Holidays and Festivals - The Hidden Orchard Project (Page 2)

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Holidays and Festivals

A collection of 37 posts

A Sukkah of Peace

A Sukkah of Peace

After having conducted a 40-day retrospective of our year, ultimately repenting for our mistakes on Yom Kippur - we are provided a moment to look forward to the year ahead. This is why Sukkot represents a kind of fresh start, the beginning of a new paradigm in our spiritual growth.

40 Days of Spiritual Metamorphosis

Mysticism and Spirituality

40 Days of Spiritual Metamorphosis

As summer fades into autumn, a sacred period arrives in the Jewish calendar that carries profound spiritual significance. We're all invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, repentance, and reconnection with the Divine during this time.

Paul's Eagerness to Celebrate Shavuot

New Testament Insights

Paul's Eagerness to Celebrate Shavuot

Did you know that Paul was adamant about keeping the festival of Shavuot at the Temple in Jerusalem? If not, it is likely because many English translations have obscured this account.

Esther, and the Art of Concealment

Paid-members only

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".

Rolling Away the Stone

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

How We Get Faith Wrong

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?

Burial Shrouds and Customs in the Gospel Accounts

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.

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.

Decoding Golgotha

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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.

New Testament Insights

The Torn Veil

“And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, Truly this man was the Son of G_D!” - Mark 15:38-39 Traditional interpretations have often

The Light That Defies Darkness

The Light That Defies Darkness

The Temple, the centerpiece of the Chanukkah story represented a form of defiance to the overreach and technological progress of the surrounding pagan nations.

Is Rosh Hashanah for Everyone?

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.