Prominent Bible Scholar Professor Uriel Simon Dies at 97

Professor Uriel Simon, a leading Israeli scholar of the Bible and its interpretation, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 97. His funeral was scheduled to take place the same day at the Kehilat Yerushalayim funeral home in Givat Shaul, Jerusalem. The family will observe mourning rituals at his home starting Saturday night.

Born in Jerusalem, Professor Simon dedicated decades to the study and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. He began his academic career at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he studied biblical studies, the history of Israel, and general history, eventually earning his doctorate in biblical studies there.

In the early 1960s, he joined the faculty of Bar-Ilan University. During his tenure, he held several key positions within the Department of Bible Studies, including its head, and was later appointed professor emeritus. His extensive scientific work focused on medieval Jewish biblical exegesis, particularly the work of Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra, and he extensively researched the Book of Psalms.

Throughout his career, Professor Simon mentored numerous students and researchers. In addition to his academic contributions, he was actively involved in religious and public discourse in Israel.