A Jewish and Babylonian Perspective About the Star of Bethlehem The biblical account of the wise men and the star that announced the coming of the Messiah of Israel has inspired and puzzled people for two millennia. Important aspects of Babylonian astronomy seem to be involved in understanding the star’s appearing. But in addition, this short bookl also explores the men and events from a profoundly Jewish perspective. The traditional Jewish names of stars and planets, Jewish symbols, as well as Jewish dates, all seem to be keys to unlocking the mystery of the famous star. Who were the biblical Magi? Various wise men were important in the history of the vast region to the east of Judaea. Zoroastrian, Babylonian, Greek and even Jewish wise men all played a role there in several successive empires. A possible Jewish connection with the story of the biblical wise men has been long neglected. Tens of thousands of Jews lived in Mesopotamia and Iran when Jesus was born. As they came to understand the star, the Magi apparently made a connection between aspects of Babylonian astronomy and the Jewish messianic hope. Book website: www.star-of-bethlehem.info