Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Who are your heroes?

Who are your heroes?
Some friends and I are enjoying watching Lord of the Rings. In Tolkien’s epic drama, you will find complex and deep characters. Each are a mix of good and bad, noble intentions and moments of weakness (ok – maybe not Sam, but I’m partial to him!) We get caught up in the adventure and become inspired…
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In the Days of Herod …

In the Days of Herod …
In the days of Herod the king, Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. Matthew 2:1 Most of us read this sentence every Christmas without giving it a second thought. But during Matthew’s time, this detail made a powerful point. Herod was a brilliant, wealthy king placed in power by Rome. But Herod wasn’t Roman. And…
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Bows but no Strings

Bows but no Strings
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 A friend and I were discussing the difference between a gift and a present. Besides some nuances of presenting in person or the status between…
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Hezekiah’s Seal

Hezekiah’s Seal
Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. 2 Kings 18:5 I can hear the shouts of discovery and celebration as this artifact, stored for years after excavation, is finally translated. Maybe there were moments of…
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