# PSHIR.COM > A weekly digital publication offering hundreds of educational features that explore facets of ancient culture, languages, and history; the meaning of sacred texts and many beliefs that stem from them. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages - [ABOUT](https://www.pshir.com/about.md) - About Me: I am Pinchas (Peter) Shir, curator and editor of this online publication. I am an educator who has been lecturing on college campuses and in cyberspace for over a decade. My academic fields are Biblical Studies, Jewish Studies, Second Temple Literature, and the New Testament. My niche spe… - [Account](https://www.pshir.com/account.md) - [Contact](https://www.pshir.com/contact.md) - Your Email: Your Message: Send Message - [Discover ENOCH, The Book of Watchers!](https://www.pshir.com/enoch.md) - [Images / Art](https://www.pshir.com/images.md) - For years I have been studying biblical languages. And over time I have collected many books and texts related to my interest. Some are pretty old, rare, and remarkable, others are brand new yet masterfully printed. My study often takes me to original language manuscripts. And as I explore those te… - [Privacy Policy](https://www.pshir.com/privacy.md) - This privacy policy ("Policy") was designed to help you (“you”), the website user, to understand how Peter Shir LLC ("us," "we," "our") uses and protects the data you provide to us when you use www.Pshir.com ("website"). See our website's Terms of Use. We reserve the right to change this policy at… - [Sign Up](https://www.pshir.com/signup.md) - [MY OFFER: Why Subscribe?](https://www.pshir.com/sub.md) - Some study resources inside PSHIR.COM are open to the public, and many more can be accessed through a Free Membership Subscription account. However, premium content and personalized learning guidance are available through a Paid Membership (which you can try for free as well). FREE (tap to see deta… - [Terms of Use](https://www.pshir.com/terms.md) - These terms of use outline the rules and guidelines for using the PSHIR.COM website. By accessing or using our website, you agree to follow these terms. Please read them carefully. 1. Acceptance of Terms By using Pshir.com, you agree to abide by these terms of use by Peter Shir LLC. If you do not a… - [Discover what is MISSING in your Bible Study!](https://www.pshir.com/what-is-missing.md) - [You decided it's worth it...](https://www.pshir.com/worth-it.md) - Thank you for subscribing... What now? Now you have access to hours and hours of learning via exclusive educational videos, articles, and audio! Browse and enjoy... New features are published every Wednesday and Sunday. You will receive updates via email. Email subscription is the only requirement… ## Posts - ["Unheard Wisdom of Hebrew Scribes and Teachers" by Pinchas Shir](https://www.pshir.com/unheard-wisdom-of-hebrew-scribes-and-teachers.md) - [Temple of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20](https://www.pshir.com/temple-of-the-holy-spirit-1-corinthians-6-19-20.md) - [Spiritual Awareness](https://www.pshir.com/spiritual-awareness.md) - [The Struggle of Darkness and Light (~ 1.5h)](https://www.pshir.com/darkness-and-light-1-5h.md) - [Hearing Distant Echoes](https://www.pshir.com/hearing-distant-echoes.md) - I recently published a new book that has been "in the works" for a couple of years. I sat on it for a while because I kept making editorial changes that altered its overall flow. Those who know me well know that I am fond of series and broad themes because that is how ideas typically develop in my… - [Four Rivers and Four Kingdoms](https://www.pshir.com/four-rivers-and-four-kingdoms.md) - For anyone who follows Middle Eastern politics and history even a little, the cycles of aggression and conflict between different groups in the region never end. Frankly, that is not new. It has been this way ever since the beginning. There seems to be an unending struggle as new hungry powers rise… - [Come Render Praise to ADONAI](https://www.pshir.com/come-render-praise-to-adonai.md) - I want to share my recent musical reworking of Psalm 95. It's meant to be a meditative call to worship that is built solidly on the message of this ancient psalm that moves from Hebrew to English and back to Hebrew. If you are learning the Hebrew language, singing it is a wonderful way to let the l… - [Stop Running](https://www.pshir.com/stop-running.md) - Do you ever feel stressed or pressured, feel like running away? It's a common response to encountering stress. The world we live in is not for the faint of heart. For people of faith, for those who look to God, it's difficult to stay on course and not be tempted to withdraw and get away from everyt… - [What is Kosher? by BimBam](https://www.pshir.com/what-is-kosher-by-bimbam.md) - This is a very simple introduction to kosher for everyone. Learn why people keep kosher, the basic rules, how to get started, or how to be thoughtful as a guest in a kosher home. A great intro to the topic for Jews and non-Jews alike. As an educator, I always enjoy simple and clear videos to introd… - [What Kinds of Fish Were Eaten in Ancient Jerusalem?](https://www.pshir.com/what-kinds-of-fish-were-eaten-in-ancient-jerusalem.md) - Over the past century and a half, archaeologists have excavated a variety of sites in Jerusalem, bringing to light many aspects of everyday life in the biblical city. The examination of ceramic vessels for cooking and serving, as well as the uncovering of food waste, mainly comprised of discarded b… - [Synagogues and the Spread of Christian Beliefs](https://www.pshir.com/synagogues-and-the-spread-of-christian-beliefs.md) - What do Synagogues have to do with the spread of Christian beliefs? If you are asking yourself this question, then you probably need to reread the Book of Acts. Early believers in Jesus were all members of synagogues, and