Rate Us: how the DLS is making a difference in the life of Gavin Michal

My name is Gavin Michal and I am completing my honours degree in theology with plans to do my masters next year and, eventually, a PhD. I am a practising rabbi in Johannesburg with my own community. I am working under Professor Human, Professor Meyer and Professor Groenewald. My area of interest is in the Sabbatian Movement and its influence on the Baal Shem Tov (the founder of the Chassidic movement). I have previously (thirty years ago) studied in Israel, New York and Canada at yeshivot (Rabbinic seminaries).

As you can see, my topic is rather unusual and it is not easy to find relevant research material. Many works are out of print and some documents are held at libraries and archives around the world and are not easy to access. I can only thank and express my appreciation of Christine Nel and the dedicated people at the Library, who seem to be able to work magic by finding material I could never manage to access by myself.

The world of academia is fascinating and enticing to me, especially coming from a traditional seminary background. I love academic writing because it is very difficult to make things up and cover over inadequate ideas with wonderful sounding jargon. The academic system lends itself to clear and considered argumentation; there is nothing like peer review to keep one on one’s toes. And the depth and breadth of knowledge hidden within academic articles and literature is bewildering. Without the competent people at the Library, much of all this would remain inaccessible!