Idolatry
The reforms of Hezekiah.
“We look forward to hearing your paper on why the gods must be fed the blood of sacrificial victims.”
Why the northern kingdom provoked the prophets’ ire.
He built a wall, a tunnel, and a toilet.
The real message of the golden calf?
And does it raise doubts about the biblical account of his reign?
What does Jeremiah mean by “burn[ing] their sons and daughters.”
On the destruction of ancient artworks.
Archaeologists have uncovered a handful of synagogues from the talmudic period (ca. 70 – 600 CE), mostly in the northern parts of Israel. Some of. . .
The Bible contains numerous references to Asherah or to “asherahs,” usually in the context of calls for their destruction or rebukes to those who worship. . .
The prophets repeatedly denounced their fellow Jews for worshiping at bamot (singular bamah), usually translated as “high places.” Yet other biblical passages seem to suggest. . .
An ancient game of dice—complete with idol worship—may be the source of the mysterious “Pur” lottery in the holiday of Purim.
Why do so many ancient synagogue mosaics in Israel feature pagan symbols? (2012)