and thoughtful critiques with only the editors aware of who has done the work. Their anonymous comments go to the authors, and I have often heard appreciation for these efforts, sometimes even from authors of rejected articles. The Associate Editors are also crucial to the journal's success. Frederick Greenspahn has been responsible for book reviews for the two years and has done an excellent job. Gilead Morahg, as Associate Editor since 1987, has been in charge of all articles on modem Hebrew literature and has given extraordinary attention to the essays in this area. Fortunately, he will be continuing in that capacity. The Production Managers-Ronald Giese Jr., Stephen Lancaster, and Keith Massey-have run the office smoothly and overseen every stage of production. I am pleased that Frederick Greenspahn has accepted the editorship, starting with the 1994 volume. Knowing his talents and competence in both philology and literary scholarship, I am confident that he will provide our readers with a journal that meets high standards of scholarship. M. V.F. ...