The Main Character of the Book of Esther: The Contribution of the Textual Divisions and the Assigned Titles of the Book of Esther to Uncovering Its Protagonist

Scrutiny of the traditional textual divisions of the Hebrew version of the book of Esther—the sedarim, the Hebrew paragraphs and the Latin chapters – throws light on whom some ancient readers thought was the main character (protagonist) of the book. The sedarim appear to favour Mordecai’s role over Esther’s in the events narrated, whereas the positioning of the Hebrew paragraph breaks apportions attention more evenly between Esther and Mordecai, who each sought the welfare of the Jewish people. The chapter divisions show an interest in all three leading characters namely, Esther, Mordecai and Ahasuerus. In terms of assigned titles, the book was given the alternate names of Esther and Ahasuerus. It is plain, therefore, that early readers did not come to a settled conclusion as to who is the main character; however, it is clear that the role of Ahasuerus cannot be ignored and that the Persian king must be a candidate for the main character of the book.

Reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the forgotten joint score for assessing the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty

Background This prospective study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the forgotten joint score-12 in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, because it is going to be used in the Hebrew-speaking populations in Israel. Methods The English version of forgotten joint score-12 was translated into Hebrew version by using the standard procedures and in collaboration with its authors. The consecutive patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty in a single hospital were asked to fill out the Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12, Oxford knee score, Short Form 12, and visual analog scale. A random subgroup of 60 patients were then asked to fill out a second Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12 at a minimum of 2-week interval. The reliability was assessed in terms of internal consistency, test-retest reliability and split-half reliability. The validity was measured in terms of the outcomes as mentioned above. Results A total of 102 patients participated in the study. The Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12 showed high reliability. The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbachs’ α = 0.943) and test-retest reliability was high (Intraclass correlation = 0.97). The forgotten joint scores were correlated with the Oxford knee score, Short Form 12, and visual analog scale (r = 0.86, r = 0.72, and r=-0.8, respectively), indicating a high validity. Conclusions The Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12 has excellent reliability, excellent test-retest reliability and good validity. It can be safely used for assessing outcomes of TKA.

The Reliability and Validity of the Hebrew Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in the General Population

Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the Hebrew version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in the general population. Methods: Using an online survey, we assessed test-retest reliability with a two-week time interval. A total of 118 participants enrolled in the study, of whom 103 completed the survey twice. Each participant filled out the PHQ-9 and the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12). Our statistical analysis includes Cronbachs alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2,1), Spearmans rank correlation coefficient, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Results: Internal consistency of the Hebrew version of the PHQ-9 ranged from alpha=0.79-0.83. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire is good (ICC2,1= 0.81), and it is moderately and negatively correlated to the mental component of the SF-12 (Spearman rho;= -0.57, p< .05). The SEM of the PHQ-9 is 1.83 points, and the MDC was found to be 5 points. Conclusion: The Hebrew version of the PHQ-9 is valid and reliable for screening self-reported depressive symptoms online in the general Hebrew-speaking population.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Hematological Malignancies: The Mixed-Method Analysis of an Israeli National Survey

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic required reevaluation of the therapeutic approach and added emotional stress for patients with hematological malignancies at high risk of contracting the virus. We aimed to evaluate how it affected such patients during the second lockdown in Israel.Methods: This national survey included Hebrew-speaking patients with hematological malignancy. This included three tools with 28 items of socio-demographic and medical baseline characteristics, management of hematological disease, and evaluation of emotional coping during COVID-19 pandemic; the Hebrew version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9; and 3 qualitative open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by mixed methods which combined both quantitative and qualitative thematic analyses.Results: 408 patients responded to the survey. The management of their hematological disease included a decrease in the number of visits to the hematology clinic (37.0%), delay of some treatment schedules (9.1%), and prescription of replacement therapies permitting less visits to the clinic (2.2%). The frequency and intensity of “feeling afraid” regarding COVID-19 infection was increased (mean±SD: 4±1 to 5±2 in a 1-7 Likert scale), and a high rate of depression was recorded, which appeared to be more evident in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (p<0.001).Conclusion: The management of hematological malignancies during pandemics should always take into consideration patients' fears, as well as the development of depression related to isolation and loneliness, in addition to the high risk of severe disease. Patients with CML had a high rate of depression which obviously needs to be managed very carefully during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psalms 151–155

This article deals with Psalms 151–155 that are frequently referred to with the problematic designation “apocryphal psalms.” This study takes part in and advances the most recent scholarly discussions concerning each of these psalms. It takes up matters related to textual history, such as the relation between the preserved Greek and Hebrew version of Psalm 151, the origins of Psalms 152 and 153, manuscript 4Q448 as a witness to Psalm 154, and the possible acrostic nature of Psalm 155. The different literary settings of these psalms in manuscript 11QPsa, the Septuagint, and Syriac psalm collections are also briefly examined, and the pseudepigraphic attributions of these psalms to biblical persons and events are discussed in relation to general tendencies evident in the broader study of psalms.

Mathematics anxiety in an Israeli adult population: A Hebrew version of the Mathematics Anxiety Scale - UK

Maths anxiety is common and refers to feelings of anxiety, fear and other negative emotions and thoughts in individuals when confronted with mathematical tasks or numerical information. Self-report measures of maths anxiety have been created, but the majority are in English and are not culturally relevant to all countries. This study aimed to translate and validate an existing measure for future use in Hebrew-speaking adult populations. The Mathematics Anxiety Scale - UK was translated to Hebrew and adult participants completed it alongside a general anxiety measure and a further self-report measure of maths anxiety. Results from a final sample of 213 participants, indicated the shortened, Hebrew version of the scale is internally consistent and is suitable for use in future maths anxiety research in adult Israeli populations. Findings regarding sex differences in maths anxiety are also discussed.