The Call of the Conflict Church

The Mount of Olives was once home to a thriving community of Palestinian Christians.  Today, only one family remains.  Persecution has driven all others away.  This man, pictured with me … Continue reading The Call of the Conflict Church

Feel Violated by the IRS? You Are Not the First…

This year at tax time, my husband and I had the following conversation after he wrote our ginormous check to the government. Husband- “You will need to put half of … Continue reading Feel Violated by the IRS? You Are Not the First…

Hate Crime Charges in the Burning of Jewish Scrolls

A Brooklyn man has been charged with hate crimes in relation to the burning of 12 Jewish Scrolls in Brooklyn, New York. The scrolls were in Mezuzahs which were mounted outside … Continue reading Hate Crime Charges in the Burning of Jewish Scrolls

Why I am a Christian Who Loves Judaism

“Uh, that, um…are you…uh..how does that work?” This was the very awkward inquiry I received a few Sundays ago from a fellow children’s ministry worker at my church. He was motioning … Continue reading Why I am a Christian Who Loves Judaism

Dead Sea Scrolls Now Available for Viewing Online

In celebration of the 65th anniversary of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, The Israel Antiquities Authorities and Google have announced the launch of the Leon Levy Dead Sea … Continue reading Dead Sea Scrolls Now Available for Viewing Online

Day 25- The Significance Of “70”: The Boy Jesus In the Temple

Where’s Jesus? One baffled frown mirrored in the face of another.  A skip of the heart.  A tremor of terror. I thought he was with you. The caravans of pilgrims … Continue reading Day 25- The Significance Of “70”: The Boy Jesus In the Temple

Day 24- “Out of Egypt I Call My Son”: A Priestly Line in Egypt

In the sands six miles north of Cairo, Egypt Hebrew inscriptions can be found among the ruins of an ancient city.  Jewish burial catacombs snake under the dunes.  This is Tell … Continue reading Day 24- “Out of Egypt I Call My Son”: A Priestly Line in Egypt

Day 23-“Her Children Are No More”: The Slaughter of the Innocents

This, as every post in this series, was written ahead of time and scheduled to be posted on the appropriate day.  I wrote this particular piece by the light of … Continue reading Day 23-“Her Children Are No More”: The Slaughter of the Innocents

Day 22- Two Dreams and a Midnight Flight

“Get up.” Moments earlier, there was the blackness of midnight, the stillness of village slumber. Then, sleep was riven by light and alarm. Joseph was no ordinary man. He was … Continue reading Day 22- Two Dreams and a Midnight Flight

Day 21- A Royal Welcome and Three Special Gifts

Herod held his paranoid, murderous impulses together long enough to craft a subtle plan. He would deceive the wise men from the east into finding the child and then revealing … Continue reading Day 21- A Royal Welcome and Three Special Gifts

Day 20- A Grand Entrance and a Perfect Storm: Flipping Herod’s Crazy Switch

A caravan of horses and camels rode through the streets of Jerusalem.  Men dressed in rich Parthian robes were flanked by guards wielding spears, swords, and shields.  They rode purposefully, … Continue reading Day 20- A Grand Entrance and a Perfect Storm: Flipping Herod’s Crazy Switch

Day 19- “A Star In The East”

Balaam was having a rough month complete with an angel of God, a talking donkey, and problems in his job.  He had been hired by the King of Moab to … Continue reading Day 19- “A Star In The East”