wherever they went, those affiliations continued to play an essential role in… - [One's Own Enemy](https://www.pshir.com/ones-own-enemy.md) - [New Wind in the Early Jewish Church](https://www.pshir.com/new-wind-in-the-early-jewish-church.md) - A while back, I had an opportunity to develop a course for the institution where I teach, entitled "The Stories of the Jewish Church." The title was intended to be somewhat provocative, designed to emphasize that the early church was indeed Jewish. In this podcast interview, Dr. Parker asks me to s… - [Multiple Heavens in the Bible and Three Books of Enoch](https://www.pshir.com/multiple-heavens-bible-three-books-of-enoch.md) - [The Revival of the Modern Hebrew Language](https://www.pshir.com/continued-revival-hebrew-language.md) - Hidden away between the dense trees of the Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus lies the past, present, and future of the Hebrew language. Disguised by its modest exterior and dwarfed by impressive new university faculties, two small buildings are home to the supreme institution of Hebrew in Israel… - [The Angels Made Them Do It: The Origins of Evil](https://www.pshir.com/the-angels-made-them-do-it-the-origins-of-evil.md) - [Follow The Steps](https://www.pshir.com/follow-the-steps.md) - [You Are God's Temple: 1 Corinthians 3:16](https://www.pshir.com/you-are-gods-temple-1-cor-3-16.md) - [Du Tillet Hebrew Matthew](https://www.pshir.com/du-tillet-hebrew-matthew.md) - For a long time, some have known the gospels are Jewish stories, assembled by Jews in the first century, and it is logical that many have hoped to find their Hebrew manuscripts. The Hebrew Book of Matthew, known as Du Tillet Matthew, is a manuscript that has surfaced among Jews in Rome in the 1500s… - [Are Those Horns on Moses' Head?](https://www.pshir.com/are-those-horns-on-moses-head.md) - One of the most magnificent statues of Moses was crafted by Michelangelo, a famed Italian artist from the 14th and 15th centuries. It was commissioned by one of the popes, and today it graces the church of St. Peter in Rome. Enjoying this beautiful work of art, one cannot help but notice that Moses… - [Rethinking Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism](https://www.pshir.com/rethinking-jewish-spirituality-and-mysticism.md) - This is a lecture by Rachel Elior, a Professor of Jewish Philosophy and Jewish Mystical Thought at the Hebrew University, a talk given in front of an audience of peers. Her research is insightful and often challenges the status quo academic thinking. In this segment, she raises questions of definit… - [Galatians in Anatolian Context: Part Two (~3h)](https://www.pshir.com/galatians-in-anatolian-context-part-two-3h.md) - [Rouse Yourself](https://www.pshir.com/rouse-yourself.md) - [Galatians Without Romans: Part One (~2h)](https://www.pshir.com/galatians-without-romans-part-one-2h.md) - [Was the Hebrew Bible Really Canonized at Jamnia?](https://www.pshir.com/hebrew-bible-really-canonized-jamnia.md) - In the 1st century CE, Jamnia or Yavneh (יַבְנֶה) was a small town on Israel’s southern coastal plain, between Jaffa and Ashdod. It is widely believed that Jamnia hosted discussions on the establishment of the Jewish canon, and that the Hebrew Bible was canonized there. According to some rabbinic s… - [Is There Such a Thing as a Righteous War?](https://www.pshir.com/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-righteous-war.md) - War is among the darkest realities of human existence. It leaves cities in ruins, families divided, and generations marked by trauma and loss. No sane person celebrates war, and few emerge from it unchanged. Yet history repeatedly reminds us of an uncomfortable truth: war is sometimes unavoidable.… - [God is My Dwelling Place](https://www.pshir.com/god-is-my-dwelling-place.md) - If you read the words of Moses' Prayer (which was probably also a song), you will see how the lyrics are thoroughly inspired by his poetic verses. God's unique name Adonai Maon is somewhat mysterious, but to me it brought a sense of realization that everything, including us, all things come from hi… - [The Salt of The Earth: Matthew 5:13](https://www.pshir.com/the-salt-of-the-earth.md) - In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said to his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth..." but what exactly did he mean by that? Look beyond the English idioms. Look deeper into history. Consider how ancient Greeks and Jews perceived salt in antiquity. What did salt mean to the Romans? Study the context and… - [Rabbis who Witnessed the Power of Yeshua's Gospel](https://www.pshir.com/rabbis-who-witnessed-the-power-of-gospel.md) - The video below is a lecture given at Lanier Theological Library early in 2020 on a most intriguing topic, the interaction of Rabbis in the Talmud with early followers of the Nazarene. The lecturer, Joseph Shulam, grew up in Jerusalem, where he was introduced to the New Testament in high school. He… - [Second Temple Complex Walkthrough](https://www.pshir.com/second-temple-complex-walkthrough.md) - Enjoy a new musical rendition of a couple of verses from Psalm 16. It is presented alongside an archaeologically based digital reconstruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The video is a digital extrapolation of what it might have looked like in the first century CE (thanks to bible-scenes.com… - [Shining The Light](https://www.pshir.com/shining-the-light.md) - [Discover The World of First Century Rabbis Jesus Knew](https://www.pshir.com/discover-the-world-of-first-century-rabbis-jesus-knew.md) - 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, 3:2, 4:31, 6:25, 9:2, 11:8, 20:16) and the parameters in which most people in the gospe… - [How did the Jerusalem Temple Work?](https://www.pshir.com/how-did-the-jerusalem-temple-work-cop.md) - 