bible

The Shunamite Woman: A Model of Radical Empathy

Because she had a special relationship with the prophet Elisha, her child was miraculously conceived and miraculously resurrected.

Jonah

A story about prophecy and repentance—but not in the way you think.

Samson

He could kill a lion or topple a temple with his bare hands, but succumbed to the love of a treacherous woman. Many wild traditions circulated about the first Jewish superhero.

How Jacob Healed His Family

Israel’s third patriarch was born into great dysfunction, but found ways to create the first cohesive family in the Bible.

Leah’s Improbable Optimism

The first wife of Jacob endured a loveless marriage, but her story is one of perseverance.

Eshet Manoah: Mother of the Mighty Samson

One of the Bible’s many barren women, she had the grace and grit to become mother to the "Jewish Hercules."

Elisha

Successor to the prophet Elijah, he healed the sick, raised the dead, and made iron float—but he was also a prophet who made serious mistakes.

Fourteen Things You Need to Know About King David

The mighty warrior and sweet singer slew Goliath, stole the throne, and conquered Jerusalem—and that’s just a start!

Miriam the Prophetess

The sister of Moses and Aaron was an important part of the sibling team that led Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

The Book of Ruth and the Power of Names

The story of Ruth, read on the holiday of Shavuot, teaches that respect for others begins with recognizing their names.