Sample Sources
The sources below are those contained in our three curated collections—covering themes of Passover, Gender Roles, and Holocaust Resistance. They represent a fraction of the thousands of sources that will be available when the full site launches in 2024.
Sifre Deuteronomy
Furthermore, one should rejoice more in chastisement than in prosperity. For if one is prosperous all his life, no sin of his will be forgiven. What brings…
Tobiad Family Conflict: War between Hyrcanus and His Brothers
Upon Joseph’s death, the people grew rebellious on account of his sons. For whereas the brothers made war against Hyrcanus, who was the youngest of Joseph’s sons, the multitude was divided, but the…
The Death of Antipater and Herod’s Revenge
When war was declared on Cassius and Brutus by the young Caesar [i.e., Octavian] and Antony, Cassius and Murcus…
Philip and Antipas Reign as Tetrarchs
After Archelaus’ ethnarchy had been turned into a Roman province, the other two brothers, Philip and Herod Antipas, continued to administer their own tetrarchies. When Salome died she bequeathed her…
The Temple’s Fate Realized
While there must be deep mourning for the loss of this marvellous building—a monument more…
Emperor Julian’s Policy on the Jews
To the Community of the Jews
[ . . . ] Wishing you to fare even better, I have recommended to my brother Julus, the most reverent patriarch, that that which is called among you…
Samuel and King Shapur
King Shapur said to Samuel, “You say that the Messiah arrives on a donkey. I will send him one of my horses!” [Samuel] responded, “Do you have a donkey that is a…
King Yazdgird and the Exilarch’s Daughter
The city of Susa and Šūštar were built by Šīšīnduxt, the wife of Yazdgird, the son of Šābuhr, since she was the daughter of Reš Galut [exilarch, lit., head of the diaspora—Ed.], the king of the Jews…
Persecution under Vespasian, Trajan, and Hadrian
1:45. For these do I weep (Lamentations 1:16). Vespasian loaded three ships with the nobles of Jerusalem in order to place them in the Roman houses of prostitution. They [the noblemen] stood up and…
The Exilarch’s Sinning Servants
The exilarch said to R. Sheshet [who was blind], “Why do you not dine with us?” He said to him, “Because [your] servants are suspected of [transgressing the prohibition of eating] a limb from a live…
Philo on the Therapeutae
The practice of these philosophers is shown at once by their designation, for they are appropriately called…