The 613 Mitzvot: 41-45
This week we will briefly review commandments 41-45 of the traditional 613 commandments.
119 Blog
in Archaeology
The Tel Dan Inscription: The First Historical Evidence of King David from the Bible
Tel Dan inscription references the “House of David" Few modern Biblical archaeology discoveries have caused as much excitement as the Tel Dan inscription—writing on a ninth-century B.C. stone slab (or stela) that furnished the first historical evidence of King David from the Bible. The Tel Dan inscription, or “House of David” inscription, was discovered in 1993 at the site of Tel Dan in northern Israel in an excavation directed by Israeli archaeologist Avraham...
The 613 Mitzvot: 36-40
This week we will briefly review commandments 36-40 of the traditional 613 commandments.
Divers find unexpected Roman inscription from the eve of Bar-Kochba Revolt
A statue base from 1,900 years ago found at Dor survived shellfish and seawater, and to the archaeologists' shock, revealed a previously unknown governor of Judea. An underwater survey conducted by divers off Tel Dor, on the Mediterranean Sea, yielded an astonishing find: a rare Roman inscription mentioning the province of Judea – and the name of a previously unknown Roman governor, who ruled the province shortly before the Bar-Kochba Revolt. Historians had thought that based on Roman...
in Archaeology
Alexander the Great in an Ancient Synagogue?
Stunning Huqoq mosaic unveiled Robin Ngo 09/14/2016 A 1,500-year-old mosaic that might depict a meeting between Alexander the Great and the Jewish high priest has been unveiled in full by National Geographic. The mosaic was unearthed during excavations of a fifth-century C.E. synagogue at Huqoq, a site in Israel’s Lower Galilee. Led by Jodi Magness, the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Huqoq...
Should Children Wear Tzitzit?
Who is it that's supposed to wear the tzitzit, or tassels, commanded in Numbers 15? Should women and children wear them, or just men?
in Archaeology
Sifting Antiquity on the Temple Mount Sifting Project
Temple Mount Sifting Project investigates Temple Mount soil Robin Ngo • 10/20/2016 Sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is today a contested site. Archaeological excavations are not allowed here, though one project—the Temple Mount Sifting Project—has been analyzing soil that came from the Temple Mount since 2004. In “Relics in Rubble: The Temple Mount Sifting Project” in the November/December 2016 issue of...
The 613 Mitzvot: 31-35
This week we will briefly review commandments 31-35 of the traditional 613 commandments.
in Archaeology
Gold Nero Coin Comes to Light in Jerusalem
Coin of Roman Emperor Nero discovered by the Mount Zion Project Robin Ngo • 10/17/2016 A rare gold coin depicting Roman emperor Nero was unearthed in archaeological excavations just outside the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel. The coin was found in the excavations of the Mount Zion Project, codirected by Shimon Gibson, Visiting Professor of Archaeology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and James Tabor, Professor of Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity at...
Rare Roman gold coin found in Jerusalem
Wed, September 14, 2016 The discovery of a rare gold coin bearing the image of the Roman Emperor Nero at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's archaeological excavations on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, has just been announced by the archaeologists in charge of the project, Drs. Shimon Gibson, James Tabor, and Rafael Lewis. "The coin is exceptional," said Gibson, "because this is the first time that a coin of this kind has turned up in Jerusalem in a scientific dig. Coins of this...
in Archaeology
What Is the Oldest Hebrew Bible?
The formation of the Hebrew Bible from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Aleppo Codex Jennifer Drummond • 11/01/2015 What is the oldest Hebrew Bible? That is a complicated question. The Dead Sea Scrolls are fragments of the oldest Hebrew Bible text, while the Aleppo Codex and the Leningrad Codex are the oldest complete versions, written by the Masoretes in the 10th and 11th centuries, respectively. The Ashkar-Gilson Manuscript falls in between the early scrolls and the...
A Woman's Walk: Are You A Grumbler?
Do you walk through life grumbling or complaining? What happened to Israel when they did that?
in Archaeology
Jewish Purification: Stone Vessel Workshop Discovered in Galilee
A 2,000-year-old stone production center points to ritual purity Robin Ngo • 08/25/2016 Where do the “Stone Age” and the time of Jesus meet without the aid of a space-time wormhole? At the Galilean site of ‘Einot Amitai near Nazareth in northern Israel, where archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old quarry and workshop that produced chalkstone vessels. An excavation at a cave in Galilee has uncovered what may be a 2,000-year-old stone vessel...
The 613 Mitzvot: 26-30
This week we look at the 26-30th of the traditional 613 Mitzvot (Commandments) to see if they can be applied today.
in Archaeology
The Fishy Secret to Ancient Magdala’s Economic Growth
Cornering the salted fish market Excavations and research conducted around the Sea of Galilee have revealed a great deal about the history of the Galilean towns and their populations during the first century C.E. At Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene in the Bible, excavations have uncovered a large marketplace with 28 shops, about 300 fishing weights, 40 pools and more than 4,000 ancient coins, the majority of which were minted in Jerusalem. Putting all of this together, the finds...
