by Dr. John DeLancey | Sep 23, 2013 | Context and Culture of the Bible, Everyday Israel
Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles ends this mid-week. In Israel it is followed by a day called Shemini Atzeret (which literally means “the assembly of the eighth (day)”), also known as the holiday of Simhat Torah. This holiday begins Thursday night and...
by Dr. John DeLancey | Sep 21, 2013 | Context and Culture of the Bible, Everyday Israel
Sukkot has arrived! It’s a fall festival observed by our Jewish friends that begins 5 days after Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). The command to observe Sukkot, or Tabernacles comes from Leviticus 23:34 – “…on the fifteenth day of this seven...
by Dr. John DeLancey | Sep 17, 2013 | Context and Culture of the Bible, Everyday Israel
Yom Kippur (or the Day of Atonement) is the most holy day on the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting and prayer. It is a time of reflection and teshuvah (repentance). It is a solemn day of asking forgiveness. Nothing has really changed from a century ago. Like...
by Dr. John DeLancey | Sep 13, 2013 | Archaeology
When I was out in Colorado a number of years ago, we went panning for gold. Of course we didn’t find anything, but the adventure was fun. Compared to panning in gold in a river in the Rocky Mountains, this summer Dr. Eilat Mazar found a hoard of gold dating...
by Dr. John DeLancey | Sep 6, 2013 | Context and Culture of the Bible
Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year, year 5774) sets off the solemn time for Jewish people around the world. The 10 days that follow, culminating with Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), are called the Days of Awe. It’s a time to take stock of one’s life,...
