Category Archives: Gabriel

Hebrew History: From Abraham to Moses

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Who was the Exodus Pharaoh? - JNS.org
Moses parting the Red Sea.

Hebrew history played an important role in the formation of Western Civilization, mainly because of them being one of the first monotheistic peoples. In the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, as well as parts of the Torah, it tells the story of the ancient Hebrews. Abraham, who had great faith in God, is known as the Father of the Jewish Religion or the Father of all Jews. In fact, Abraham was told to sacrifice his son Isaac and obeyed, but ultimately didn’t have to, as God was testing him. 

At this time, the Hebrews lived in and around Canaan but were not strong enough to defeat the Canaanites. Issac had a son named Jacob, who had 12 sons which would go on to represent the 12 Tribes of Israel and Judah. 

One of the sons, Joseph, was sold into slavery and sent to Egypt by his jealous brothers, but later became a trusted servant of the Pharaoh. After a false accusation, Joseph was put into prison, where he learned to decipher dreams. Such as a dream of the Pharaoh which warned of a great famine. Consequently, the Egyptians are able to stock up food and avoid the famine. Due to the famine, Joseph compassionately forgave his brothers for what they did to him. Many Hebrews sought refuge in Egypt from the famine, and had a somewhat cordial relationship with the Egyptians. 

However, that changed when a new Pharaoh was concerned that the Hebrews were growing too large in number, so he ordered the execution of every newborn Hebrew baby. One of these boys was Moses, who was providentially adopted by the Pharaoh’s daughter. Although he lived in the palace, Moses was kicked out of Egypt for murdering an Egyptian overseer that abused the slaves. After receiving a stunning revelation from God, Moses returned to Egypt to free the Hebrews from slavery. Due to his favor with the Lord, Moses brought 7 plagues and pestilences to Egypt. Ironically, the last plague killed all Egyptian newborn boys and the Hebrew households were spared. This is known as the Feast of the Passover. The Hebrews later escaped Egypt when Moses parted the Red Sea from the power of God. Moses led the Hebrews who were sometimes ungrateful, and started worshiping other Gods. God presented the 10 Commandments to Moses who scolded the people. Although ancient Hebrew history isn’t as influential as ancient Greek or Roman history, it is important to learn about because of its relevance to both the Christian and Jewish religions.

Piano Recital at Spring Arbor

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On June 30, we performed piano selections of our choice at an assisted living facility called Spring Arbor. Zeke’s and my piano teacher had set us up to play here as an end-of-the-year piano recital and invited Houston to play a couple songs, as well. To open and close the recital, Zeke and I played two duets, with us all performing individual pieces in between.

Because it’s so different from just practicing at home, playing in front of an audience is a great experience. Moreover, the residents were delighted by our recital, so much so that we’ve already had another performance since and we plan on returning to Spring Arbor monthly.

Meteorology: Predicting the Weather

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November 22, 2022

Meteorology is the study of weather and prediction of weather based on observations and historical data. Extensively, it also covers climatology and atmospheric physics. Although weather can be beautiful, like a red cloud streaking across the sky during a sunset, or it can be unpleasant, like when your clothes are drenched with sweat and stick to you on a humid summer day. However, it can also be extremely dangerous, which is why the study of meteorology is important. It can even predict natural disasters like hurricanes.

To forecast weather, meteorologists use technology and conditions of the atmosphere for the given place or time. Because they are used to predict severe weather, weather warnings are vital.

Clouds

When small drops of water condense, the base of a cloud is created. There are high clouds, middle clouds, and low clouds. High clouds form 6,000 meters above the ground and they are mostly ice crystals. Middle clouds form between 2,000-6,000 meters and are formed from water and ice crystals, while low clouds form between the ground and 2,000 meters and are almost always made up of raindrops. Nimbostratus clouds are ominously dark but aren’t the most common thunderhead clouds; those would be Cumulonimbus clouds. Looking like cotton, Cumulus clouds are the most prevalent cloud shape. 

Air

Air is an agent of change. For instance, it can transport particles long distances from one place to another, all the way across the earth. Relative humidity is a measure of the concentration of water vapor in the air. When relative humidity is 100%, water begins to condense out of the air. This is why cold drinks “sweat.” This air is considered saturated, so it absorbs more vapor. For the water to condense, bits of dust, salt, or smoke are required for the molecules to stick to it. This particle-filled air can condense high in the atmosphere or on the ground or on objects. If a mass of air is compressed, work is done on it, and if it is done faster than the mass can transfer heat away, it is said to undergo adiabatic heating, which literally means adiabatic means without heat transfer. Adiabatic cooling is where the air mass expands and cools.

Storms

Mid-latitude cyclones are storm systems that sweep across land from east to west and typically travel thousands of miles. A thunderstorm starts with humid, unstable air rising, condensing and forming a cumulus cloud. The falling raindrops create a downdrift of cooler air, while the falling cool air and rising warm air makes a storm cell. Particle collisions within the cloud result in static charges. Eventually, the difference in charge ends in a discharge from one charged location to another. The lighting heats the air through which it passes, causing it to expand and contract rapidly. Thunder is the pressure wave created by this. When air circulates in a cumulonimbus cloud, it can form a funnel cloud that extends below the cloud. Once this funnel cloud reaches the ground it is called a tornado. These violent storms are most common in the plains of the United States, but can also occur in Australia and Asia. Tornadoes can have winds between 65 and 450 kilometers per hour. 

Weather can be peaceful and stunning, yet it can turn volatile at any second. Fortunately, the predictive sciences of Meteorology can help us survive and thrive while being in weather, and maintain a level of safety while enjoying it.