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… - [Jerusalem Temple in Jewish Life and Spirituality (~4h)](https://www.pshir.com/jerusalem-temple-in-jewish-life-and-spirituality.md) - [Plans and Wishes](https://www.pshir.com/plans-and-wishes.md) - [Apostle Paul's Christian and Jewish Identity](https://www.pshir.com/apostle-pauls-christian-and-jewish-identity.md) - 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 actually refer to himself a… - [A Prayer to Master of My Life](https://www.pshir.com/a-prayer-to-master-of-my-life.md) - 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 lyrics: My soul it stirs, it churns inside in th… - [The Synagogue of Freedmen in First Century Jerusalem](https://www.pshir.com/the-synagogue-of-freedmen-in-first-century-jerusalem.md) - [Being Near to God](https://www.pshir.com/being-near-to-god.md) - 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. There is none like him. He never abandon… - [The One God who is Two](https://www.pshir.com/the-one-god-who-is-two.md) - 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 of… - [The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls by James Charlesworth](https://www.pshir.com/the-bible-and-the-dead-sea-scrolls-by-james-charlesworth.md) - [Facing the Holy and Each Other in Prayer](https://www.pshir.com/facing-the-holy-and-one-another-in-prayer.md) - 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 bot… - [Second Temple Era Stone Inscription Mentions Jerusalem](https://www.pshir.com/stone-inscription-mentions-jerusalem.md) - 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 it. Etched on the… - [Experiencing Worship at Herod's Temple (~3h)](https://www.pshir.com/experiencing-worship-at-herods-temple-3h.md) - [A Morning Prayer: May Your Will Always Be...](https://www.pshir.com/a-morning-prayer-may-your-will-always-be.md) - 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 hours of the day is offer… - [Simon and the Jews of Cyrene](https://www.pshir.com/simon-and-the-jews-of-cyrene.md) - 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 ruins to this day. Bu… - [Seeking God](https://www.pshir.com/seeking-god.md) - [The Riddle of The Broken Matzah](https://www.pshir.com/the-riddle-of-the-broken-matzah.md) - [Why Would Christians Say That Christ Has Not Risen?](https://www.pshir.com/a-quarter-of-british-christians-say-christ-has-not-risen.md) - 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 believe… - [Does Torah Teach Resurrection?](https://www.pshir.com/does-the-torah-teach-resurrection.md) - [Fifth Century Samaritan Inscription](https://www.pshir.com/samaritan-master-adios-inscription.md) - 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… - [The Jews of Cyrene (~45 min)](https://www.pshir.com/the-jews-of-cyrene.md) - [Bearing Fruit](https://www.pshir.com/bearing-fruit.md) - [Honor A Physician](https://www.pshir.com/honor-the-physician.md) - 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 not part of the He… - [Bless Adonai, Angels on High](https://www.pshir.com/bless-adonai-angels-on-high-2.md) - 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 composition inspired by this Psalm. ATTENTION: To engage wit… - [Bless PSHIR.COM with a Gift of Support?](https://www.pshir.com/bless-pshir-com-with-a-gift.md) - Many people benefit from PSHIR.COM publications, but not everyone wishes to be a subscriber. That's fine. Now you can support independent publishing by giving a simple gift (in any amount and anytime) as a thank you without subscribing. SUPPORT PSHIR.COM The gift works the same way as any other pay… - [Four Faces and Four Voices](https://www.pshir.com/four-faces-and-four-voices.md) - [Our Father Abraham by Marvin Wilson](https://www.pshir.com/our-father-abraham-by-marvin-wilson.md) - [The Angels of Punishment in Enoch and Revelation](https://www.pshir.com/the-angels-of-punishment-in-enoch-and-revelation.md) - [Thicker than Blood](https://www.pshir.com/thicker-than-blood.md) - The Prophets tells us a story of extraordinary friendship that tests the strengths of family loyalty against true friendship. Samuel’s books tell us that Jonathan loved David deeply as a friend: “he loved him as his own soul.” They have been friends ever since David killed Goliath. Jonathan and Dav… - [Why Study the Books of Enoch?](https://www.pshir.com/why-study-the-books-of-enoch.md) - To put things simply... Because ancient stories about the inner workings of the divine realm, the angels, both fallen and faithful, the origins of corruption, sin, and forbidden knowledge, the visions of the Messiah, and the coming judgment are scattered across ancient books like Enoch. These stori… - [Harps in the World-to-Come](https://www.pshir.com/harps-in-the-world-to-come.md) - [Do you know Angels?](https://www.pshir.com/do-you-know-angels.md) - [Listen to 3 BARUCH 4 - 5, New 2025 Translation](https://www.pshir.com/listen-to-3-baruch-4-5-new-2025-translation.md) - The Books of Baruch: Four Oracles in New Translation" - this edition presents you with a new, easy-to-read, and culturally nuanced English translation of four ancient oracles: 1 - The Book of Baruch, 2 - The Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch, 3 - The Slavonic Apocalypse of Baruch, and 4 - The Rest of the… - [Coming Closer to God in Leviticus](https://www.pshir.com/coming-closer-to-god-in-leviticus.md) - I rarely run into people who tell me that Leviticus is one of their favorite books in the Bible. Many people simply skip most of this book when they read the Bible because it does not speak to them on a spiritual level and does not even make much sense. I understand, but I think it's a shame so man… - [Cleansing by Fire](https://www.pshir.com/cleansing-by-fire.md) - [Why do Bible Translations Differ So Much?](https://www.pshir.com/why-do-bible-translations-differ-so-much.md) - There are numerous Bible translations available in