The Healing of the Blind Man
What is the lesson of the healing of the blind man? Is it simply a recorded event, or is there more for readers to take away from this moral?
New Testament Insights
The Criminals On the Cross Through the Lens of Midrash
Few images in Christian tradition are as recognizable as the three crosses of Golgotha. But the picture Luke paints weaves in references to the third heaven, garments divided by lots, the words of Isaiah 53, and Joseph's cellmates in the prison of Pharaoh.
Torah
Athens to Jerusalem: Four Shifts for Learning the Bible
Truly understanding the Bible means closing knowledge gaps most readers don't know exist. Going deeper isn't about acquiring more information; it's more like a complete change of operating system. Four shifts in thinking will help one begin the journey from Athens to Jerusalem.
Torah
She’ol, Hades & Gehenna: Mapping the Biblical Underworld
What is She'ol? Korach's descent into the earth opens a study of the Jewish concept of the underworld, its gates, chambers, and appearances of this tradition in the New Testament.
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.
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?
New Testament Insights
New Book: Reading The Beatitudes Through the Jewish Mussar Tradition
A new book available on Amazon.com
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?
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.
New Book - Exploration of the Soul
Though concealed from many, the Bible's inner wisdom and soul, particularly its exploration through the Jewish tradition, remain some of humankind's most practical, timeless, and profound writings.
Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 4 ▶
In this final session, we recap some of the concepts of this study, focusing on some common areas of imbalance many of us will want to be aware of.
Our Test: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
The Sages described these times we live in as 'great and terrible' - also remarking that they themselves would not want to be alive for the tests we face, implying that these tests provide a great opportunity for us.
What Does the Bible Say About the Afterlife?
The concept of the afterlife, particularly heaven, and hell, has been the subject of fascination and contemplation across various religious and cultural traditions. But, what does the Bible say about these topics?
Understanding the Klippah
One useful but complex topic is known as the "klippah", which means "husk", or "shell" in Hebrew. Though esoteric, this work will make this complex idea simple enough to begin applying today.
1st Anniversary
It has been 1-year since the launch of The Hidden Orchard Project! 🎉
42 Journeys
The Torah recounts Israel's 42 stops along the path from Egypt to Israel. We get the sense that these encampments were not random, but strategic destinations, ordained by the Creator for an unseen purpose. What can we learn from such a perspective that applies to our lives today?
Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 3 ▶
In this study session, we look at an often-overlooked presupposition that we must consider when we begin spiritual development. In this, we look at the issue of impurity that stems from the sin of Adam.
Unexpected Encounters: Jesus and the Canaanite Woman
Jesus is surrounded by his students while teaching when a woman suddenly interrupts, asking him to heal her daughter. We naturally expect him to immediately heal a child with care and compassion. However, his response is an unexpected curveball.
Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 2 ▶
In this session, we look at the concept of Derech Eretz, also known as "Decency" or customs and manners. Derech Eretz is defined as, then ancient Jewish principle that refers to the decorum, dignified behavior, and gentlemanly conduct that should characterize a Jew at all times.
What Is A "Baptism of Fire?"
What did John [the Baptist] mean when he said Jesus would 'baptize with fire'? The answer can be found in the Kabbalah, and is surprisingly practical for understanding some more complex metaphors in the Bible.
Accepting Insults With Joy
Want to learn a quick method for spiritual elevation? In this article, we'll learn how doing nothing might be the best step for your growth
The Light of the Moon
In an ancient Midrash, the moon approached the Creator, asking how it should find its place amid the sun's brightness. The Creator's instruction provides insight for us today as to how we might best fulfill our purpose in life.
Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 1 ▶
In this series, we will explore the discipline of Mussar and understand how it is a vital component of spiritual development. In the first session, we introduce the concept, the history of the late movement and how it is anchored to the Biblical texts.
The First Adam and Second Adam: Adam Kadmon and the Logos
With this article, we will start to cover some of the more complex concepts that are featured in the New Testament. Hopefully, we'll lay a foundation to understand ideas many see as controversial and/or a major departure from Jewish thought.
Gneivat haDaat - Giving a False Impression
It is not for nothing that this world has been nicknamed the "Olam HaSheker", which means the World of Lies (in Hebrew). However, this is not meant to be defeatist or pessimistic but simply to reveal the presupposition that truth (Emet) is the essence of a different realm, not this one.
All The Life In The World To Come
Among the many brilliant statements in the work known as The Ethics of the Fathers, a beautiful and profound statement brings us very close to understanding the 'meaning of life'.
Why Can't Christians and Jews Agree on Isaiah 53?
A recurring theme throughout this website is the push for readers to become aware of the prevalence of Jewish mysticism throughout the New Testament. For many reasons, understanding the texts through this lens will unlock new insights, and correct some
The Pharisees Who Wash the Outside of Cups
Though it can lead to flawed conclusions, reading the Gospels and Epistles without understanding the complicated and technical discussions of Jewish law behind them is simple. We should know that these knowledge gaps are not inconsequential and can result in oversimplified interpretations.
Rethinking Money
The wisdom of the Bible calls us to view our lives through a different logic than we may be accustomed to. Instead of viewing actions and experiences as isolated or disconnected singularities, we are challenged to hold a more holistic view. This is especially true when it comes to money.
Finding Value In Our Mistakes
When you are on a spiritual journey, it is easy to look back on past memories and resurrect old feelings of guilt for decisions you made at an earlier stage of development. In this space, one might invest time, overthinking how they might have acted differently today, given the same situation.
Creating an Inner Space for Meditation
In this article, we're going to look at a simple yet effective way to develop an 'inner space' of your own, a place you can visit mentally when meditating, praying, getting away for a quick reset, or brainstorming solutions for problems.
The Scholar and the Merchants
In this short story, we're given a glimpse at the multi-dimensional way one may read the Biblical texts through the system of Pardes. See how a story functions on a simple level while simultaneously concealing a higher truth.