Tag Archives: Judaism

Was the Book of Job Known to David? Exploring the Relationship between the Psalms and Job

Posted on June 23, 2025 by nathanalbright

The relationship between the Psalms of David and the Book of Job offers a fertile ground for examining the intellectual and theological currents in ancient Israel. The Psalms attributed to David, full of poetic depth, emotional candor, and theological reflection, … Continue reading →

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The Midrash and Mishnah as the Beginnings of the Jewish Systematic Theology Project

Posted on December 31, 2024 by nathanalbright

The relationship between Midrash and Mishnah is crucial for understanding the development of Jewish law and thought. Here’s how Midrash led to Mishnah: 1. The Need for Interpretation and Application: 2. From Biblical Exegesis to Legal Systematization: 3. Two Types … Continue reading →

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Jehoiachin: A Tragic King and the Forefather of Exilarchs

Posted on December 13, 2024 by nathanalbright

Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah or Coniah, occupies a significant place in the annals of Judean history, particularly during the turbulent period of the Babylonian Exile. His brief reign, marked by both tragedy and historical significance, has left an enduring … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Citizen 865

Posted on June 18, 2024 by nathanalbright

Citizen 865: The Hunt For Hitler’s Hidden Soldiers In America, by Debbie Cenziper It is impossible for me at least to read this book in 2024 and think in the same way that the author does about this story. This … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Operation Last Chance

Posted on June 13, 2024 by nathanalbright

Operation Last Chance: One Man’s Quest To Bring Nazi Criminals To Justice, by Efraim Zuroff It is clear, in reading this book, that there are some serious issues when it comes to vigilante efforts to deal with aging ex-Nazis. Even … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Lost Cafe Schindler

Posted on May 31, 2024 by nathanalbright

The Lost Cafe Schindler, by Merial Schindler This book is framed as a family mystery wrapped within larger mysteries, the sort of book that is best understood by those who have some familiarity with the lost world of European Jewry, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Hebrew For Dummies

Posted on May 8, 2024 by nathanalbright

Hebrew For Dummies, by Jill Suzanne Jacobs This book is one that desperately wants to be hip and to show that a language that had been moribund for centuries, limited to liturgical use, had been resurrected like the Messiah as … Continue reading →

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A New Creature Or A New Creation?

Posted on September 24, 2023 by nathanalbright

[Note: The following is the prepared text for a split sermon given to the Portland congregation of the United Church of God on Sabbath, September 23, 2023.] When we deal with the subject of difficult scriptures, one of the categories … Continue reading →

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Movie Review: Oppenheimer

Posted on August 7, 2023 by nathanalbright

What makes this film so compelling is not an easy thing to determine. In terms of its acting and directing and cinematography, this film is spectacular, which you would expect from a director of Christopher Nolan’s caliber. In many ways, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Religious Study Of Judaism

Posted on April 20, 2021 by nathanalbright

The Religious Study Of Judaism, by Jacob Neusner One of the issues with this book, and many like it, is that the author thinks of himself as a sound historian of religion. It is immensely difficult to be a good … Continue reading →

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