English. The number of options is related to the consumer market. English speakers spend more money on Bibles than many others; hence, the marketplace offers consumers a greater variety of choices competing for prominence and influence. Ultimately,… - [Two Seals from the First Temple Era](https://www.pshir.com/seals-from-the-first-temple.md) - Archaeological evidence from the First Temple era is very rare. The main reason is that the temple site has been off-limits for study and excavation in modern times. However, in 2013, a volunteer looking through the dirt that had been excavated from Robinson’s Arch found a 1-centimeter seal impress… - [Striving for Unity in Diversity: Part Four (Romans 12-16 ~2h)](https://www.pshir.com/striving-for-unity-in-diversity-part-four-romans-12-16.md) - [Out of Nothing](https://www.pshir.com/out-of-nothing.md) - Miracles of multiplication are great, but they don’t happen every day. And sadly, Elisha is not walking around for us to ask for his help. It’s really something extraordinary and unique as we read these stories. How, besides us running out and getting all the empty jars in the neighborhood and wait… - [The Fullness of Gentiles in Romans](https://www.pshir.com/considering-the-fullness-of-gentiles.md) - [The Books of Baruch: Four Oracles in New Translation](https://www.pshir.com/the-books-of-baruch.md) - [Branches of the Olive Tree: Part Three (Romans 9-11 ~4h)](https://www.pshir.com/branches-the-olive-tree.md) - [Almighty's Wings My Shelter Be](https://www.pshir.com/almightys-wings-my-shelter-be.md) - Psalm 91 is a favorite for so many people because its words express powerful promises of divine protection. Feeling safe is something we can all identify with. Since deep antiquity, Jews have recited these words on a regular basis. So here is a new musical rendition of this Psalm's message in the f… - [The Herald Angels Do Not Sing](https://www.pshir.com/the-herald-angels-do-not-sing.md) - [Turning Hearts](https://www.pshir.com/turning-hearts.md) - [How Saul of Tarsus Became Paul](https://www.pshir.com/how-saul-of-tarsus-became-paul.md) - Most people know that Apostle Paul was a pious Jew. Many New Testament readers would note that he was a Pharisee trained with the rabbis at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). And at the same time, an overwhelming majority of Christians also see Apostle Paul as a radical convert to Christianity. But… - [Listen to 2 BARUCH 6-9, New 2025 Translation](https://www.pshir.com/listen-to-2-baruch-6-9-new-2025-translation.md) - Have you ever heard about the four books of Baruch? Recently, I published all of them in one volume. "The Books of Baruch: Four Oracles in New Translation" - this edition presents you with a new, easy-to-read, and culturally nuanced English translation of four ancient oracles: 1 - The Book of Baruc… - [Untwisted Examples: Part Two (Romans 4-8 ~3h)](https://www.pshir.com/untwisted-examples.md) - [Mastering Challenges](https://www.pshir.com/mastering-challenges.md) - [Reading Paul's Letter to Romans in Context](https://www.pshir.com/reading-pauls-letter-to-romans-in-context.md) - The Letter to the Romans emerges from a complicated social world shaped by Roman imperial politics, shifting relationships between Jews and Gentiles, and the trauma of Jewish diaspora being expelled and later readmitted to Rome. Behind Paul’s letter, which teaches deep spiritual principles that sti… - [Your PSHIR.COM and Gmail](https://www.pshir.com/your-pshir-com-and-gmail.md) - If you are a GMAIL user, keep in mind that updates and emails from PSHIR.COM will likely end up in the "Promotions" tab and sometimes even in spam. Unfortunately, the Google server sees them as institutional emails sent to multiple users and tags them as "marketing," sorting them away from your per… - [Misunderstood Foundations: Part One (Romans 1-4 ~4h)](https://www.pshir.com/misunderstood-foundations.md) - [Get the Most out of PSHIR.COM](https://www.pshir.com/get-the-most-out-of-pshir-com.md) - When you sign up at PSHIR.COM, your free account gives you access to piles of resources in Jewish and Biblical studies, select audio and video segments, and many extended topic previews. At PSHIR.COM, you don't have to keep up with passwords! Access to your personal account is via a link sent to yo… - [Watch and Listen to The Apocalypse of Abraham, Chapters 4-5](https://www.pshir.com/apocalypse-of-abraham-chapters-4-5-video.md) - I wanted to share with you a video I made recently for my YouTube channel. I created several similar videos where I like to present samples of ancient Jewish compositions people might have never read that I have translated. I decided to put them up on YouTube because videos allow me to dramatize th… - [Losing God's Shadow](https://www.pshir.com/losing-gods-shadow.md) - In Torah, in Numbers, we encounter an insightful story of how bad news was brought back to the Israelite community. Ten investigators of the Land of Promise were thoroughly pessimistic about the prospects of the sons of Jacob conquering Canaan. The land was prosperous and fertile, but the enemy see… - [Fruits from the Tree of Life and Tree of Knowledge](https://www.pshir.com/tree-of-knowledge.md) - [Jesus Among the Rabbis](https://www.pshir.com/jesus-among-the-rabbis.md) - Jesus, or as he was known to his family and friends, Yeshua, was a teacher of Torah's wisdom, a first-century rabbi. And he was surrounded by other rabbis with similar and sometimes alternative ideas that the gospels document well. This video is a lecture by Dr. Brad Young, who is an emeritus profe… - [The Ring of Pontius Pilate](https://www.pshir.com/the-ring-of-pontius-pilate.md) - Anyone familiar with stories about Jesus, even those who have never read the gospels for themselves, has heard of Pontius Pilate, who ordered the crucifixion. Some see him as a villain, others as a calculating