For centuries, the people of Judaea had seen many foreign dynasts claim hegemony over them; the Greeks were but the latest.

This year, the 40-day-long Christian fast called Lent began on March 5 and will end on April 17. It seems the word ‘Lent’ comes from Latin, meaning fortieth, since the fast is observed for 40 days.

Another Jewish sect called the Essenes, not mentioned in Scripture, were committed to ritual purity, simple living, non-violence and celibacy. Some scholars claim that John the Baptist was an Essene ...

Israel’s discriminatory policies echo apartheid-like restrictions. Palestinians are subjected to invasive checks at Israeli checkpoints, face employment discrimination, endure unequal access to ...