The Miracles of Hanukkah In 175 BCE, a new ruler, Antiochus IV, ascended to the throne of Syria. As did many rulers, he added the title Epiphanes (“God Manifest”) to his name; but many people referred to him instead as Antiochus Epimames (“The Madman”). Antiochus IV. took over Jerusalem and erected an altar to theContinue reading “The Miracles of Hanukkah”
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Syria – from Aram to al-Sham
After the worldwide flood mentioned in Genesis, Noah’s son Shem became the father of Aram, whose descendants became the people known as Arameans (Genesis 19:22). They settled in Mesopotamia, within the Tigris–Euphrates river system – also known as the Fertile Crescent. Later, God called Abraham from that area (Ur in Mesopotamia). In Canaan, Abraham sent hisContinue reading “Syria – from Aram to al-Sham”
Pogroms Again?
At least ten people were injured and three others missing in Amsterdam Friday, after rampaging mobs of Muslim migrants hunted down and beat Jews on the street after a soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam. Dutch politician Geert Wilders had an accurate assessment: “A pogrom in the streets of Amsterdam,” Wilders said. “We haveContinue reading “Pogroms Again?”
The Fallen Sukkah of David
Sukkot (also called Feast of Tabernacles) is considered the most important of the seven feasts of Israel. It is a week-long celebration to commemorate a time when God dwelt with the Jewish people in the desert. It also looks forward to a time when God will dwell with us again in the Messianic kingdom. WeContinue reading “The Fallen Sukkah of David”
The Blessing and The Curse
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displayed a choice for the nations of the Middle East and the world, between the “blessing” of expanded regional normalization or the “curse” of Iran, its proxies and Oct. 7. He said that the world must choose between aContinue reading “The Blessing and The Curse”
Is History Repeating Itself?
Some of you may remember the incident I wrote about in the fall of 2023, when an angry mob of Muslims stormed an airplane that had landed from Tel Aviv in Dagestan, because they thought there were Israeli Jews on it. – At that time an Istanbul bookstore posted a sign, “Jews not allowed”, inContinue reading “Is History Repeating Itself?”
Who are the Houthis in Yemen?
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) A long time ago, right after the Great Flood, Noah’s sons moved to different parts of the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin, raising families and founding nations: “Now these are the generationsContinue reading “Who are the Houthis in Yemen?”
The little Town of Bethlehem
Bethlehem is nestled in the hill country right outside of Jerusalem. A mild climate and plentiful rainfall contribute to consistently bountiful harvests in the town’s fields, orchards, and vineyards. The fertile land is probably the reason why this area was first called Bethlehem or Beit Lehem, which means, “house of bread.” During Jacob’s long journey backContinue reading “The little Town of Bethlehem”
The Battle between Good and Evil
A battle between good and evil, regarding the character of God, His law and sovereignty over the universe, has been with humanity from the start. The opening lines of Genesis describe a world of total chaos, a watery abyss that covers everything, and black darkness.” The world was unformed and void, darkness was on theContinue reading “The Battle between Good and Evil”
Who Is Amalek?
In the Book of Genesis we read that, Eliphaz, a son of Esau and his concubine Timna had a child named Amalek. Amalek grew up in Esau’s household, learning Esau’s pathological hatred of Jacob’s descendants from childhood on. His offspring became the nation of Amalek, and they lived to the south of the Land of Israel, in whatContinue reading “Who Is Amalek?”
Standing with Israel 