The Hidden Orchard Project

Seven Heavens: Does the Bible Speak About More Than One Heaven?
Mysticism and Spirituality

Seven Heavens: Does the Bible Speak About More Than One Heaven?

Jewish tradition envisions Heaven as a multi-layered realm. The seven Heavens, (Vilon, Rekia, Shechakim, Zevul, Ma’on, Machon, and Aravot) serve different functions in the cosmic order. And though many assume this to be Rabbinic innovation, the Apostolic writers share this understanding.

The Deep Connection Between Chinese Medicine and Tefillin
Mysticism and Spirituality

The Deep Connection Between Chinese Medicine and Tefillin

If we examine where the knots and wrappings are placed from a TCM point of view, it appears that the tefillin and wraps form a potent acupuncture point formula aimed at elevating the spirit and clearing the mind.

The Cursing of the Fig Tree as Midrash: Has Israel Been Replaced?
Gospels

The Cursing of the Fig Tree as Midrash: Has Israel Been Replaced?

Learn how the Cursing of the Fig Tree, though taught as a pillar of Replacement Theology, might actually be a Midrash on two well-known prophetic passages.

First Fruits of Zion Repost: Is the Church Israel 2.0?
New Testament Insights

First Fruits of Zion Repost: Is the Church Israel 2.0?

I had the opportunity to work with First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ) on a piece related to my personal experiences with Replacement Theology.

Aliens, Idols, Demons, and Angels
Mysticism and Spirituality

Aliens, Idols, Demons, and Angels

What does the Jewish tradition say about phenomena like Aliens, or extra-terrestrial beings? And, is there any overlap with the broader categories of Angels and demons?

The Shaliach: Agency and Representation in Jewish Tradition
New Testament Insights

The Shaliach: Agency and Representation in Jewish Tradition

Can someone speak, act, forgive, heal, or even claim unity with G_D without collapsing the boundary between the human and Divine? Is there a precedent in the Torah that helps us understand this idea?

Was Thomas a Doubter? The Pharisees' Tradition and the Resurrection.
New Testament Insights

Was Thomas a Doubter? The Pharisees' Tradition and the Resurrection.

Thomas's refusal to believe in the resurrection without seeing Jesus's wounds is typically read as a failure of faith. But against the backdrop of rabbinic tradition, the Gospel of John affirms details of the Pharisaic tradition of the Resurrection of the Dead.

Was Pinchas Reincarnated into Elijah?

After Aaron's grandson killed two people engaged in sin, he was rewarded with a covenant of peace. Tradition says he later became the Prophet Elijah, and the New Testament seems to affirm this idea. Let's retrace this idea, beginning with the story of Pinchas.

James - The Hidden Orchard Soul