Torah

Video: A Strong Body for a Strong Soul - Efraim Palmanov

In a recent interview, Efraim shared an idea that I truly believe has been underrepresented and under-discussed today - and it is the importance of physical health as a fundamental aspect of our spiritual development.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Elevating the Sparks, and Tikkun Olam

'Elevating the Sparks' is a kabbalistic idea that can help to make sense of life's ups, downs, and everything in between, transforming how we view the world and our role in Tikkun Olam.

Featured

Torah for Non-Jews. A Convo with Rabbi Pinchas Taylor

Our guest, Orthodox Rabbi, Pinchas Taylor covers a wide range of topics in his projects. Over the last few years, Rabbi Taylor has become a voice I appreciate, particularly as he has boldly waded into the murky space of revealing Torah to the nations.

Torah

Numbering Our Days. The Counting of the Omer.

As we start the second night of the Passover Seder, we enter into a sacred and auspicious period in the Jewish calendar, counting the Omer. How did an agricultural practice become so spiritual?

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New Testament Insights Featured

Under Grace, Under the Law, and Under Sin

Of the most problematic ideas attributed to Paul is his teaching that Grace supersedes or replaces the Torah and commandments. This has led to an abandonment - and often vilification - of the commandments, which are a critical aspect of Biblical spiritual development.

Mussar

Soul Refinement - Humility

In a world intoxicated by the allure of success and recognition, humility stands as a vanishing (and sometimes counter-cultural) virtue. But, developing humility is much easier said than done.

News

Book Available, ILLUMINATION. Revealing the Jewish-ness of the New Testament

“Illumination: Revealing the Jewish-ness of the New Testament” is a journey of enlightenment, uncovering the hidden layers of the New Testament, and bringing to light the deep Rabbinic influences found within its pages.

Holidays and Festivals

The Death of the Firstborn

The Death of the Firstborn is one plague that some struggle to come to terms with. Many have asked, "For what purpose did G_D kill so many innocent people?" While this might be rationalized as payback for the death of the Hebrew infants in Exodus 1, closer inspection indicates a deeper message.

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New Testament Insights

The Healing of the Woman and the Young Girl

One of the Gospel's most famous and well-known healing stories is of the healing of the woman and the young girl. What if this story was written as more of a Midrash, would there be a deeper message for us to glean?

New Testament Insights

The Missing Context of the New Testament - pt. 1

One of the most important components to understanding the "New Testament" is found amid an incident that most Bible readers have never heard of. We'll learn how a particular disagreement between predominant Pharisaic schools shaped the contours and the perplexing milieu of first-century Judaism.

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Torah Featured

Mitzvot and Misconceptions: Understanding the Biblical Commandments

When it comes to understanding the Biblical commandments, it seems the overwhelming majority of Bible readers have developed their perspective solely through the [often polemic] lens of Christian thought. In this work, we'll take a look at what the Jewish tradition has to say about Mitzvot.

Holidays and Festivals

Exploring the Timeless Lessons of Esther (and Purim)

Purim, one of the most vibrant and festive holidays in the Jewish calendar, is a time of joy, reflection, and fun with the community.  Embedded with historical significance and tradition, Purim commemorates a pivotal event in Jewish history that is recounted in the Book of Esther.

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Holidays and Festivals

The Courage of Esther: Self-Sacrifice and Divine Purpose

Let's explore the Messianic archetype of Esther; her unwavering resolve to self-sacrifice for her people; how she gained favor in the upper worlds to avert the harsh decree - And, how her story finds resonance in the Gospel narrative of Jesus's trial.

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Paid-Full Access

Diagram: Holiness and Purity

What are spiritual gifts? Are these unrelated and unrepeatable spiritual occurrences, or is there a system that we might be able to put into use in our development?

Mysticism and Spirituality

Mysticism in the New Testament - A Conversation w/Daniel Matt

One of my favorite scholars leading the charge in the study of Jewish Mysticism is Professor Daniel Matt. Recently, Professor Matt took some time to answer a few of my questions about the connections between the Kabbalah and the New Testament.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Garments of the Soul

The Garments of the Soul refer to our; deeds, words, and thoughts. When we understand these Rabbinic metaphors, we unlock a new insight into The Parable of the Wedding Banquet in the Gospel of Matthew.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Into the Shadows: Understanding the Sitra Achra and the Nature of Evil

[The Sitra Achra] is actually a part of this world. It is the lowest extremity of this world of our known reality. Were there an independent world of Sitra Achra, it would be beyond amendment and redemption.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Descent for the Sake of Ascent - the Transformative Power of Mistakes

Difficult times can be the most metamorphic. Not in the moment, but with time, we can come to know that through these we emerged better, and stronger. Learn how the Kabbalah offers wisdom and guidance to help us navigate the hardships of life.

New Testament Insights

Guest Article: Rethinking the Roots. The Rising Debate on Replacement Theology

I'd like to introduce you to Ty Nichols, guest author on the Hidden Orchard Project. Some of you may already know Ty from his work in this space. He is the author of the book, "Jesus IS Jewish"; he is a national speaker and a fervent leader in his community.

Mysticism and Spirituality Featured

Holy Spirit vs. Ruach HaKodesh: Revealing the Essence of Divine Presence

One of the most elusive concepts in the Bible is the idea of the Holy Spirit. Though Judaism and Christianity share some common ground in recognizing Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit as an aspect of the Divine Presence, the nuances and theological underpinnings differ significantly.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Podcast Episode - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 2

In our time, I spoke with Drake Dunaway and David Cook about the importance of understanding the basics of Jewish mysticism when exploring the 'New Testament', and a host of other topics.

New Testament Insights Featured

Abolishing the Torah

Often used as a proof-text for the abrogation of the Torah [commandments], in Matthew 5 we see Jesus citing a well-known Midrash to prove quite the opposite. Despite many modern (popular) interpretations, he forbids his audience from ever thinking of such an idea!

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Difficult Sayings of Jesus: "Eat of My Flesh"

A particular passage in the Gospel of John has been difficult for many readers to understand for centuries. The text indicates that many in Jesus's day had a hard time with it too.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

How Music Influences the Soul

What impact does this have on the soul? Could the music we indulge in regularly sabotage our spiritual development? In this article, we'll explore the tradition and some ways to protect ourselves.

New Testament Insights

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'.