King Herod built on a scale that surpassed even the rulers of the Roman empire. Magen Broshi explains how this administrative genius was able to fund monumental building projects both within and without his kingdom.
Trees of Life

According to halachah one is to hold the scroll by its back side not touching the written side of the scroll.
Jewish Laws of Purity in Jesus’ Day

The sages were required to interpret the biblical commandments, including those dealing with ritual uncleanness of menstruants. Rabbinic regulations about impurity caused by menstruation form the background to several stories in the gospels.
The Miraculous Catch: Reflections on the Research of Mendel Nun

Mendel Nun’s research is important in illuminating many Gospel stories.
A Body, Vultures and the Rapture (Luke 17:37)

“Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together” (Luke 17:37; KJV), is certainly one of the most enigmatic of Jesus’ sayings. Commentators have noted that Jesus employed a proverbial saying to reply to his disciples’ question; however, they differ about what the proverb means in this context.
Prayers for Emergencies

One of the many results of synoptic research is the discovery of parallels between the sayings of Jesus and those of other Jewish sages. A knowledge of these parallels can provide added insight into what Jesus was teaching.