Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Like a Mother

Like a Mother
There are many kinds of mothers described in the Bible - Eve, the mother of all; Sarah, who birthed Israel; Bathsheba, who advocated for her son Solomon; Hagar who sacrificed for Ishmael, Hannah, who believed and gave Samuel to God; and, of course, Elizabeth and Mary. Hosea uses the imagery of a ferocious mother bear…
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Prodigal Sons

Prodigal Sons
There is a parable in the Bible about a man with two sons. We title it the "Prodigal Son," but there are three main characters in the story. Jewish scholars would title this the "Compassionate Father and his two Lost Sons." Both of the sons are in rebellion and it can be argued that the point…
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Still Easter?

Still Easter?
Does my life reflect the reality of the resurrection – or is it just an annual celebration? I love attending sunrise service. While it was a gorgeous morning overlooking the harbor this year, it felt somehow incomplete since some of my favorite hymns weren't sung. OK - and shouldn't there be a trumpet? Those are…
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Anticipation

Anticipation
Maundy Thursday represents for me a night of anticipation. With a heaviness of what is to come, and mindful of His brief time left, Jesus gave the disciples important instructions. There is an urgency to His words and He gives some commands. Indeed, "maundy" comes from the Latin word for commandment. Jesus commanded them to love. He…
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