Non-academic associate members whose occupations or interests are related to Hebrew studies. The following is the text of Mishael Caspi's Presidential Address delivered at Bates College. We think of language as a communicative tool and as a means for people to understand each other. The communicative aspect does not solely define language, but more importantly language defines a culture that conveys all phases of life in a given culture. Through language, members of a culture can live, think, act, and develop ideas that can be passed down to the next generation.
Language is the ring which joins people together.
Hebrew language was in our early history a living language. For several centuries Hebrew was only used ritually. But it has now flourished to become, once again, a living language. Our Association is striving to revive Hebrew in secondary and higher learning institutions. By doing so, we are trying to keep the flame burning.