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Torah

Esther, and the Art of Concealment

The book of Esther is truly fascinating, though its brilliance can easily elude us. Perhaps this is why the thematic thread running throughout the book can be summed up in the word "concealment".

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New Testament Insights

The Cursing of the Fig Tree

There is a bizarre story that seems to be out of place in the hagiographical flow of the Gospels. It is the story in which Jesus takes his vengeance out upon a random fig tree on the side of the road. This story concludes with many rightfully scratching their heads,

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Mysticism and Spirituality

King Without a Crown

The Creator is always sending us hints if we are open to hearing them. Listening to music last week, "King Without a Crown", by Matisyahu, cycled through my playlist. I realized the answers are hidden in these lyrics.

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New Testament Insights

Rolling Away the Stone

After the crucifixion narrative, the Gospel writers record that the large stone used to cover the tomb of Jesus was rolled away, opening the tomb. There is an idea in the Zohar that might give us insight into new meaning

Torah

How We Get Faith Wrong

When we try to define "faith" we find it is somewhat prone to misapprehension. You know we're off to a bad start when a popular English dictionary gives you eight different meanings¹. How can such a critical concept be so obscured?

New Testament Insights

Burial Shrouds and Customs in the Gospel Accounts

On Easter Sunday, it is customary to see the crosses out front of your local Churches draped in a white, or linen sash. Have you ever wondered where this idea originated? Believe it or not, it is derived from within the Jewish oral tradition of the first century.

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New Testament Insights

From Water to Wine

Among the most well-known stories in the Gospels, Jesus turning 'water to wine' is arguably one of the most commonly known. While some see a story that highlights mastery over the physical elements, the Rabbinic metaphors indicate that there is more to this story than meets the eye.

Midrash

The Last Seder

Many in the church see the "Last Supper" as the Biblical grounds for what is called "Communion. In light of this, I explained how "The Last Supper" features many elements of an early Passover Seder. As it turned out, this was completely new to him, and we never got to discuss the original topic.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Parable of the Talents

In the Zohar, there is a discussion based upon the Torah commandment to 'pay a laborer his wages the same day he works for them'¹. In the Peshat/plain meaning, this is great model of mercy, ensuring a person has what they need to survive and feed their family.

Torah

One Day, One-Thousand Years

We should understand that time is not random, and there is a fractal pattern before us. We should recognize that as each day has a unique energy, so too does each millennium. As each day carries with it a distinct vantage point in how we live, so too does our current age.

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New Testament Insights

Decoding Golgotha

Is the Gospel of John a straightforward account of events that happened, or has the author concealed a deeper message for readers? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating and peculiar language of Jewish mysticism and the connections to the crucifixion scene.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Soul Video Series

In this series of discussions, I join Rey Luque to talk about the dimensions of the soul; the various levels; the worlds of creation; and how many of these ideas are fundamental to understanding the New Testament.

New Testament Insights

Who Killed Jesus?

There is a perennial tension in the Jewish community that emerges around the time of Easter. In past centuries, the yearly retelling of the "Passion" would spark fiery pogroms and blood libels throughout Europe, as Christians sought to avenge the death of Jesus,

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Chaya - Soul Series pt. 4

Chaya means "life", and is often associated with a more holistic span of life energy than the previous levels of the soul. The first appearance of this word is seen upon the creation of humankind.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Battling Doubt - At War with Amalek

As a descendant of Esau, Amalek had a natural predisposition against the nation of Israel. In the Midrash¹, we are told that [Amalek] was one of the counselors of Pharoah who advocated for the persecution and destruction of the Jewish people.

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News

Understanding the Sefirot

You may have come across the idea, or perhaps an image of the Sefirot. In a sense, they can be described as a sort of 'theory of everything' for the Jewish Sage-Mystics. Understanding them can be incredibly useful, though it may require a commitment of time.

Torah

Parts of a Whole - Parasha Tetzaveh

In this excellent podcast episode, Abigail True explains the juxtaposition of the holidays on the Jewish calendar, and how each one corresponds to the one across the calendar from it.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Dough Offered as Firstfruits

Obscured amid the detailed instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, there is a fundamental key to the service of G_D. Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. - Exodus 25:2

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New Testament Insights Featured

Pharisees

As a child growing up in the church, admittedly, I had acquired a negative view of the Pharisees. The dark villains of many Sunday school stories and their combative portrayal in the Gospel readings, it seemed the word ‘Pharisee’ was an acceptable form of a curse word. However, I recall

Wellness

The Connection Between Forgiveness and Health

Modern life can be merciless at times. Technology, access to information, and increasingly complex human relationships can bring a steady assault on both our physical and spiritual health. Perhaps this is why over 50 million Americans are fighting depression and other mental illnesses

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New Testament Insights

The Missing Context of the New Testament - pt. 2

As part of the greater Jewish community, the Apostolic leaders struggled with these particular issues more acutely. The sudden influx of Gentiles leaving paganism to join the diasporic Jewish communities made this a primary issue for them...

Mysticism and Spirituality

Divine Providence, Punishment, and Hard Times

It probably doesn't take much effort to observe that our world today is in a condition of judgment. This is the result of many centuries of fighting, selfishness, confusion, and accelerated division. Somewhere along the way, we have ...

Mysticism and Spirituality

Science vs Religion

Historically, scientific theories and revelations would challenge religious tradition, or completely topple age-old beliefs systems, giving the popular impression that Religion and Science are conceptual enemies. A prophecy made in the Zohar gives us insight...

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Neshamah - Soul Series pt. 3

New Testament Insights

Original Sin

Growing up in the Catholic church, the idea of Original Sin was a concept deeply embedded into my psyche at a very young age. In fact, I never questioned it, nor really stopped to re-evaluate this idea until much later in life.