“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?”
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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?”
Signs in the Sky
Recently increased sunspot levels have led to higher frequencies of solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which lit up the night sky. It was this solar activity that caused the beautiful phenomenon of spectacular auroras that were seen as far south as France and all over the United States. The northernContinue reading “Signs in the Sky”
Why the Dreidel?
The dreidel is perhaps the most famous custom associated with Hanukkah. However, the dreidel game originally had nothing to do with Hanukkah; it has been played by various people in various languages for many centuries. It seems that spinning tops like dreidels were popular throughout the ancient Middle East. Many believe that in 175 BCE,Continue reading “Why the Dreidel?”
Technology that can lead to Tyranny
When your life is dominated by something to the point where you almost lose control, that is tyranny. It comes in various forms; political, social, financial, religious, emotional, all these and more can become tyrannical. Information technology is continuing to leap forward; biotechnology is beginning to provide a window into our inner lives—our emotions, thoughts,Continue reading “Technology that can lead to Tyranny”
Chanukah – The Festival of Lights
The Hanukkah story is based on historical events that took place in 165 BCE in Jerusalem, when the land of Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a Syrian King. “The wicked ruler Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus the Third of Syria, was a descendant of one of Alexander’s generals. Antiochus Epiphanes had been a hostage in Rome beforeContinue reading “Chanukah – The Festival of Lights”
Ancient Spice Trade
In the very beginning – biblical beginnings – God created light, sky, dry land, seas, plants, trees, the sun, moon, stars, sea and flying creatures, land animals, and finally, humans. Herbs and spices were created even before Adam and Eve could enjoy them. According to Genesis 1:29, God gave the pair every seed-bearing plant onContinue reading “Ancient Spice Trade”
Who is a Jew?
This question was never raised until the time of the second Temple period. Before that time, it was always understood that a Jew was a descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It was determined by ethnicity, the fact of belonging to a population group made up of people who shared a common cultural background orContinue reading “Who is a Jew?”
