Podcast Episode - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 1
In a recent podcast discussion, we spoke about the importance of understanding the basics of Jewish mysticism when exploring the 'New Testament'.
Messiah: Part 1, The Beginning
If we could summarize the question from which we focus this work, it is, "Why do we need Messiah?" As usual, we'll begin this journey back to the beginning, the birth of the world.
Hair Coverings and Angels: Paul's Strange Advice in 1 Corinthians
Paul’s instructions about women’s hair in 1 Corinthians 11 have often been read as rules about modesty or limits on women’s leadership. This article reexamines the passage through its first-century Jewish teachings on modesty, and ancient traditions about angels.
The Parable of the Bridesmaids
The Parable of the Bridesmaids is a timeless lesson of vigilance and preparation. When we overlay the themes of the rabbinic tradition, we see more information under the surface to help us prepare.
And His Name Will Be One
One of life's greatest paradoxes is that the universe has been created in such a way that it could appear [to some] that there is no Creator at all. What looks like empirical evidence of a Creator to one person appears to be nothing more than randomness to another.
Judge Not and the Art of Rebuke
It is not uncommon for the prohibition against judging others to be misconstrued as a blanket ban on all forms of evaluation and critique. In some cases, these words are used as a mantra to ward off all manner of criticism.
Unraveling the Controversy of Healing on Shabbat in the Gospels
Some of Jesus's more contentious conflicts stem from his healing on this Holy day. But if healing on Shabbat is generally permitted in Jewish law, what is the real point of the story?
Understanding and Protecting from Evil Eye
Evil Eye, known in Hebrew as "Ayin Hara" (עַיִן הָרָע), is the belief that a malevolent gaze can bring some degree of harm or misfortune to those it befalls. Mentioned a few times in the Gospels, it is a topic worth exploring in modern times.
Revisiting the Sermon on the Mount
As Jewish Scholar Pinchas Lapide stated, Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are timeless, and still relevant today. In essence, they make up the core of a Jewish lifestyle as taught in the Rabbinic tradition.
From Midrash to Manger: The Intriguing Interplay of Jesus's Birth and Rabbinic Tradition
When we look closely at the birth narratives in the Gospels, we'll find these stories conform to an archetypal pattern, sharing many parallels with the Rabbinic Midrash. How does this knowledge alter our view of these texts?
A Chanukah Lights Miracle in the Midst of a World of Darkness
A Chanukah miracle, based on a true story form December 25th, 1938.
Angels Ascending and Descending on the Ladder
Jesus quotes a very deep midrash in the Gospel of John. Many readers miss this reference, but his audience did not. Journey with us as we unpack these metaphors and seek understanding.