administrator of Roman affairs caught between his duties to law and order and religious t… - [Encounter Baruch's Oracles!](https://www.pshir.com/encounter-baruchs-oracles.md) - The themes of ruin and restoration are at the core of the Jewish apocalyptic genre. Even the most bitter laments are accompanied by hope when one is tethered to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That is precisely what you will find in The Books of Baruch. This edition presents you with a new, e… - [The Jews and Anti-Judaism in John's Gospel (~2.5h)](https://www.pshir.com/the-jews-and-johns-gospel.md) - [Eyes Set on the Ends of the Earth](https://www.pshir.com/eyes-set-on-the-ends-of-the-earth.md) - 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 only talk… - [The Argaman of King Solomon's Robe](https://www.pshir.com/argaman-king-solomon-robe.md) - [In Quest of the Historical Pharisees by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton](https://www.pshir.com/in-quest-of-the-historical-pharisees-by-jacob-neusner-and-bruce-chilton.md) - [Divine Rejection](https://www.pshir.com/divine-rejection.md) - No one likes rejection… 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 told not to take any plunder and to spare no one. Saul acted in a way he thought was… - [Adonai, Please Hear Me](https://www.pshir.com/adonai-please-hear-me.md) - Psalm 4 spoke to me in a number of ways through the years. And one of those messages is the overwhelming sense of God's presence that one can experience even in the moments of distress and utter weakness. One's faith in the Eternal, in his faithfulness, is what empowers us when we barely have what… - [The Gospels and Early Rabbis (~2hrs)](https://www.pshir.com/the-gospels-and-early-rabbis.md) - [What is the Talmud and How Was it Created?](https://www.pshir.com/what-is-the-talmud-and-how-was-it-created.md) - 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 is quite un… - [The Origins and Teaching of Early Rabbis (~3hrs)](https://www.pshir.com/origins-and-teaching-of-early-rabbis.md) - [Betrayal and Love](https://www.pshir.com/betrayal-and-love.md) - [Our Sins and Offenses are Many](https://www.pshir.com/our-sins-and-offenses-are-many.md) - [Why Listen to the Sound of the Shofar?](https://www.pshir.com/why-listen-to-the-sound-of-the-shofar.md) - 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 (שׁוֹפָר) is unusual because it is a trumpet but… - [Jesus and Other Rabbis (~3hrs)](https://www.pshir.com/jesus-and-other-rabbis.md) - [Meet the Rabbis by Brad Young](https://www.pshir.com/meet-the-rabbis-by-brad-young.md) - [Why Rabbinic Literature and the Gospels?](https://www.pshir.com/why-rabbinic-literature-and-the-gospels.md) - Dr. Brad Young is head of the Gospel Research Center and author of several books on Jesus' parables and ministry in their Jewish context. In this lecture, Dr. Young discusses why rabbinic literature is, unfortunately, so often dismissed as a valuable source for understanding Jesus’ teachings. A com… - [God is the Stronghold of my Life](https://www.pshir.com/god-is-the-stronghold-of-my-life.md) - I find the words of Psalm 27 comforting, and they always lift my spirit. God is my stronghold in so many ways. I pray that these words and music will lift your spirit as they do mine, and the deep awareness that God is our stronghold will never leave us. May your experience joy that only comes from… - [The Puzzle of the Dead Sea Scrolls](https://www.pshir.com/puzzle-dead-sea-scrolls.md) - What are the Dead Sea Scrolls? In the area of biblical and historical studies, the Dead Sea Scrolls are considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. That is not an exaggeration. The documents were awaiting the day of their discovery in 11 caves near the Dead Sea site of Khirbet… - [Explore The World of Hebrew Prophets](https://www.pshir.com/explore-the-world-of-hebrew-prophets.md) - A while back, I was asked to teach a course surveying the prophetic books of the Bible to a college class. As I compiled my notes together, I wanted to present my students not merely the information about the ancient texts themselves, but to describe the world in which the prophets of Israel lived.… - [Dead Sea Scrolls Explained (~1.5hrs)](https://www.pshir.com/dead-sea-scrolls-explained.md) - [Extending Life](https://www.pshir.com/extending-life.md) - [Gabriel's Revelation Stone](https://www.pshir.com/gabriels-revelation-stone.md) - The Gabriel Revelation is an inscription on a stone found in Jordan dating back to around the beginning of the Common Era, roughly to the time of the birth of Jesus. It is the subject of a book by Israel Knohl, Messiahs and Resurrection in the Gabriel Revelation, published in 2009 by Shalom Hartman… - [The Messiah Before Jesus by Israel Knohl](https://www.pshir.com/messiah-before-jesus-by-israel-knohl.md) - [What's coming soon in the Fall of 2025](https://www.pshir.com/whats-coming-soon-in-the-fall-of-2025.md) - Thanks to everyone who supports the PSHIR.COM publication with a subscription! For only $7 per month, you help me develop and publish new learning resources week after week. I am excited that I finally finished the "World of Hebrew Prophets" series, which ended up being 15 hours. You can find all v… - [God Saves](https://www.pshir.com/god-saves.md) - [The Sign of Jonah and Something Greater (~3hrs)](https://www.pshir.com/the-sign-of-jonah-in-matthew-12.md) - [Where Can I Flee?](https://www.pshir.com/where-can-i-flee.md) - Psalm 139 meditates on God's pervasive presence in this world. There is no place where we can go that we escape God's presence, and there is no such place as too far away for God. Living with God in a world that He has made is a reality that one can either embrace or reject, but the facts remain th… - [The 9th of Av: The Echoes of Destruction and Ruin](https://www.pshir.com/the-echoes-of-destruction-and-ruin.md) - [Taking