The Hasmoneans were a priestly family who rose to power and styled themselves as both high priests and kings.

Jeffrey L. Rubenstein's book, "The Land of Truth: Talmud Tales, Timeless Teachings," delves into the wisdom of Hazal, examining fourteen stories from rabbinic literature with a focus on meaning accessible to scholars and laypeople alike.

An exhibit in New York, "Romance and Reason: Islamic Transformations of the Classical Past," showcases over 70 Islamic manuscripts from the National Library of Israel.