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.

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New Testament Insights

Jesus and the Hasadim

Seeking to understand the historical Jesus is often a difficult task. Every culture seems to have adopted a view of him that mirrors their own context, or a projection of their own values and worldview. In this article, scholar Shmuel Safray lays out a strong case for ...

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Torah

Holy, Common, Impure, and Pure

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Torah

The Blood and the Life-Force

what strikes me as perhaps more interesting is the agreement between the rationalists and the kabbalists. Similarly, there is also a strong affinity to be found among the writings of the New Testament on this topic as well.

Mussar

The Eye of a Needle

The idea of Repentance is often described as other-worldly as it simply does not fit the laws of nature as we perceive them. For this reason the Sages teach Repentance is among (7) things created before the beginning of time (Pirke d'Rabbi Eliezer Chapter 3).

Mysticism and Spirituality

How To Seek The Creator

In Hebrew, the word most commonly used for command[ment] is ‘Mitzvah’. Through these, we may come to recognize that all of the Torah is a kind of program to cultivate a closeness with G_D.

Thoughts

The Great Mystery of Divine Providence

History is full of surprising twists and inexplicable events that have forever changed the course of the world. This can also be said of tragedies, though, usually from a downstream vantage point.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Is the Creation Narrative to Be Taken Literally?

Take a closer look at the Hebrew text above. What does come first in the Hebrew, immediately after that "bracket" (the letter bet), where we are granted permission to consider such matters?

Mysticism and Spirituality

Idol Worship

the secrets of nature and you will find that, behind all the discernible laws and connections, there remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable. Veneration for this force beyond anything that we can comprehend is my religion. To that extent I am, in fact, religious.” - Albert Einstein

New Testament Insights

Two Messiahs: the Son of David, and Son of Joseph

One of Judaism's most mysterious and guarded concepts is the concept of the twin Messiahs. As a result, it can be safely said that most people have derived their idea of Messiah largely from the various views within Christian theology.

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New Testament Insights

Death Will Be No More

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New Testament Insights

Making a Connection Above

Thoughts

Your Expansive Soul

A hint in the Hebrew text of Genesis gives us a deep understanding of the complexity of human beings and our capacity for elevation.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Mystical Concepts In The New Testament Part 2

What does the New Testament mean with passages that speak of G_D being in us, or Jesus in your soul? In this 2-part series, we will explore the mystical idea behind these and try to shed some light on these ideas