April 2026

Spring Update:

April 15, 2026

Who in their right mind would start a Ph.D. program while they are in their sixties?  There is internal humor amongs the Ph.D, students that Ph.D. stands for “permanently head damaged.”  If I did not start the program “P.h.D.,” somewhere along the journey I will probably be “P.h.D.”

This is the second year of my coursework. My academic load has been a bit less stressful than last year. Last year, in addition to coursework, I was studying for two research language exams: German and French. I also took two of the classes that were widely considered the two toughest Ph.D. classes. This year, my classes have been a bit more personally focused. In the fall they were Genesis and Aramaic.  This semester they are Latin and Akkadian. Aramaic is the language of a section of Daniel as well as a section of Ezra. Latin is the language of the Vulgate, Jerome’s significant translation of the Bible. Akkadian is the language of ancient Assyria and Babylon. The Enuma Elisha, an ancient Assyrian creation epic with some parrallels to the Genesis account was written in Akkadian. The deeper my studies go into Genesis, Latin and Akkadian may both prove significant.

Next semester, fall 2026 I will be again focusing on Biblical languages. I will be serving as an Hebrew adjunct instructor. I am scheduled to teach one Hebrew class. My other two Ph.D. level classes will be Hebrew Poetry (Psalms etc.) and Intermediate Greek. Not only may I be “P.h.D.,” I tend to have a bit of a reputation as a “language nerd.”  So, if you want to call me a “permanently head damaged language nerd” that shoe might just fit.

On the homefront/ministry front, Deb and I recently started a bi-weekly Shabbat service in our home. There seems to be a growing interest among the students. Those that have attended have expressed appreciation and a desire to keep fellowshipping in this way.  Though it adds to an already busy schedule, Deb and I are thankful for this opportunity to share and minister in this way. It is a joy to be serving in ministry together. Deb is my favorite preacher. She shared in our most recent Shabbat celebation. I like to say, she is the right Reverend Weiner, and I am the wrong Reverend Weiner.

Despite the pressures, the academic load, maybe there is a refreshing breeze blowing through. It is encouraging to me, to write and share some news, and updates, with a touch a grace and humor.

In the grace of the only One that really matters,

The wrong reverend, permanently head damaged, language nerd, and absolute grace fanatic.

Art Weiner

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