The baccalaureate degree in mathematics and physics earned by Beno Arbel at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1963 marked the beginning of a long career in academia. An Israeli mathematician and historian born in Romania, he dedicated his professional life to teaching and researching the development of mathematical thought and educating subsequent generations of scholars.
Academic Background
Born in Drăgănești-Olt in 1939, Arbel started his university studies in Romania at the University of Bucharest. Following his immigration to Israel in 1961, he continued his education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He secured a master's degree in 1965 under the supervision of Aryeh Dvoretzky. Soon after completing his graduate studies, he served in the Israel Defense Forces. In 1987, he earned his Ph.D. from the Hebrew University under the guidance of Marcel Herzog.
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Arbel held faculty positions at several institutions throughout Israel, most notably Tel Aviv University. His career included teaching tenures at the Kibbutzim College, Beit Berl Academic College, and the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yafo. Beginning in the late 1980s, he managed the program for gifted young students in mathematics and computer science at Tel Aviv University, focusing on nurturing talent in technical disciplines.
Scholarly Publications
His research shifted toward the history of mathematics and mathematics education. He authored two significant texts published by the Mofet Institute. In 2005, he released a condensed history of mathematics, followed by a 2009 work examining influential mathematicians and historical events within the field. These contributions documented the evolution of mathematical theory for students and practitioners.
Legacy
Arbel died on 9 April 2013 at the age of 74 and was buried at the Menucha Nechona Cemetery. He remains distinct from Benjamin Arbel, a professor emeritus of history at Tel Aviv University. His career reflects the growth of mathematical institutions in Israel during the latter half of the 20th century.
Fast facts
- Born: 1939, Romania
- Died: 9 April 2013
- Citizenship: Israel
- Primary Fields: History of mathematics, mathematics education
- Ph.D. Supervisor: Marcel Herzog
- Burial Site: Menucha Nechona Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Was Beno Arbel the same person as the historian Benjamin Arbel?
No, they were separate individuals, both of whom held professorships at Tel Aviv University.
What subjects did Beno Arbel teach?
He focused on mathematics, history of mathematics, and computer science, including leadership of programs for gifted students.
Achievements
- Held posts at Tel Aviv University
- Fields: mathematics education and history of mathematics