A Woman's Walk: Does YHWH Punish Us For Having Girls?
Are women punished when giving birth to a girl by doubling the time of purification?
in Archaeology
Rare Roman mosaic 'depicting Hercules' unearthed in Cyprus
Posted 14 Jul 2016, 6:33pm Photo: The rare mosaic is dated to the Roman Period (AFP: Iakovos Hatzistavrou) A rare Roman mosaic has been uncovered in Cyprus during sewerage work on the eastern Mediterranean island. Only part of the mosaic, measuring 19 metres long and seven metres wide, has been excavated in the southern coastal city of Larnaca and officials believe more is still buried. "A preliminary estimation would suggest that scenes of the Labours of Hercules are depicted and that...
in Archaeology
Archaeologists Uncover Second Temple-era Priestly Quarter in Jerusalem
Archaeologists Uncover Second Temple-era Priestly Quarter of Jerusalem Luxuries, like a bathtub, signal that the 2000-year old house being dug up in Mt. Zion, near Caiaphas' home, belonged to a member of the ruling class. Philippe BohstromJul 12, 2016 4:55 PM Archaeologists find the last hideout of the Jewish Revolt in Jerusalem Ancient Romans, Jews invented trash collection, archaeology of Jerusalem hints Jerusalem even older than thought: Archaeologists find 7,000-year-old...
in Archaeology
First-Ever Philistine Cemetery Unearthed at Ashkelon
Discovery brings us face to face with the Israelites’ archenemy The first and only Philistine cemetery ever discovered has been found outside the walls of ancient Ashkelon. As one of the major Philistine city-states during the Iron Age, Ashkelon was a significant Mediterranean port and boasted a thriving marketplace. Excavations at Ashkelon have revealed many details about how the Philistines lived: the kind of houses they built; the food they ate; the plates, bowls, cups, pots and...
The 613 Mitzvot: 21-25
We are often asked to do teachings on the 613 commandments found in the Jewish faith. Understandably, such a teaching or teaching series would be an immense undertaking. However, we thought we may be able to go through it, at least in part, in our blogs. This is an ongoing blog series that we will do at different times without any real schedule planned. We will not be going into great depth in this series. The format for these blog posts will be simple. We will...
in Archaeology
Attalid Rulers 2200 year old grave in Turkey?
The long-lost burial site of the Attalid Dynasty, which ruled the city of Pergamon after Alexander the Great, may have been identified. A vast mound first excavated almost 200 years ago in western Turkey is the spot, Prof. Felix Pirson thinks – and hopes to prove it soon using advanced technologies. Certainly, the monumental burial site at Yiğma Tepe, atop a hill by Pergamon (today Bergama) had to have been created to commemorate somebody vastly important. "What points to the...
A Woman's Walk - Working at Home (Titus 2)
Some say Titus 2 requires a woman to work a job from her home meaning an outside vocation. Is that what Scripture says?
in Archaeology
Josephus on the Essenes
Flavius Josephus was a first-century Jewish historian, politician and soldier whose literary works provide crucial documentation of Roman Palestine in the first century A.D. At age 29, he was appointed general of the Jewish forces in Galilee. He was eventually captured by Vespasian, who was at that time the supreme commander of the Roman army. Josephus capitulated and sought to ingratiate himself with the Roman general, eventually becoming part of the imperial court in Rome. He was an...
Living A Life of Faith: L’Chaim Pura Vida Part 2
Part 2 from L'Chaim Pura Vida where they tell a bit more about the people the help, what they do, and what they hope to do some day.
Living A Life of Faith: L’Chaim Pura Vida
An introduction to a Torah missionary family living a life of faith and complete dependency upon the Creator. Family Gospel World Missions, their website and blog is L’chaim Pura Vida.
Discipleship and the Great Commission
The Great Commission is less about going out and more about discipleship.
in Archaeology
Birdwatcher Spies Egyptian Scarab Seal at Dor
Birdwatcher Spies Egyptian Scarab Seal at Dor Bible and archaeology newsRobin Ngo • 05/04/2016 The name of the scarab’s owner, his position, and ankh and djed symbols (representing eternal life and stability, respectively) are engraved on the Egyptian scarab seal. While the owner’s name hasn’t been deciphered yet, he is described on the scarab as an “overseer of the treasury.” Birdwatcher Alexander Ternopolsky made a remarkable discovery...
The 613 Mitzvot: 16-20
This week we look at the 16th - 20th traditional rabbinical commandments out of the 613 commonly taught to be the Torah.
in Archaeology
2,400 Year-old Mosaic Found in Southern Turkey
2,400 Year-old Mosaic Found in Southern Turkey says'Be Cheerful, Enjoy Your Life'. A 2,400 year-old mosaic discovered during excavations in Turkey's southern Hatay province, showing a skeleton lying down with a jorum in his hand and a wine pitcher and bread on the side could be one of its kind, Turkish researchers have said. The mosaic, which is reportedly from the 3rd century BCE, was first discovered in 2012, when municipality was carrying out work to build a cable car in Antakya and found...