Orders](https://www.pshir.com/taking-orders.md) - [Jewish and Greek Thinking](https://www.pshir.com/jewish-and-greek-thinking.md) - This conversation is a segment from the IBC course titled "Jews and Greeks on Life and the Afterlife." Yeshaya Gruber, Nicholas Schaser, Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg, and Pinchas Shir discuss the ways Greeks thought in a completely different manner than the Jews. Learn more about Jewish and Greek concept… - [Essential Judaism by George Robinson](https://www.pshir.com/essential-judaism-by-george-robinson.md) - [Food Laws - Jewish Perspective](https://www.pshir.com/food-laws-jewish-perspective-copy.md) - [Hostile Reality](https://www.pshir.com/hostile-reality.md) - [Holy Spirit in Early Judaism (1hr+)](https://www.pshir.com/holy-spirit-in-early-judaism-1hr.md) - [Bless ADONAI, O my Soul](https://www.pshir.com/bless-adonai-o-my-soul.md) - Psalm 104 helps us see ourselves as a part of God's marvelous creation, the awe-inspiring environment that we sometimes can take for granted. So, our nephesh, our soul, can connect with our Maker even through all he has fashioned. We are a piece of a much greater tapestry, and if we recognize it, w… - [Pseudepigrapha, Apocrypha, and the Books of Enoch](https://www.pshir.com/pseudepigrapha-apocrypha-and-the-books-of-enoch.md) - I periodically meet people who are hesitant to read books designated as Pseudepigrapha or Apocrypha. I was even flat-out told "they are forbidden." Admittedly, these are both scary-sounding technical and academic terms, but with really simple meanings. If I am describing you, and Apocrypha and Pseu… - [War and Peace](https://www.pshir.com/war-and-peace.md) - [The World of Hebrew Prophets: 22-34 The Twelve (~4h)](https://www.pshir.com/the-world-of-hebrew-prophets-22-34-the-twelve-4h.md) - [First Temple Era Seals Found in Jerusalem](https://www.pshir.com/first-temple-era-seals-found.md) - In 2013 a volunteer looking through the dirt that had been excavated from Robinson’s Arch (near the Western Wall) found a 1-cm seal impression. After closer examination, some archaeologists came to believe that this was a First Temple era seal. The impression, or in Latin bulla, would have sealed a… - [Watch and Listen to New Translation of 3 Enoch 48](https://www.pshir.com/watch-and-listen-to-new-translation-of-3-enoch-48.md) - Since I recently released a new book, I am sharing some videos that offer people a peek into the texts of the Books of Enoch. It's a bit of self-promotion. But many of my students have been asking me questions about these books for years, and I worked for a while to create this resource that I hope… - [Returning to Your Own](https://www.pshir.com/returning-to-your-own.md) - Torah describes the laws of shemitah, the laws of the sabbatical year, and also yovel - a Jubilee year. This was a time when Israel was challenged to let the land have its Shabbat, a complete rest from agriculture. And yet this rest was not going to bring economic suffering upon Israel. It’s a holy… - [Watch and Listen to New Translation of 2 Enoch 7-10](https://www.pshir.com/watch-and-listen-to-new-translation-of-2-enoch-7-10.md) - In efforts to raise awareness of my latest book release, I am sharing some videos that present select segments from the Books of Enoch. Naturally, I want to promote my new book, and this video is a way for me to provide a peek inside the ancient text. The Second Book of Enoch (Slavonic Enoch) or "T… - [Marking Heads](https://www.pshir.com/marking-heads.md) - [Watch and Listen to New Translation of 1 Enoch 1-7](https://www.pshir.com/watch-and-listen-to-new-translation-of-enoch-1-7-2.md) - I recently released a new book, so in my efforts to promote it, I wanted to share some videos and let people experience the texts that captivated my attention for a while. The First Book of Enoch (Ethiopian Enoch), also known as "The Book of Watchers," is a well-known Jewish composition from the Se… - [Sleeping at the Foot of Sinai](https://www.pshir.com/sleeping-at-the-foot-of-sinai.md) - [Unhewn Stones](https://www.pshir.com/unhewn-stones.md) - Has anyone ever complained to you that you are a difficult person? Have you been described as “rough around the edges”? Don’t despair. It just means you are human, and you do not hide it very well. I will tell you, though, that life may throw you around a bit, and in the process, your rough edges w… - [The Harvest of Sheol](https://www.pshir.com/the-harvest-of-sheol.md) - [The World of Hebrew Prophets: 04-05 Prior to Monarchy (~2h)](https://www.pshir.com/the-world-of-hebrew-prophets-04-05-prior-to-monarchy.md) - [The World of Hebrew Prophets: 03 Prophets in the ANE (~1h)](https://www.pshir.com/the-world-of-hebrew-prophets-03-prophets-in-the-ane.md) - [The World of Hebrew Prophets: 01-02 Geography and Era (~1.5h)](https://www.pshir.com/the-world-of-hebrew-prophets-01-02.md) - [The Scrolls of Apocalypse](https://www.pshir.com/the-scrolls-of-apocalypse.md) - Many Jewish scrolls scribed between 300 BCE and 200 CE can be classified as “apocalyptical” because of their frequent focus on the heavenly scenes, secrets, revelations, and visions of the future. Apocalypse is a Greek word that means “to reveal” or “uncover something hidden.” So, these books conta… - [Study the Three Visions of Enoch!](https://www.pshir.com/study-the-three-visions-of-enoch.md) - Over the years of teaching, I have often referred my students to the books of Enoch. But most of the time, I did so with some reservations. I knew that the broadly distributed copies they would likely come across would be littered with archaic and hard-to-digest language. Finally, between 2023 and… - [Baring Your Head](https://www.pshir.com/bearing-your-head.md) - [Listen to The Apocalypse of Abraham, Chapters 1-6](https://www.pshir.com/apocalypse-of-abraham-1-6.md) - Recently, I