Ten things about me
These are small things that will help you to understand me better
1. My favorite movie
I think it’s still Pirates of the Caribbean. Captain Jack Sparrow proves that you can be completely unpredictable and still somehow land on your feet. I admire the confidence, though I would not recommend it as a life plan. 😊
2. My favorite band
Bon Jovi. I’m dating myself, I know! Some bands and songs simply refuse to age, and a stadium full of people singing “Livin’ on a Prayer” together is a small picture of what hope sounds like that all people can relate to. 🙏
3. My favorite opera
Carmen by Georges Bizet. Every note is alive, and the Habanera alone could talk a stone into dancing. The story ends badly, as opera stories do, but the music never gets the memo. 😎
4. My favorite activity
Gym workouts. Few things help me think more clearly than a solid session with the weights, and I’m really glad I’ve kept this habit. When I don’t want to do anything (which is half of my mornings!), I tell myself, “I will go in and exercise for just 15 minutes.” Then dopamine starts to skyrocket, my brain gets the oxygen it needs, and life feels far more colorful than it did just 15 minutes ago. 🌻☀️🌈
5. My favorite practical book
Atomic Habits by James Clear. It taught me that small, steady choices outweigh dramatic resolutions. 🚀
6. My favorite animal
I like most animals, especially the ones that don’t try to bite you often! 😊 But dogs are my clear favorites, even though I also own two cats (long story). A dog greets you at the door as if you’d just returned from a ten-year voyage, even if you just took out the trash.
7. My favorite place
Wow, that’s a tough one. It used to be Odessa, Ukraine. These days, it’s Italy. Odessa holds the warmth of old memories, and the Toscana region in Italy holds the calm of a harbor where nobody is in a hurry. (Don’t remind me, I want to go back). 😎
8. My favorite books of the Bible
I have three: Genesis, 1 Kings, and the Gospel of John. I know, I know, they should all be my favorites, but you know how it is! Genesis gives me the beginnings of everything, including the first family dramas, which makes me feel better about my own. 1 Kings shows how quickly wisdom and ruin can live in the same house. And John keeps leading me back to the person at the center of it all. ☝️
9. The book that has impacted me most
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen (read it 20 years ago and am still processing it). Henri Nouwen sat in front of Rambrandt’s timeless masterpiece housed in St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum and wrote the book based on that painting! It made me see myself in every figure of the story: the younger son, the older brother, and the father I hope to become. I have never finished it without feeling both exposed and deeply loved. 🥰
10. My favorite Bible verse
Different verses have meant the most to me at different stages of my life. Currently, it is Gal 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” It is the verse I return to over and over again. I must be getting old. But I think this is a good thing. 🙏
Comments (18)
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen is indeed a great book, same as you I must had read it more than 20 years ago (following the recommendation of a Carmelite Monk & Priest called Gustavo Larrique (which I have the privilege of calling friend and also quite a personal reference in spirituality).
Thanks for sharing dear Eli. God Bless You all. Shalom Shalom
amazing
Your questions asked are as profound as your responses to each. I loved this message. I always appreciate SO much peeling back the layers of the veggie, to even a little better understand its depth. And to think my husband & I had the privilege & blessing of you two staying here in our home this summer...not AI, but a real wonderful couple: kind, loving, accepting, charming, and fun!!
We are very grateful.
Dr Eli, I had always wanted to get to know Jewish people. I was glad when I subscried to your channel,
but knowing abit more about you makes me more than glad. Thank you
Thanks be to God!
Dearest Eli,
After reading about you, I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH YOU - and I am a mere 87 years young lady from India.
I will have to tell my wife, you know. But under the circumstances, I am sure she would not have a problem! :-) May our love for one another be a testimony for the love of our LORD for us!
Thank you for sharing your testimony. I appreciate the realness. Do you have books, materials or reference scriptures for me concerning Joshua, Caleb, 40 years wandering in wilderness time period, I like to study into it a little more than just knowing bible story that they just wandered 40 years. Thank you.
Dear Ryan, shalom. I don't yet, but in time I may switch my attention to those events. Thank you so much for your support; it is truly needed, and I am deeply grateful!
This conversation is possible because friends and family choose to support this ministry (Thank you so much!). If my teaching has helped you read the Bible more deeply in its Hebrew and Jewish world, and if you are in a position to do so, please consider joining my support team or giving again if you did in the past. Your monthly gift, no matter the size, helps me continue teaching, writing, and engaging with pastors, priests, Bible teachers, and serious students of Scripture worldwide. To support my work, click HERE.
Thanks for sharing this part of you Dr Eli blessings always
Happy to do so, Paulette.
Thanks Dr Eli, we share the same thoughts
on #5 and #6, I once told a professor "I
want to be like you" No you can't be like
me he said, "go beyond, above what I
have and be all you can be, thanks for
your inspiration Dr !
Now am following suit on your side
God bless you, Anthony.
Thanks for sharing some personal information concerning yourself and the thought(s) behind your answers. How God's new life 'in Him, in Christ' opens up reminders in us of who our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer God is amazing. We are all unique and personal before Him, as individuals, with our own DNA from our Maker. He, our God, is unchanging, but we, at least in the here and now, are changing almost daily as we learn, grow, and mature in the God of it all. Blessings
Indeed, Ty! Thank you for sharing and thank you so much for your support!
For many years I am with you now Prof Eli, I did enjoyed every moment of your teachings. Thanks for sharing your favorites, it just prove you are human after all. 😄 Sometimes we put people on a pedestal and I did that with you, you have a way to inspire people with your unique love for JESUS.
For the last two years I staggered in my life and christian life. Please pray for me to get back on track. Maybe it is the changing to 60 that cause this brain fog. 😄
Thanks again for the special package you allowed me to have with IBC.
Thank you so much my brother! Thanks be to God!
Thank you Prof. for reply. I never stopped my contribution and never will. Even when I lacked for year or so to study and log in, I kept my subscription running
Glad you have enjoyed the school! A lot of people put their hearts into it!
Thank you, Dr Eli 😊
It's endearing to see the humanity in others, especially those we admire.
It's great to see how fun and thoughtful you are 💌
John is also my favourite Gospel, and Pirates of The Caribbean is a classic! (My fave is The Lord of The Rings trilogy.)
Thank you for sharing 💖
Love the Lord of the Rings too!
💖
This conversation is possible because friends and family choose to support this ministry (Thank you so much!). If my teaching has helped you read the Bible more deeply in its Hebrew and Jewish world, and if you are in a position to do so, please consider joining my support team or giving again if you did in the past. Your monthly gift, no matter the size, helps me continue teaching, writing, and engaging with pastors, priests, Bible teachers, and serious students of Scripture worldwide. To support my work, click HERE.