The prophets repeatedly denounced their fellow Jews for worshiping at bamot (singular bamah), usually translated as “high places.” Yet other biblical passages seem to suggest. . .

An ancient game of dice—complete with idol worship—may be the source of the mysterious “Pur” lottery in the holiday of Purim. 

Why do so many ancient synagogue mosaics in Israel feature pagan symbols? (2012)

Does an ancient Aramean bull deity, depicted on an 8th-century B.C.E. stele, explain how Judaism came to adopt a lunar calendar?

Biblical fundamentalism diverts people from the real message of Torah while setting up the “received” text as an object of faith.

A creature eternally cursed for tempting Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge came to symbolize redemption for the Israelites in the wilderness. How?