R.I.P. Alexander A. Di Lella, O.F.M., 1929–2019

Abstract

R.I.P. Alexander A. Di Lella, O.F.M., 1929–2019 Joseph E. Jensen, Ph.D. It is with deep sadness that OTA notes the passing on March 23 of this year of The Reverend Alexander S. Di Lella, O.F.M. who has served as an Associate Editor of OTA from its very first issue in February of 1978 until his death. Scattered among the pages of the forty-one previous volumes of OTA readers will find more than 120 book abstracts contributed by Dr. Di Lella. Also to be found there are abstracts of his ten books, including major commentaries on Ben Sira and Daniel, and of many of his more than fifty scholarly articles and essays. Alexander A. Di Lella began his academic career in 1958 at The Catholic University of America, earning his Licentiate of Sacred Theology in 1959, and his Doctor of Philosophy in 1962. His dissertation, a text-critical historical study of the Cairo Geniza Hebrew fragments of Sirach, established the authenticity of the fragments as witnesses to Ben Sira's original Hebrew text, and thereby provided the foundation for all future Ben Sira research. A fellowship with the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem provided the young scholar with experience in archaeological excavation and time for research. Next, study at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome led to a Licentiate of Sacred Scripture in 1964. Professor Di Lella spent the following forty-six years in Washington, DC, primarily teaching Semitic languages and biblical studies at Catholic University, with additional courses at Holy Name College, Washington Theological Union, and the Education for Parish Service program at what is now Trinity-Washington University. In 1992 he was awarded Catholic University's Andrews-Kelly-Ryan Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies chair. Professor Di Lella retired from teaching at Catholic University in 2005, but continued for another five years as professor emeritus, directing doctoral dissertations. Along with his academic endeavors Professor Di Lella was active at all levels as a member of The Catholic Biblical Association of America, serving as its President in 1975-76. He contributed multiple translations for the revision of the New American Bible. As one of a committee of 14 leading Jewish, Protestant and Catholic biblical scholars Professor Di Lella reviewed hundreds of recommended improvements in translation and wording that led to the 1989 New Revised Standard Version Bible, now the most widely used modern English translation. Professor Di Lella's Catholic Edition of the NRSV appeared in 1993. On a personal note, as one among the more than a generation of scholars who was molded and shaped under Alexander A. Di Lella's careful, demanding direction and mentorship I am forever grateful. After I defended my dissertation, Social Justice in the Wisdom of Ben Sira, prepared under his direction, Fr. Di Lella became Alex. I relish fond memories of attending an occasional opera together always followed with dinner at a fine restaurant. Together we shared a love of books. At one point Alex expressed his intention to leave his professional library to me in his will. Then about four years ago I arrived at home to find unannounced nineteen large cartons of books on my porch. My first encounter with Alex was on the morning of January 21, 1993. I was a new graduate student awaiting the start of my first seminar in Room 432 of The Catholic University of America's Caldwell Hall. At precisely 9:00 a.m. Alex appeared in the doorway and proclaimed, "Peace." Alex now rests in the "peace that is beyond all understanding" that Alex always wished for others. [End Page 812] Joseph E. Jensen Assistant General Editor, OTA Copyright © 2019 The Catholic Biblical Association of America