created several videos where I offer some audio readings of segments from Jewish compositions that people might have never read, which I have translated. If you are not familiar, The Apocalypse of Abraham (התגלות אברהם, hitgalut Avraham) is an ancient Jewish apocalyptic text that schola… - [Isolate from Culture or Fight It?](https://www.pshir.com/isolate-from-culture.md) - [The Path of Hezekiah's Tunnel](https://www.pshir.com/the-path-hezeikiah-tunnel.md) - The Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem carries a unique name, alluding to the "one who was sent." I have recently shared a couple of articles about the connection between this unique place and Jesus' miracles. I realize that such articles often fuel further curiosity and research about key landmarks in Is… - [Wisdom Jousting Pharisees](https://www.pshir.com/wisdom-jousting-pharisees.md) - We start with the Hasidim and discuss how the Pharisees emerged from this group. While the Sadducees were Temple-focused, the Pharisees were focused on purity in everyday life. They were an of-the-people-for-the-people kind of group scattered throughout Israel and the diaspora. Pinchas Shir helps u… - [Who's Who in the Gospels?](https://www.pshir.com/whos-who-in-the-gospels-cop.md) - [Stand on the Rock](https://www.pshir.com/stand-on-the-rock.md) - When this particular Hebrew poem is read in translation, its words sound very familiar to many Christian audiences. Why? Like Moses, Yeshua spoke very similar words, repeating the words preserved in Deuteronomy. Like Moshe, he criticized certain people who surrounded him, calling them “a perverse a… - [Waters Bursting Forth](https://www.pshir.com/waters-bursting-forth.md) - [Who is the King of Glory?](https://www.pshir.com/who-is-the-king-of-glory.md) - Psalms are ancient Jewish poetry, composed in classical Hebrew, yet somehow, these ancient songs, even in translation, still move people all over the world. Psalm 24 anticipates the King of Glory (mekekh hakavod, מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד), who would bring salvation to Israel. The words of this modern song… - [The Spirituality of Pesach and Omer Customs](https://www.pshir.com/spirituality-of-pesach-and-omer-customs.md) - [The Riddle of Passover Egg](https://www.pshir.com/the-riddle-of-passover-egg.md) - [The Gentle Waters of Shiloah](https://www.pshir.com/gentle-waters-of-shiloah.md) - [Hear the Wisdom of Ben Sira!](https://www.pshir.com/hear-the-wisdom-of-ben-sira.md) - A remarkable Jewish book came out of Egypt in the second century BCE. It's an impressive collection of Proverbs-like teachings of a Jew named Yeshua, son of Eleazar, son of Sira. The book's prologue tells us that a grandson found his grandfather's teachings and decided to translate them into Greek… - [The Message of Joseph's Name](https://www.pshir.com/josephs-name.md) - Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel (Gen 35:24), is a vibrant character in the Hebrew Bible. We know that God is with Joseph through the ups and downs of his life, but we do not always notice the significance that the Bible assigns to his name. We identify with Jacob’s love for Joseph as we imagine… - [Meditative Journey in Israel's Wilderness](https://www.pshir.com/meditative-journey.md) - Bamidbar (במדבר) means "in the wilderness." It is not just a place but a metaphor for the inner journey, where, in the silence, you can hear the still, small voice of wisdom and discover clarity. As the golden dunes, rocky outcrops, and ancient ruins unfold before your eyes, let your spirit be stil… - [Covenant Relationships](https://www.pshir.com/covenant-relationships.md) - [Deeper Than Skin](https://www.pshir.com/deeper-than-skin.md) - [All, Everyone, and Anything in the Bible](https://www.pshir.com/all-everyone-and-anything.md) - [Adonai Roee - a Song Inspired by Psalm 23](https://www.pshir.com/adonai-roee-a-song-inspired-by-psalm-23-2.md) - This song is in English and Hebrew, inspired by the message of Psalm 23. Psalm 23 is one of the most favorite in the Bible. This composition is a meditative journey that prompts you to allow yourself to feel the strength of the Shepherd’s hand as you are led to a place of peace and abundant blessin… - ["The Book of Ben Sira: New Translation" By Pinchas Shir](https://www.pshir.com/the-book-of-ben-sira.md) - [No Judaism in Josephus](https://www.pshir.com/no-judaism-in-josephus.md) - [Purity Customs: Food, Hands and Beyond (~2.5 h)](https://www.pshir.com/purity-customs.md) - [Price on Your Head](https://www.pshir.com/price-on-your-head.md) - [The New Testament vs. New Covenant?](https://www.pshir.com/new-testament-new-covenant.md) - [Tu BiShvat: Tithes, 4 Cups and 7 Species](https://www.pshir.com/tu-bishvat-tithes-4-cups-and-7-species-2.md) - [All Books by Pinchas Shir](https://www.pshir.com/books.md) - If you like perusing Pshir.com, then what are the odds you might enjoy my books? I invite you to consider the titles I highlight below in print, in digital format, or as audiobooks. Paid Subscribers can flip through full digital versions of all these titles inside the READ section. Hearing Distant… - [Holiness and Wholeness](https://www.pshir.com/holiness-and-wholeness.md) - [Musical Journey Through the Wilderness](https://www.pshir.com/journey-through-the-wilderness-2.md) - Meditating and especially hearing God's voice is a challenge in a world filled with noise and distractions. But it's a healthy spiritual exercise, especially if you feel unsettled and agitated. If you have 30 minutes, I invite you to step into the wilderness to rediscover that quiet voice and conne… - [Listen to Chapters 38-43 of 2 Enoch](https://www.pshir.com/listen-to-chapters-38-43-of-2-enoch.md) - The Second Book of Enoch (Slavonic Enoch) or "The Book of Secrets or Enoch" is an ancient Jewish spiritual composition that follows the tradition of 1 Enoch. Analyzing