Pinchas Shir

My research is focused on the interpretations of biblical texts in the contexts of ancient culture, languages, and history.

Articles

Discover The World of First Century Rabbis Jesus Knew

It's not uncommon for people to admit today that Jesus was a Jew and even a rabbi. After all that is how his disciples often addressed him (Matt 26:25, 26:49; Mark 9:5, 10:51, 11:21, 14:45; John 1:38, John 1:49, 3:

Video

How did the Jerusalem Temple Work?

The Temple is a very important institution in the Bible. It is unique, deeply spiritual, and a key foundation for understanding countless biblical passages. This educational video is a quick, concise, and to-the-point explanation of the structure and function of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Gain a better understanding or

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>Seminars

Jerusalem Temple in Jewish Life and Spirituality (~4h)

Rabbi Jesus famously taught his disciples to pray that "things on earth should be as they are in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) This is not entirely new. In Torah, Moses was shown an important pattern in heaven, which he was to implement on earth (Exodus 25:40). This

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>Audio

Plans and Wishes

In 1 Kings 1, we read the story of David in his final days as Adoniya, one of his sons, tries to take over the throne of Israel. David intended for Solomon to succeed him, but Adoniya decided to make himself king instead of waiting for Solomon to assume the

Articles

Apostle Paul's Christian and Jewish Identity

It is quite common for people to think of Paul as a Christian. After all, so much of what is called Christian is based on his teachings, which are a part of the Scriptures all Christians recognize. But surprisingly, though he had many opportunities to do so, Paul did not

>Audio

A Prayer to Master of My Life

This musical creation was inspired by the words of Psalm 42. You might have to read the entire psalm to see which parts of it made it into the video. What came of it is a prayerful reflection of praise that I wanted to share with others. Here are the

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Articles

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

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>Audio

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.

Video

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

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>Books

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

Articles

Facing the Holy and Each Other in Prayer

For some, prayer is free-flowing, meandering from one topic to another, like a summer breeze, a living dialogue, or a musical improvisation. For others, prayer is something more formal, organized, and structured with care. It's not that one approach is superior to another, but there is room for

Articles

Second Temple Era Stone Inscription Mentions Jerusalem

During the winter of 2017, archaeologists working in a Jerusalem suburb, discovered the foundations of a Roman structure dating to the 1st century B.C.E. What they found was building remnants and a part of a common round column. The exciting part is that the column had writing on

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>Seminars

Experiencing Worship at Herod's Temple (~3h)

Have you ever imagined what a worship experience was like at the Jerusalem Temple in the days of Jesus? In these lectures, we will delve briefly into the layout and setting of Herod's Temple, but more importantly, we will imagine the daily lives and experiences of an average

Video

A Morning Prayer: May Your Will Always Be...

I wanted to share with you a Morning Prayer and, more specifically, a musical piece I created based on it. The words of this song are inspired by the words of the traditional morning blessings found in the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book). The person who is praying in the early

Articles

Simon and the Jews of Cyrene

During the Second Temple Period, many Jews lived outside of Israel. And the city of Cyrene in Northern Africa was one of the major Jewish Diaspora centers. You may not have heard much about this city because its glory has disappeared from the pages of history, and it stands in

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>Audio

Seeking God

I would venture to say that, depending on your unique interests, each one sometimes struggles with things that pull us in and captivate us completely. These interests could be good things, even very positive and honorable things. I am simply wondering if those are the things we need to focus

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Articles

The Riddle of The Broken Matzah

There is no Passover without Matzah. If you're not familiar with it, it's what Jews call the unleavened bread, a tradition dating back to the days of Moses. Every year, Passover is commemorated by eating this simple bread - Matzah (מַצָּה) and also by

Articles

Why Would Christians Say That Christ Has Not Risen?

A few years back, the Gospel Herald reported that according to a BBC poll, 25 % of Christians in Great Britain said, “Jesus’ resurrection was not real.” It turns out that according to the survey results, one in four of those who considered themselves Christians in Great Britain do not truly

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Articles

Does Torah Teach Resurrection?

The resurrection of the dead techiyat hametim (תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים) has always been a belief that some embraced and some rejected. Historically, while some Jews were very optimistic about such prospects, others were doubtful of them. Pagans for the most part have not seen resurrection

Articles

Fifth Century Samaritan Inscription

A new Tzur Natan neighborhood construction in central Israel was preceded by a dig. The excavation unearthed a rare written record. It points to a Samaritan business from 1600 years ago. The Greek inscription mentions a wealthy landowner, ‘Master Adios’. In the 5th century, the heartland of Israel was populated

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>Seminars

The Jews of Cyrene (~45 min)

The New Testament records that some Jewish followers of Jesus from Cyrene were responsible for the first Gentile converts in Antioch (Acts 11:19-21). Indeed, the Jewish inhabitants of Cyrene were fully engaged in world affairs and closely connected to Jerusalem and other Jewish communities throughout the Mediterranean. Yet, sadly,

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Bearing Fruit

In Isaiah Chapter 28, God speaks of his people, Israel, poetically painting them as his vineyard. Isaiah 28:10 says, “the fortified city is left alone, a deserted settlement and abandoned like the desert. Calves graze there, lie down, and eat from its branches.” The fortified city that Hashem speaks

Articles

Honor A Physician

The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus or Ben Sira, is a Jewish wisdom text from the Second Temple period, written by Jesus ben Sira around 180-175 BCE in Jerusalem. It is part of the Apocrypha in many Christian traditions and is included in the Septuagint, though it is

>Audio

Bless Adonai, Angels on High

A portion of Psalm 103 paints a powerful reality that calls all of us to join the praises of angels and all of God's creation. They already praise the Almighty, so why can't we join them? Below is the song and the words to another musical

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