Years ago I received this in an email and I laughed so hard I nearly cried. It’s by Ian Frasier, from The Atlantic magazine (February 1, 1997). The original is at this link. ~~~ Laws Concerning Food and Drink; Household Principles; Lamentations of the Father Of the beasts of the field, and of the fishes [...]
Years ago I used to scratch my head at Jesus’ response to the question “What is the greatest commandment?” in Mark 12:28. Why does he start with the line “Hear O Israel, the Lord is Your God, the Lord alone” before stating the command: “Love the Lord your God…”? Why state a fact before giving [...]
Hebrew has a word for life-long love that is richer and deeper than English has ever conceived of—hesed (HEH-sed). Based in a covenantal relationship, hesed is a steadfast, rock-solid faithfulness that endures to eternity: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love (hesed) for you will not be shaken” [...]
I got a kick out of a recent archaeological finding in Jerusalem – a golden bell that was likely sown on the hem of a high official’s garment. Remember how God stipulated that the high priest’s robe was to have bells and pomegranates hanging from it (Exodus 28:34)? Well, they found a golden bell that [...]
Below is an interview I did recently with Sam Hailes of Christian.co.uk about Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus. See the original at this link. (I’ve tweaked a few lines of my own below, just for clarity.) Discovering the Jewishness of Our Faith When Lois Tverberg first heard about a seminar at her [...]
A few months ago I wrote an article called, “Translation Debates – A Jewish View.” I noted that Christians often get into heated debates over translations. Many have sparred over the “KJV-only debate” and the inclusive language in the TNIV. Surprisingly, I’ve almost never heard this kind of discussion among Jews. The reason why is [...]
Jesus’ Jewish Words and Wisdom Teacher: Dr. Lois Tverberg; Evening presenter: Rebecca Mitchell Sometimes you have to admit that Jesus’ words are a puzzle. But, when you hear them in light of the first-century Jewish ideas he built on, they take on new clarity and meaning. During the week we’ll discover Jesus’ teaching style, how [...]
The “Night of Watching” (Leil Shimurim – ley-EEL shi-mur-EEM) is the name of the night after the Passover feast, when God redeemed Israel by slaying the firstborn sons of Egypt (Exodus 12:42). In Jewish tradition, it is said that “just as God redeemed his people on this night, so he will one day redeem them [...]
As Passover and Holy Week approach, we are reminded once again to celebrate God’s amazing acts of redemption on our behalf. First he redeemed Israel from slavery in Egypt, and Christ redeemed us from death through his atoning sacrifice for our sins. What are the implication of these holy days for the rest of the [...]
Family Christian Bookstore 155 West Shore Dr. Holland, MI 49422 11AM – 4PM If you’re in the West Michigan area on Saturday, March 31, stop by Family Christian Books on the north side of Holland. I’ll be signing copies of Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus (and any other books of mine you already [...]