Wellness

The Importance of Gratitude

Studies have shown that the human brain processes up to 11 million bits of information per second through our various senses. Since the body is hard-wired for survival, University of Berkeley scientists have discovered...

Mysticism and Spirituality

How To Elevate Your Soul

If you have been reading the articles regarding the human soul, (like this one) you are familiar with the (5) levels, and their unique expression in daily life. But, as the saying goes, "knowing is half the battle" - the real test is to apply this knowledge on

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Mysticism and Spirituality

The Soul - A Detailed Diagram

Below is a helpful diagram mapping the levels of the soul, how they interact with human expression, and where they are generally connected to the body.

New Testament Insights

Misunderstanding Paul's Message in Romans 11

In Romans 11, Paul leverages a few Midrashic themes from the Rabbinic tradition that many readers may not be aware of. When understood, these further affirm the Jewish people's selection and enduring covenantal place with G_D.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What About Jews Who Don't Believe in Jesus?

When understanding the New Testament, it is important that readers become aware that the focus of much of the texts (ie: the Epistles) are largely dedicated to the messages from Paul to specific groups of gentiles among various communities in the Roman Empire. Often, these were home-based communities, or larger

Mysticism and Spirituality Featured

Jewish Meditation

People are often surprised to hear the term Jewish meditation. Otherwise knowledgeable Jews, including many Rabbis and scholars, are not aware such a thing exists. It is therefore not surprising that many current books on meditation give scant attention to Judaism.

Thoughts

Thank you!

Hi, I want to thank you for reading, sharing, and subscribing to the Hidden Orchard Project! 🌿 Believe it or not, this project sat shelved for a few years - stuck on the name and the exact audience. This summer, all at once, a few people (who do not know each

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Mission of Messiah

As pervasive as the idea of Messiah has become over the last 2,000 years, it is easy to forget the basic mission of why we need a Messiah in the first place, and how personal responsibility fits into the equation.

Thoughts

Jonah's Message for Us Today

As the Jewish world has just closed the books on another Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), its message remains as important and relevant for us as ever. Among the readings during the Yom Kippur services, it is customary to study and discuss the book of Jonah. Why Jonah? Of all

Torah

Atonement

In Hebrew, the word Kaphar (כפר) is the word translated as "atonement" in most english translations. Kaphar can imply the 'forgiveness of sins', but this word has other meanings as well that should give us insight into its essence. It is from this word that we get Yom Kippur (כִּפּוּרִ),

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Wellness

The Connection Between Breathing and The Soul

Not only in Hebrew, but in latin we see the words Spirit and Breath are connected through the word, Spīro (to breathe), also Spiritus. We can clearly see the etymological root to the word respiratory.

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New Testament Insights

Heaven Has Suffered Violence

Over the years, I have heard many different explanations of this passage. So diverse, it is tough to really tell which one is the traditional interpretation. One common theme is that this is somehow a departure from Judaism to the new revelation, Christianity.

Thoughts

For the Sake of the World You Were Created

Tradition tells us that humanity was created and placed in a deficient world for the explicit purpose of 'fixing-it'. Additionally, it is through this work that find we are in fact seeking our Creator². The greater the work to be done and obstacles to overcome - the closer we draw to G_D.

Stories

The Misunderstood Torah

The consequence of the sin of the golden calf is that the Torah appears, to most, as simply stories, genealogies, and laws. Subsequently, many perceive the Torah from the opposite angle, fixing their gaze upon the garments.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

The Father of Lights

In the first chapter of James, a deeply mystical idea is concealed within a seemingly simple statement. When we analyze the framework of his teachings, we find a strong affinity with later works of the Kabbalah.

Mysticism and Spirituality

What Is Your Morning Routine?

Starting with gratitude is one of the best possible ways to set an intention for the new day. Additionally, it is not only a great way to guard your mind from negative influence, it will ensure that you begin with G_D consciousness

Mysticism and Spirituality

Models of Repentance - Teaching Hour

As a special for the month of Elul, and the preparation for Rosh Hashanah, here is a teaching from this past week at Tikvat David on the models of repentance and how we are to bring the kingdom to earth in our lives.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Tips to Calm the Mind for Meditation

Managing your thoughts will bring the highest degree of complexity. To be sure, the only way to truly develop this skill is through regular practice. Meditation is an accumulative process

Torah

Is Rosh Hashanah for Everyone?

A little-known secret; though Jews observe this holiday, this holiday is an incredible opportunity for everyone on earth! This is because, on Rosh Hashanah is the day the report card of every individual in the world, undergoes a review.

Mysticism and Spirituality Featured

The Human Soul

Contrary to many modern [prevailing] ideas about the soul, the Bible teaches that the human soul is more complex than we are aware. The soul is comprised of levels and sub-levels that all influence the (3) modes of human expression; Thoughts, words, and deeds.

Torah

New Research Shows How Sodom and Gemorah Might Have Been Destroyed

... a high-temperature jet of ionized gases and impactor fragments reaches Earth’s surface at high velocity, excavates unconsolidated sediment, and expands radially outward in what is sometimes called a ‘base surge’.

New Testament Insights

The New Covenant?

One of the key ideas perpetuated through replacement theology, (also known as supercessionism) is taught under the heading of the "New Covenant". On the surface, this seems innocent enough, perhaps even quite logical, however, when we explore this in-depth, some assumptions are revealed;

Torah

The (4) Categories of Sin

The Hebrew Bible uses (4) different words to describe the categories of what we have broadly called, "sin". G_D takes into account what we knew and what we did with that knowledge. Therefore, an accidental sin may be less severe as opposed to a sin done with

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What Happens When We Sin?

In this chart, we learn the dynamics of impurity, sickness, healing, and repentance.

Mysticism and Spirituality

3 Levels of Faith

The quicker, and more efficiently we begin to progress through these Levels of Faith, the more attuned to the ways of G_d we will become.