The book of Deuteronomy, Moses’ farewell speech to the children of Israel, contains some of the most quoted passages in the entire Bible. Perhaps the most foundational text for Judaism is the Shema (“Hear O Israel”), the opening verses of the sixth chapter of the book. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord […]
The location of the trial of Jesus by Pontius Pilate is one of the most debated subjects in the field of Jerusalem’s historical geography. For over 1500 years Christian pilgrims have followed in the footsteps of Jesus, walking a devotional route known as the “Way of the Cross” from the site of the condemnation of Jesus to the site […]
Many people know that the ancient city of Rome was built on seven hills, the outlines of which are still visible today. Fewer people know that the ancient city of Jerusalem was built on two hills. These hills are known simply as the “eastern hill” (the Upper City) and the “western hill” (the City of […]
If you take a look at the Jewish population living in Israel today, you will probably be struck by the huge variety of physical traits. Millions of people all calling themselves “Jews” have gathered together after over 2000 years of being scattered throughout the world: Northern Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, Ethiopia, Persia, the […]
The birth of Jesus, celebrated by hundreds of millions every year on Christmas, is certainly one of the world’s best known stories. Surprisingly, this famous scene only appears in two of the four canonical gospels, Matthew and Luke. Of these two, Luke contains the more detailed description of the birth itself: And Mary gave birth […]
Where did Jesus live during the period of his ministry? Was he an itinerant preacher or did he have a permanent home? The Gospels record that after leaving the wilderness of Judah where he had been baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus returned to his childhood home of Nazareth up north in the fertile rolling […]
Many people are aware that ancient Rome was built upon seven hills. Fewer people know that ancient Jerusalem was built upon two hills. These are two oblong-shaped ridges that lay side by side, known simply as the Eastern Hill and the Western Hill. Between them runs a now filled-up wadi, which Josephus calls the “Valley of the Cheesemakers” (Greek: Tyropoeon).
One of the most important First Temple Era archaeological finds in Jerusalem is a massive stone fortification structure called the Broad Wall. It was built by King Hezekiah in the late 8th century BC prior to the Assyrian assault on Jerusalem (701 BC) and can be seen today in situ in the Jewish Quarter of […]
This week we celebrate the Jewish holiday of Tu b’Shevat, the 15th day of the month of Shevat, which marks the first day of the new year for trees. Trees? The Jewish calendar marks the new year with the festival of Rosh Hashanah, which takes place every fall. Why do we need a separate new […]
For many Americans the name “Shiloh” evokes gruesome thoughts of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, fought in April 1862. For others it evokes fond memories of Neil Diamond, who one century later (1967) famously sang: Shilo when I was young, I used to call your name When no one else would come, […]
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