Old Testament Failure

Well I can't think of a better way to start of my first Old Testament class then to look at the questions in front of me and have that sinking "I don't know anything" feeling. And yes, I failed miserably. The courses offered by the Jerusalem Center have always sounded interesting to me. I am thrilled to be taking a break from the heavy science load I have had the past few semesters due to my major. Here in Jerusalem I am taking Intro to Arabic, Near Eastern Studies, Arab and Islamic Civilization, Jewish Civilization, Old and New Testament. Before my arrival to the Holy Land I was aware that the course load was rather rigorous… However, I must say that this quiz rather blew me away. Read Genesis 12-17 and then take your own swing at these questions if you’d like.

1. What are the names of Abraham's two brothers?

2. Who is Milcah and whom did she marry?

3. Why did Abraham go to Egypt?

4. Who was first called "the Hebrew"?

5. Where in Canaan did Abraham go after he separated from Lot?

6. Who is Eliezer?

 

First Call to Prayer

The past two days have come and gone in a whirlwind. I am finally at the BYU Jerusalem Center! Amidst all the excitement and the growing to-do list I have I paused to reflect on my balcony tonight. With the ethereal voice of the imam sounding the evening prayer and the lights of the city beneath me I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be here. I can already feel the extraordinary spirit of this place.

Pre-Departure

It is that time of year again. School is starting. But this time is different. I am not heading out to Provo to learn more about sticking needles into people and inserting urinary catheters. Instead I am studying at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. I am so excited. I can't believe that this time next week I will be in Israel.