>Seminars
What makes one a prophet? How can their words be validated? How can their calling from above be verified? In this socio-cultural study of ancient Israelite prophets, it would not be proper to only discuss the lives of those who left us books named after them, such as Isaiah, Amos,
>Seminars
In this segment, the Hebrew Prophets are presented in the context of the broader Near Eastern culture. Israel is not the only people group that has had individuals endeavor to reach out and interact with the supernatural world. Understanding who the prophets were against the broader cultural backdrop of enquiring
>Seminars
The words of the prophets can only be understood in their context. Only the books of the prophets themselves do not always give much context. Usually, we encounter their oracles without any explanations. To make sense of the world of the biblical prophets, we have to develop a grasp of
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Recently, I created several videos where I offer some audio readings of segments from Jewish compositions that people might have never read, that I have translated. If you are not familiar, The Apocalypse of Abraham (התגלות אברהם, hitgalut Avraham) is an ancient Jewish apocalyptic text that scholars estimate was composed
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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
>Seminars
As an educator, I experiment with different types of teaching. Most often, in my videos, I present all sorts of academic, historical, biblical, and religious information in classroom lecture format. Periodically, I also lead spiritual discussions, which are educational, but they are meant to be a learning of a different
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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
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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,
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This is a lecture by Daniel Boyarin, who taught at Hebrew University, Yale, Harvard, Yeshiva University, and now lectures at Berkley. Besides being a prolific writer, Professor Boyarin constantly challenges conventional scholarship with ideas that seem provocative but always well-researched. In this lecture, he proposes that Judaism is not an
>Seminars
This seminar explains various Jewish purity customs, such as washing hands and avoiding certain foods, as "fences" built around commandments that direct Israelites to be pure as they approach God (like in Ex 30:17-20). If you are not familiar with the rabbinic practice of "building fences&
>Seminars
Jump into a segment of the teaching about the symbolism of TuBiShvat delivered in front of a mixed audience of Jews and Christians. To fully appreciate the pattern of restoration and redemption, we explore the agricultural concepts of orlah, bikkurim, and three tithes as they are expressed in the Torah.
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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