Queries & Comments

You Never Know Where a Subscription Might Lead

Several years ago, my daughter was selling magazine subscriptions as a fund-raiser for her school. As a dutiful parent, I purchased the last three subscriptions so she could meet her quota. Several renewals later, I have become an avid reader of BAR and look forward to each new issue.

My archaeological interest peaked this year when I decided to participate in an excavation at Beth-Shemesh, in Israel. Your magazine was invaluable in helping me select a dig site. I have just returned from three weeks of digging and want to thank BAR for opening my eyes to this opportunity. It was a fascinating educational, historical and cultural experience. Our group of volunteers was hardworking and committed to our common goal. And after awhile, I didn’t even mind waking up at 4 each morning, as I anxiously anticipated that day’s newest discovery.

At the dig, I had the privilege of meeting William Dever and Trude Dothan. I would like to extend my gratitude to our site directors, professors Zvi Lederman and Shlomo Bunimovitz, who were both instructive and accessible. They concluded their tenth and most successful season at Beth-Shemesh by finding pottery with the Hebrew word kodesh (holy) on it.