Adonai, Please Hear Me
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The Synagogue of Freedmen in First Century Jerusalem
The Synagogue of Freedmen (sunagogeh ton libertinon; συναγωγή των Λιβερτίνων) is mentioned in Acts 6:9. The Greek term "Freedmen" (Libertinos; Λιβερτῖνος) is unfamiliar to many modern people. But it is a loanword from Latin libertini, and designates those who were "freed slaves." In the Roman
Being Near to God
I came across some amazing words in this week’s reading. In Deuteronomy 4:7, Moshe exclaims, “What nation is there that has God as near to them, as ADONAI our God, when we call on him?” Immediately, in my heart, I heard, “See, Hashem is near. He will answer.
The One God who is Two
This is a lecture by Shaye J. D. Cohen, who is a Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University. He is a well-known historian who also holds a rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. His lectures often probe
The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls by James Charlesworth
James H. Charlesworth's "The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls" is a gateway to one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Dead Sea Scrolls. The book explores how these scrolls, containing biblical manuscripts, sectarian writings, and apocalyptic literature, provide invaluable insights