the medieval manuscripts, scholars estimate the text's composition sometime after the second century CE. The "Book of Secrets" is n… - [Students Discover Relics from Bar Kokhba Revolt](https://www.pshir.com/relics-bar-kokhba-revolt.md) - Israelis tend to take their history seriously, and it is not unusual for students to assist archaeologists to excavating, for example, the remains of a Jewish settlement dating to the Second Temple period. A group of Jerusalem high school students were searching the past to help finance their futur… - [Free as a Bird](https://www.pshir.com/free-as-a-bird.md) - Have you ever heard the saying "free as a bird?" Birds are considered free creatures because they have an amazing ability to fly. They can get away from danger very quickly. We observe them sitting on tree branches, singing and chirping. The impression we humans get is that they are happy and caref… - [From the Maccabees to the Mishna by Shaye Cohen](https://www.pshir.com/from-the-maccabees-to-the-mishna.md) - [If You Forgive the Sins...](https://www.pshir.com/if-you-forgive-the-sins.md) - Have you ever wished you did not hear or see something? What we see and hear is hard to put back into a box of non-existence. Once we experience something we simply cannot put it out of our minds. Basically, we can’t unknow what we know. This is true when it comes to interpreting the Scriptures. Kn… - [Lean to Read Greek with The Greek Academy](https://www.pshir.com/lean-to-read-greek-with-the-greek-academy.md) - [The World of Hebrew Prophets: 18-21 Ezekiel (~1.3 hrs)](https://www.pshir.com/the-world-of-hebrew-prophets-ezekiel-1-3-hrs.md) - [Hebrew Bible Walkthrough](https://www.pshir.com/hebrew-bible-walkthrough.md) - Listen as an Orthodox Jewish teacher introduces the content of all 24 books of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). This is a quick and to-the-point walkthrough across pages and pages of Jewish sacred texts that focus only on the key highlights. It's an excellent introduction for someone who does not know mu… - [Listen, Meditate and Hear the Still Small Voice](https://www.pshir.com/listen-meditate-and-hear-the-still-small-voice.md) - Jewish holy texts suggest the practice of meditation on the sacred words. This is a different type of meditation from transcendental techniques practiced in Buddhism. The goal is not to empty the self but to fill the self and to hear the voice. Not the inner voice of self, but the still small voice… - [Psalm 27: Lord, You are my light...](https://www.pshir.com/psalm-27-lord-you-are-my-light.md) - Psalm 27 offers us an enteral truth: God is our light and our salvation. External resources cannot harm us unless the Almighty allows them. Our response to adversity should not be fear but moving ever closer to the Lord. That is the message of this song inspired by Psalm 27. ADONAI (LORD), You are… - [The Gift of Atonement and Messiah (~1hr)](https://www.pshir.com/the-gift-of-atonement-and-messiah.md) - [Teaching in Your Heart](https://www.pshir.com/teaching-in-your-heart.md) - [Between the Testaments: 400 Years of Silence](https://www.pshir.com/between-the-testaments.md) - This is a lecture I gave to the freshmen class on the "Intertestamental Period" and 400 years of silence between the "Old Testament" and "New Testament." Since we are talking about the "testaments," I do a quick overview of biblical books, history related to them, what's in them, and how they are t… - [A Lamp that Carries Divine Light](https://www.pshir.com/a-lampt-that-carries-divine-light.md) - [Ancient Menorah Stone in Tiberias](https://www.pshir.com/ancient-menorah-stone-tiberias.md) - [Psalm 1 in Hebrew with English Translation](https://www.pshir.com/psalm-1-in-hebrew-ennglsh.md) - Psalm 1 describes two paths, two choices, and two directions that one can take in life. If you are on Hashem's path be strengthened. If you are not, wake up! Let these ancient words speak to you wherever you are. ATTENTION: To engage with media inside your email, tap the "view in browser" link (nex… - [The World of Hebrew Prophets: 12-17 Jeremiah (~2.5 hrs)](https://www.pshir.com/the-world-of-hebrew-prophets-jeremiah.md) - [Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins by George Nickelsburg](https://www.pshir.com/ancient-judaism-and-christian-origins-by-george-n.md) - [Making Israel Jealous?](https://www.pshir.com/making-israel-jealous.md) - [Life and Blood](https://www.pshir.com/life-and-blood.md) - [Why Smile at the Future?](https://www.pshir.com/why-smile-at-the-future.md) - Some of my favorite things about the people who surround me are their warm and happy smiles. It does not take much to quickly crack a few muscles in your face, to smile, and show a positive disposition towards someone else. It takes so little effort, yet it can mean so much. I realize that in some… - [A Name at the Bottom of the Sea](https://www.pshir.com/a-name-at-the-bottom-of-the-sea.md) - In 2016 during an underwater excavation in the Mediterranean Sea, Israeli archaeologists from Haifa University uncovered a large stone with an ancient inscription. The writing was determined to be roughly 1900 years old and bore the name of mostly unknown procurator of Judea - Gargilius Antiquus. C… - [Fists & Ritual Handwashing in Mark 7:3](https://www.pshir.com/fists-ritual-handwashing-in-mark-7-3-2.md) - Remember a story in the Gospel where some pious Jews asked Jesus about his disciples not washing their hands before they ate? What was the big deal with handwashing? You may not know this, but most Bible translations have struggled to translate these sentences quite a bit. Translators have come up… - [Remove the Ashes](https://www.pshir.com/remove-the-ashes.md) ## Optional - [RSS Feed](https://www.pshir.com/rss/) - [Sitemap](https://www.pshir.com/sitemap.xml) - [Full content of pages and posts](https://www.pshir.com/llms-full.txt)