My research is focused on the interpretations of biblical texts in the contexts of ancient culture, languages, and history.
Some of my favorite things about the people who surround me are their warm and happy smiles. It does not take much to quickly crack a few muscles in your face, to smile, and show a positive disposition towards someone else. It takes so little effort, yet it can mean...
In 2016 during an underwater excavation in the Mediterranean Sea, Israeli archaeologists from Haifa University uncovered a large stone with an ancient inscription. The writing was determined to be roughly 1900 years old and bore the name of mostly unknown procurator of Judea - Gargilius Antiquus. Curious? Watch this short...
Remember a story in the Gospel where some pious Jews asked Jesus about his disciples not washing their hands before they ate? What was the big deal with handwashing? You may not know this, but most Bible translations have struggled to translate these sentences quite a bit. Translators have come...
Our weekly reading begins with explanations about the burnt offerings. Offerings can teach us a lot. Vayikra, Leviticus 6:2 tells us that Aaron was to leave the Olah on the altar all night long, and the fire is to be maintained by the priests all night long. I believe...
In the first part we explore the first 40 chapters of the Book of Isaiah, delving into its historical context and symbolic language. We consider Isaiah's words in light of the Syro-Ephraimite War, crucial dates like the fall of Samaria and Jerusalem. We examine the covenant lawsuit against...
Bamidbar (במדבר) means "in the wilderness." There, ancient prophets and seers found solitude and revelation. The wilderness is not just a place but a metaphor for the inner journey, where, in the silence, you can hear the still, small voice of wisdom and discover clarity. Perfect for meditation,...
I remember the first time I heard someone use the word "Beelzebub" in a sentence. It was a joke or pun of some sort, and everyone around me was laughing. Only I was not. I was clueless about what that word meant and clueless about why the comment...
Thanks to new subscribers PSHIR.COM continues to grow! And growth is exciting because that allows me to plan for the future better and to develop new quality multi-media content. For me, healthy and steady growth translates to doing the things I envisioned doing before but lacked the resources to...
The First Book of Enoch (Ethiopian Enoch), also known as "The Book of Watchers," is a well-known Jewish composition from the Second Temple era. "These are the words of Enoch, who bestowed a blessing upon the chosen and righteous who will exist during the days of great...