In ancient controversy has surfaced once again in our times. It revolves around the text of Psalm 22:16 (verse 17 in the Hebrew). In the Hebrew Masoretic text, the verse reads: “For dogs have encircled me, an evil congregation surrounded me; like a lion my hands and my feet.” The Lxx translation
Public Reading of the Scriptures in the 1st Century Synagogue
The title of this article seems quite simple and straightforward and you, as the reader, no doubt anticipate a survey of the relevant historical materials that will help paint the picture of a 1st Century synagogue service, and particularly the reading of the Torah and Prophets during that service
The wisdom of the Sages is displayed yet again in the tradition of reading Qohelet (Ecclesiastes) during the Festival of Sukkot. But it is not readily apparent why Qohelet was chosen for a festival that has rejoicing as its main theme! Many who read Qohelet are left with the impression that the word
The command to “blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven” is playfully fulfilled each Purim in the reading of the megillah—when the scroll that contains the story of Hadassah (Esther) is read to the community. In the Book of Esther, the first time Haman is mentioned he is described as “Haman
I wish I had it on video. It was November 2012 at the Society of Biblical Literature’s (SBL) annual conference in Chicago. David Rudolph, a respected scholar within Messianic Judaism was at the podium speaking to the audience of about 80 people or so. “Baruch Hashem,” I thought. “Here we are in an
The fact that sin no longer is master (kureusei “act as lord or master”) is because the old man has been crucified and no longer has the power to direct sin within the sinful nature to deeds of unrighteousness. Left without “leadership,” and with the renewed man now “in charge” and longing to follow
“The name of Adonai is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). So the Wisdom literature of the Tanakh teaches us. But what exactly does this mean? How is the Name a strong tower? Does the very speaking of the Name have some kind of innate power? If one knows how to
Sages in Context: 19th Century Messianic Jewish “Sages” in Context
The description of mankind’s basic nature, as given in the Scriptures, is that of depravity. Following Adam and Chavah’s fall into sin and rebellion against their Creator, mankind was plunged into that same rebellion. The proof of this, as noted by Paul in Romans 5, was that death passed to all
Saved by His Life
Reflections on the life, teaching, and work of Yeshua
As we celebrate the week of Chag HaMatzot (Feast of Unleavened Bread), our attention has been drawn particularly to the death and resurrection of our Messiah, Yeshua. Surely the unspeakable gift of salvation which He has won for us is our meditation the whole year long, but now, at this time of
In this short paper I will trace seven “hermeneutical” steps that are behind the assumption that the Hebrew word “et” points to Yeshua the Messiah. For those interested in understanding its place in Hebrew grammar and syntax “et”) is used in the Tanakh for 1) the definite direct object marker
The last day of Chag HaMatzot (Festival of Unleavened Bread) is designated in the Torah as a day of gathering (mikra qodesh) as well as a Shabbat: “you shall not do any laborious work” (Lev 23:8; Num 28:25). Until the return of our Messiah Yeshua, and the restored Temple in Jerusalem, we celebrate
Shabbat HaGadol is the Sabbath immediately preceding Pesach. It gained this title through rabbinic interpretation of the exodus events themselves. The Sages had determined that the 10th of Nisan fell on a Shabbat during the time of the exodus. According to the Torah, the people of Israel were to
Hanukkah means ‘dedication” (chanukkah from the Hebrew root, chanach, “to dedicate”). Of course, “dedication” in and of itself may not be praiseworthy. A thief may be fully dedicated to his thievery, or a false teacher to his error. Our society is full of people who dedicate their time and energy to
