To hear this story, go to: Seized!   I don’t want to die! Oh God rescue me! How did these men find us? I only sought some tenderness, some affection, some emotional intimacy. More people are gathering as they drag me through the streets. My betrothed is a hard man, my arranged marriage not my … Continue reading Seized! →

I carried the lamb several days journey for the Passover sacrifice[i]. It was the best lamb born to my flock this year. But when the priests evaluated it they said it was not good enough. It was not pure. So they sent me to this area of the temple. I had to exchange my Roman … Continue reading Sacrifices →

I confess yesterday I thought him quite bright. At just twelve, the Tanakh[1] he can well recite. He won’t stop asking questions that test our wit. And his answers are deftly formed I’ll admit.   “Could Melchizadek[2], Salem’s King[3][4], wise and spry, Be held righteous, the Priest of our God Most High[5], When he lived … Continue reading A Man of The Law I: Servants of God →

To hear this story, go to: Execution at The Skull He does not show the strength of any king I have heard about, despite what they say. In all my years in the Legion I have never seen one like this.  The Praetorian guards and others were particularly harsh with him last night. I know … Continue reading Execution at The Skull →

What a beautiful day for a crossing! The sun is shining. There are only gentle waves today, but there is enough breeze to be comfortable and to keep us moving forward. We saw signs of a storm last night, but everything seems serene today. Some of these folks sailed over from Tiberias this morning but … Continue reading Give Us A Sign →

Oh, the vows[1] were exchanged with great joy and applause. It would appear that just about everyone in town has come for the celebration, and are joined by folks from all around. They honor this house. They are also eating and drinking more than I could have imagined. Separate conversations are going on all over … Continue reading Banquet Service →

If someone saw me slipping from darkness to darkness like this they might think me a robber. Perhaps that would be better than their actually recognizing me. It would not do for a Pharisee, let alone a member of the ruling Council, to be observed on this errand. I am told that he commonly spends … Continue reading Night School →

Shabbat! I am so thankful for a day of rest after a full week. Meeting in local congregations is such a foundational part of our culture, even though we are required to travel to the Temple for three festivals each year - five days there and five days back. That shows our dedication to our … Continue reading The Rabbi’s Riddle →

I so wish it was honey from sweet clover.[1] Left behind was he after this Passover.[2] He is here in the Temple of our Lord God,[3] But to me he is only a poke of the prod.   "Now then, Ethan wrote ‘David’s sustained by God’s hand,[4] And His covenant fails not, just as God … Continue reading A Man of The Law III: Judgement →