A Lifetime of Learning and Service: Elaine and Perry Phillips' 50-Year Journey with JUC

What began as a one-year opportunity to study in Jerusalem became a lifelong connection to the land of the Bible and Jerusalem University College for Dr. Elaine and Perry Phillips.

In 1976, the couple was completing their Master of Divinity degrees at Biblical Theological Seminary when the seminary's president, Dr. Allan MacRae, encouraged them to continue their studies in Israel at the American Institute of Holy Land Studies, now Jerusalem University College.

Having heard Dr. MacRae's stories of studying and traveling in the land, they eagerly accepted the opportunity. That June, they departed for Jerusalem, expecting to stay for one year. Instead, they remained for three.

During that time, both earned master's degrees in Hebrew Language and Literature. Perry began teaching in the short-term program under the guidance of Jim Monson and Carl Rasmussen, while Elaine taught Biblical Hebrew to semester students and supported the short-term programs.

Learning in the Land

Their years in Jerusalem were filled with experiences that shaped their understanding of Scripture and their approach to teaching.

Under Jim Monson's leadership, they explored locations ranging from Kadesh Barnea near the Sinai to areas along Israel's northern borders. One particularly memorable journey took them through the Sinai Peninsula in a converted potato truck, traveling through desert wadis over nine days to reach Santa Katarina Monastery.

They also witnessed a remarkable period in the region's history, including the visits of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the Camp David Accords. Their professors included influential scholars such as Gabi Barkay and Anson Rainey.

These experiences helped establish a conviction that would shape their academic careers: understanding the land is essential to understanding the biblical text.

Sharing Their Passion with Generations of Students

After returning to the United States in 1979, Elaine and Perry began teaching at Pinebrook Junior College near Philadelphia. Both taught Old and New Testament courses and related biblical studies subjects. Perry, whose Ph.D. was in astrophysics, also taught mathematics and science.

Elaine went on to earn her Ph.D. in Rabbinics from The Dropsie College for Hebrew and Cognate Learning while serving on the Biblical Studies faculty and intermittently as Academic Dean.

Following Pinebrook's closure, the couple moved to the Boston area. Elaine joined the Biblical Studies Department at Gordon College, where she taught until retiring in 2020, while Perry worked for a voicemail communications company until 2002.

Their connection to JUC continued throughout those years. Perry returned periodically to teach summer short-term programs, and beginning in 1995, Elaine and Perry brought Gordon College students to JUC for three-week programs, continuing at least every other year.

Their experiences also influenced their scholarly writing. Both contributed to the Lexham Geographic Commentary, while Elaine's work on biblical books including Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Exodus, and Esther reflects her commitment to understanding Scripture within its geographical setting.

As Elaine explains, one of the most rewarding aspects of their work has been teaching students that "the Land itself is a character in every biblical narrative, clearly shaping the development of the story."

Returning to Serve JUC

When Elaine and Perry brought a Gordon College group to Israel in May 2019, they believed it might be their final experience teaching in the field.

But their story with JUC was far from over.

In spring 2023, Elaine returned to teach Physical Settings, rekindling her passion for field instruction. In the wake of the challenges JUC faced following October 7, 2023, the couple felt called to help sustain the institution and its educational mission.

Today, Perry contributes to campus operations by addressing maintenance challenges in JUC's historic facilities, parts of which are more than 150 years old. He has also earned the affectionate title of "Qualified Gardener."

Elaine continues to teach, advise students, and contribute to JUC's administrative work.

Nearly five decades after first arriving in Jerusalem, the Phillipses remain deeply connected to the institution that helped shape their lives and careers.

Reflecting on their decision to return, Elaine writes, "We're thankful that the Lord has given us the privilege of being here at this time."

Their story reflects the enduring impact of a JUC education—one that extends beyond a semester or degree and continues through a lifetime of scholarship, teaching, and service.