Every couple of years I teach a class called "How the Bible Became Holy" (and no, I do not assign my book). The past few times I have taught it I have concluded with a simulation exercise - a game, really - in which different Christian groups (and … [Continue reading] about Canonizing the Christian Bible: A Simulation
What is “Money”?
The Supreme Court recently heard a case that turns on the meaning of “money”: What counts as “money compensation” for the purpose of a particular kind of taxation? The case seems abstruse and the write-up at Scotus Blog is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but … [Continue reading] about What is “Money”?
Leveling the College Playing Field
The New York Times recently published a piece that noted that the college admissions process is hardly equitable and that there are a number of things that can be done in order to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds better succeed at getting … [Continue reading] about Leveling the College Playing Field
The “Isaiah Seal”
Biblical Archaeology Review just published this new, tiny find from the excavations at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem: a clay seal (or bulla) that seems to contain the name Isaiah with (a little more doubtfully) the word "prophet" written underneath. … [Continue reading] about The “Isaiah Seal”
What is Wrong with Charging Interest?
I recently published a short piece on Exodus 22:24, normally taken as the prohibition on charging interest. It appears at thetorah.com, and is "reprinted" below. My own interest in this topic (pun intended) grows out of my work on the collection … [Continue reading] about What is Wrong with Charging Interest?