Acknowledgements
The COVID-19 crisis was for many people a period of uncertainty, anxiety, and isolation. I am enormously grateful that I had a different experience, as the start of 2020 marked a new beginning of self-discovery and adventure into unknown territory. One person in particular made this journey possible: my promotor Prof. dr. Hector Patmore (KU Leuven). I fondly look back on the first meetings during the application process for this PhD. Despite the fact that I had barely heard of the Targums and had (very) limited experience in Aramaic, Hector believed in me and gave me the enormous privilege of pursuing a PhD in the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the KU Leuven. Throughout the entire process, Hector positioned himself as the perfect klankbord, always readily available to listen to my findings and providing feedback in his constructive and reassuring manner. Though he firmly believed in letting me find my own footing in the world of Targum, Hector was always there to gently guide me back whenever I lost my way. The numerous publications, presentations, and teaching opportunities throughout my PhD journey are attestations of his encouragement as a supervisor, and of his dedication to my development as a scholar. Meetings with Hector were moments to look forward to, not only because I always left them feeling reinforced and reinvigorated in my work, but also because he is simply a joy to spend time with. Hector, for all these things and more, I am forever grateful.
Who I have become as a student and scholar of Hebrew and Jewish Studies has largely been shaped by Pierre Van Hecke. From the first lesson of ‘Introduction to Biblical Hebrew’ in my BA at the Faculty of Linguistics and Literature, to the last day as the co-promotor of my PhD at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, Pierre has been an unwavering tutor and friend. From the moment I indicated that I had an interest in pursuing an academic future, Pierre offered guidance and various opportunities throughout my studies in order to prepare myself and develop an interesting academic profile. Without you, Pierre, this project would likely never have been possible, as it was you that recommended me to Hector as a PhD candidate. For that, and for the many years of guidance and friendship, I express my utmost gratitude.
Just like Frodo Baggins would not have gotten very far without Samwise Gamgee, I would not have gotten very far without Shlomi Efrati. Many of my findings and write-ups passed through his rigorous and careful examination, often leading to extensive discussions and tangents concerning my work. All who have worked with Shlomi, or heard one of his stimulating presentations, will attest to the extensive encyclopedia of the Jewish literary corpus that is his brain. Exchanging knowledge with him is a privilege—one that I have been blessed with many, many times throughout the past four years. But, Shlomi,—aside from the immense contribution that you have made to my development as a scholar—you have been, are, and will always be a great friend. I am excited to see when and where our paths will cross again in the future.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the other members of the textevolve team: Estara Arrant, Gavin McDowell, and Hanneke van der Schoor. Our weekly meetings were always places of friendly collaboration, and each of you has played a meaningful role throughout the evolution of this project.
To my friends and colleagues in all things Hebrew (and Latin, Greek, …), Martijn, Zoë, and Anna, thank you for your support throughout this process. Our frequent lunches, spaghetti-dinners, and trips are fond memories to look back on. Let’s make some more. To my friend and soulmate Manon, thank you for your support and for the emergency ‘care-packages’ that would arrive unannounced at the front door. You are the shining example of dedication and determination, and a constant reminder and inspiration to do my best, and to make the most of every single day. Stef and Martin, some friendships are beyond description. Despite how irrelevant this research is to your daily lives; you have both always expressed interest in my work and encouraged me to see it through til the end. You both bring so much warmth to my life.
I would also like to thank the staff at the various libraries (Bodleian Library, British Library, Cambridge University Library, Biblioteca Palatina) who assisted me with the consultation of manuscripts in situ as well as provided me with high-resolution images. I also thank Judith Schlanger-Olszowy for allowing me to be a Visiting Scholar at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, and Daniel Stökl Ben-Ezra for allowing me to use eScriptorium, a tool that was immensely valuable throughout this entire project.
To my parents, Erik and Ria—I dedicate this work to you both. When my whimsical enthusiasm to pursue various careers ranging from lawyer, to pilot, to veterinarian, to dog trainer, and eventually to scholar, you remained steadfast in your support and encouragement. Your home is my safe haven. And to my parents in-law, Johnny and Linda, thank you for the many talks, dinners, and time spent together. They are fond memories to look back on, and pleasant moments to look forward to. To my brothers Hendrik, Pieter, and Glenn, and to my sisters, An-Sofie, Kirsten, and Chiara—thank you for reminding me every day that what truly matters is family; but most of all, thank you for blessing my life with your children.
And lastly, thank you to Nick. This work has been a fundamental and unforgettable journey, most of all because in its third year, I had the privilege of marrying you. You make me a better person in every single way. Even though you (still) mistakenly tell people that I’m ‘doing something with hieroglyphics’, you are my sun and stars. Raising our (too?) many animals together with you gives me a purpose and worth that I have never felt before.