Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

“For such a time as this…”

Why does being in the right place so often feel like the wrong place, at least until seen in hindsight? Purim begins tonight at sundown – the holiday that recounts God’s deliverance of the Jews through Esther. Although she was queen, Esther was essentially acquired into a harem. For a devout Jew, this was probably…
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Un-Promised Land

In my temptation to overstay a season, with its relative comfort and predictability, I wonder what I may have missed out on. The courageous Israelites that moved into the Promised Land and a new season did not include everyone. There were two and a half tribes that decided not to go. They saw the lush…
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Who aren’t you?

Do you have someone you look up to or follow? I have several teachers that I read or listen to voraciously. They have influenced me significantly and I am grateful for their influence. But sometimes I so resonate with what has been said that I wonder what I could possibly add to the conversation. Do…
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Real Men

That’s one of the reasons I like archaeology. I know the Bible is true in my head – but it connects with my heart in a different way when I can touch it and see it. It also lends confidence to the accuracy of our Biblical text. Skeptical historians used to assert that King David,…
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