Talking Torah Part 4: How Not to Bully Others With Your Words
Remember the feeling when you walk into a store and you get bombarded with salespeople? Remember how it feels to have someone working hard to show you all of the benefits of a product, and how it is so much better than what you have, yet they’re trying too hard and you really aren’t interested? Most likely, you don’t like that feeling and you get put off by those people. You don’t want to be that person, especially when it comes to discussing...
in Archaeology
2,200-year-old Bronze Artifacts Found At Biblical Site
2,200-year-old bronze artifacts found at biblical site Incense shovel, jug from Second Temple era unearthed at Magdala, on Sea of Galilee, during recent excavations An ornate Second Temple era bronze incense shovel and bronze jug were recently unearthed at the biblical site of Magdala, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Tuesday. By Ilan Ben Zion April 5, 2016, 5:04 pm The 2,200-year-old artifacts were found during excavations being carried...
Talking Torah Part 3: How Not To Bully Others By Your Actions
You know how your friends and family sometimes seem to get when you have tried to talk to them about the Torah? Some may be receptive while others may refuse to talk about the subject or even become hostile, showing a side you would never have thought existed. It doesn’t always have to be that way, if you’ve taken them into consideration and checked your attitude, then it may have something to do with actions. We do not recommend having deep discussions relating...
Special: First Fruits and the Aviv 2016
A response to a recent video put up by Nehemiah Gordon regarding the aviv barley in 2016 and the calendar.
Talking Torah Part 2: How Not to Bully Others With Your Attitude
When Talking Torah, you may bully others with your attitude if you're not careful.
in Archaeology
Stone Seals found from First Temple Era in shadow of Temple Mount!
TWO STONE SEALS FROM FIRST TEMPLE ERA DISCOVERED IN CITY OF DAVID, IN SHADOW OF TEMPLE MOUNT Two 2,500 year old stone seals, one belonging to a woman by the name of Elihana bat Gael, and the other belonging to a man by the name of Sa‘aryahu ben Shabenyahu, were unearthed recently as part of an archaeological dig being conducted in the City of David, located just to the south of the Temple Mount. Archaeologists describe the stones as semi-precious and they are in excellent condition...
Talking Torah Part 1: When You're New
Are you new to Hebrew Roots and trying to share it with others but are being met with hostility? Maybe you shouldn't be talking Torah just yet.
in Archaeology
Tel Aviv University discovers fabric collection dating back to Kings David and Solomon
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY—The ancient copper mines in Timna are located deep in Israel's Arava Valley and are believed by some to be the site of King Solomon's mines. The arid conditions of the mines have seen the remarkable preservation of 3,000-year-old organic materials, including seeds, leather and fabric, and other extremely rare artifacts that provide a unique window into the culture and practices of this period. A Timna excavation team from Tel Aviv University led...
The 613 Mitzvot: 11-15
This week we look at the 11th - 15th traditional rabbinical commandments out of the 613.
in Archaeology
To Jerusalem: Pilgrimage Road Identified?
Ancient road sheds light on Jewish pilgrimage to Jerusalem Robin Ngo - 1/18/2016 Before the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 C.E., Jewish pilgrims would make their way to Jerusalem for numerous festivals and occasions. The command to “appear before the Lord” is referenced in relation to the three festivals of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) in the Bible (Exodus 34:22–23; Deuteronomy 16:16). Ancient literary sources...
The 613 Mitzvot: 6-10
This week we look at the 6th - 10th traditional rabbinical commandments out of the 613.
in Archaeology
Tenth-Century B.C. Stone Seal Discovered
Tenth Century BC Stone Seal Discovered byTemple Mount Sifting Project Unique find is attributed to the time of David and Solomon Henry Curtis Pelgrift • 10/08/2015 An ancient stone seal dated to the 10th century B.C. has been found in soil taken from Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, according to a news release issued recently by the Temple Mount Sifting Project, which is currently investigating the site. Temple Mount Sifting Project codirectors Dr. Gabriel Barkay and Zachi...
The 613 Mitzvot: 1-5
This week we will briefly look at the first five of the traditional rabbinical 613 Commandments.
in Archaeology
What was behind the legendary story of King Midas and his golden touch?
That is the question to be answered—not with chests full of gold, but with a spectacular array of 150 objects, including more than 120 specially-loaned ancient artifacts from four museums in the Republic of Turkey, keys to telling the true story of a very real and powerful ruler of the Phrygian kingdom. The Golden Age of King Midas is an exclusive, world premiere exhibition developed by the Penn Museum, 3260 South Street in Philadelphia, in partnership with the Republic of Turkey. A...
Archaeological Dig Uncovers Byzantine Church
Archaeological Dig in Central Israel Uncovers Byzantine Church and 2700-Year-Old Farm Archaeological digging near the central Israeli city of Rosh Ha'Ayin has uncovered a 2700-year-old farm house and a 1500-year-old Byzantine church in recent days, the Israel Antiquities Authority reported on Wednesday. The approximately 30X50 meter farmhouse and the church, which features colorful mosaics, were discovered as part of excavations being carried out by the IAA with the help of students ahead...
