The (Second) Richest Man in the World
Elon Musk? Bill Gates? These are part of the class of super-rich in today's world. In the ancient world control over technology, production, and transportation…
A Date for Passover
This year the calendar for Passover comes out very unusually. The night for the Passover Seder, the festive meal eaten to commemorate being liberated from…
Dead Sea Scrolls and the Beginnings of Christianity
At this time of year, Jesus' birth is celebrated around the world by Christians. His birth is part of the legacy which would result in…
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Herod and Judaism
Herod's relationship with Judaism comes under question very often. Was the 1st century BCE King of Judea Jewish? We need to remember that applying modern…
Battle Hymn
In our current world, where conflict is at the forefront, it's interesting to see how battles are depicted in the past. In the United States,…
The Kitos War
In the history of Jerusalem, the events surrounding the Bar Cochva revolt provide one of the saddest chapters. The grassroots, guerrilla war waged by Jews…
Wine Festival in Qumran
We have just finished the counting of the Omer - 49 days between the bringing of the barley harvest starting on the day after the…
Beer Sheva (Ancient) Art Scene
One of the difficulties in Israel is how to preserve the past while providing for the future. Because of the extensive archaeological record in Israel,…
Dead Sea Dead – A New Twist
The Dead Sea is one of my favorite places, perhaps because of its other-worldly feel. The entire area is full of surprises and mysteries. On…
Goodwill Towards Men
Alexander Yannai, Jewish king, creator of an empire unrivaled since the time of King Solomon, is a colorful figure in Jewish history. The third son…
