My research is focused on the interpretations of biblical texts in the contexts of ancient culture, languages, and history.
Articles
It is wonderful when people are optimistic, and they wish to discover the world, realizing how little they have seen. The world we live in is vast and beautiful, full of wonder. As a result, some set their sight on distant ambitions, on exotic destinations, on exciting places that others
Articles
Some people read the Bible as a codex of religious law, others as ancient moralistic philosophy, and many see it as a book of fairy-tale-like legends and stories. We live in exciting days when, thanks to science, many legends start to look very real. Modern technology allows us to see
>Books
This academic volume that reexamines one of the most influential yet often misunderstood groups in Jewish and Christian history - The Pharisees. Long portrayed in simplistic or negative terms, especially through the lens of the New Testament, here the Pharisees are portrayed in a fuller historical, social, and religious context.
>Audio
No one likes rejection… Our weekly reading from the Prophets, in 1 Samuel 15, tells a tragic tale of how King Saul lost God’s favor. It was a time of war. He defeated the Amalekites, but did not fully follow Hashem’s instructions that he was given. He was
Video
>Seminars
The gospels are filled with ancient rabbinic theological teachings. The reason is simple, Jesus was a Rabbi, a first-century teacher of Torah. The more people understand this, the more they open a door to the depth of his words in their true context. Most of the people with whom he
Video
Not many people have read the Talmud. Why? Because though it is a monumental work of Jewish literature it is comprised of 63 tractates and 523 chapters, totaling around 2 million words. It's like an encyclopedia with various contributions that span more than 1800 years. And its language
>Seminars
The Bible speaks about the spiritual duties of priests and Levites, about the exploits of the prophets, kings, and scribes, but it does not mention the Rabbis. To understand this new class of religious teachers, one has to trace their origins and history. What put Rabbis into the center of
>Audio
In our reading from the Prophets, Hosea speaks of his deep love for Israel and his people. But the book is not at all simple. Hashem deliberately asked the prophet to marry a wayward and promiscuous woman so that Hosea would understand how God felt betrayed in his love and
Articles
Not long ago, an acquaintance of mine, a seasoned gentleman, asked me, "What is sin?" It was an honest question, not a trick one, and without any sarcasm or ulterior motive. He was completely sincere and open-minded to hear my answer. It stunned me for a moment because
Articles
If you don't know what shofar is, it's an obscure item, a ritual instrument, and its name comes from ancient Hebrew. It is a special trumpet used in Jewish holiday observance, connected to the Jewish new year and Day of Atonement (Lev 23:24). Shofar (שׁ
>Seminars
If Jesus was indeed a first-century Rabbi, then does that mean he embraced the beliefs, teachings, and conventions other rabbis of his day employed? Consider what it meant to be a teacher of Torah in the first century and explore the language and teaching techniques of ancient rabbis. Learn about