My research is focused on the interpretations of biblical texts in the contexts of ancient culture, languages, and history.
For many people, Hanukkah is the Jewish Christmas. The Western (Christian) world has Christmas, so Jews have something similar, the holiday they call Hanukkah. Simple, right? I know that many of my readers and subscribers know better. In case you missed it, in past years, I published some seminars on...
It' December... To all my subscribers who celebrate Hanukkah, may Hashem continue to do miracles as he did for our ancestors so long ago. And may your light burn ever brighter! To all my subscribers who celebrate Christmas, may the warmth of best traditions shared with family and friends bring...
Not long ago, archaeologists in Israel might have identified Jezreel winery featured in the Bible. The ancient winery was first discovered in 2013 and then explored in several seasons of excavations in the following years. The ancient production facility consists of several installations carved right into the bedrock. In the...
How many of us have a hard time saying "No"? How many of us say "No," only to hear back – "Why?" In our modern culture, saying "No" is completely out of style. If you say "No" and insist, you are looked upon as an alien from outer space. "No" is...
I published a new book this fall, sort of quietly without much publicity. I had another much more anticipated title coming out around the same time, and I did not want to take away from that announcement. But here it is - "Unheard Voices of Hebrew Kings and Prophets" How...
This is an amazing high-resolution video walk-through of one of the most beautiful archeological ruins in Israel. The views of the 2000-year-old Herodian aqueduct and the detail in this video are amazing. It's almost like being there yourself. Once I watched this video, I knew I had to share it...
Most of us like it when someone values us. It feels good to know when we are appreciated. And it is not because we have some exigent need to be recognized. Many gifted and talented people do amazing things and never seek recognition or fame, or attention. But being on...
Psalm 3 is a desperate cry for help, praise from the lips of David. God rescued him from the grip of his foes as they sought his life. This poem is full of hope and assurance in God’s miraculous salvation amidst great danger. מִזְמוֹר לְדָ...
This is a fairly long but very informative lecture by Dr. Mika Ahuvia from the Jewish Studies Department of the University of Washington. It focuses on the Jewish difference and how this notion has been historically perceived and treated by non-Jews. Unfortunately, this understanding gave rise to what we call...